Optimising your time at UNSW

Focus on an area of interest and develop a marketable set of skills - i.e. written and verbal communication, problem solving, analytical and critical reasoning skills, teamwork and self management, the ability to learn quickly and cope with change.
Employers are increasingly employing people with a strong set of skills, rather than a particular degree, so choose something you enjoy and will do well at. If you choose an area that you enjoy, you are more likely to do well, stay motivated and have enthusiasm for it. Employers love enthusiasm!

Employers value participation in extra curricular activities, it demonstrates motivation, a proactive approach to value adding, time management, an open mind and energy. Consider on-campus programs and competitions (eg HEWSO, SIFE, CA Achievers, etc).

Not everyone is a high distinction student, but not many employers are looking for the average person. If you are not doing very well, get help early. If you are failing it will be more difficult to transfer course or university. Try to show improvement; if you have done poorly in first year, show you are now over the problem. In part-time work, what makes you more productive than others? The next employer will be more interested in your achievements than in your responsibilities.

Employers like to see you have a work ethic and can balance study/work commitments. Employment is an important section of a resume, a blank area will mean you are culled. Try before you buy - don't leave it too late to see what is involved in your chosen field. Volunteer work can open many doors. All work experience is looked at favourably, but the more relevant it is to the job or area you are applying for the more value is placed on it. Many employers have vacation programs or you can organise this yourself.

Burnt out after studying for the HSC, but don't know how employers feel about taking a year off before starting uni? Employers value the maturity, self-management skills, cultural awareness, problem solving abilities that come from overseas travel. Generally overseas travel is viewed very positively especially if you use the time to get some work experience, learn a new language or immerse yourself in the culture of another country.

What are your study options (available courses, prerequisites or assumed knowledge, cost)? Keep up to date with the employment market (requirements, salaries, future prospects). Find out who the key organisations are in the industries that interest you. Where have graduates been employed? Know the skills employers are looking for. Match the skills you have with what employers want.

Include your qualifications (education and training), an up to date resume (appropriate for each job), examples of how you have demonstrated the skills sought by employers, references/list of referees, examples of your work that employers may be interested in.

UNSW Careers and Employment provides workshops and information on career management. The internet is also a rich source of information, particularly job sites.

This is just the beginning. You are likely to have a number of careers. Lifelong learning is increasingly necessary not to get a new job but to keep the one you have.

You have heard it before, but these are truly 'the best years of your life'. Graduates have very low levels of unemployment, you will get a job. The challenge is to find a job you enjoy in an organisation you respect.
If you are not sure you have chosen the right path remember, change is possible. Most people do not end up in the careers they studied for at university.