There are many ways that you can help your child prepare for university.
Considering careers
Encourage your child to think about their interests, both in and out of school. What is important to them? What do they feel passionate about? Some of these interests and passions may seem diverse or unrelated, but it’s important to remain open minded.
Prompt them to reflect on their personal attributes and strengths and consider whether they match the personality and qualities required for their preferred courses or careers.Do some research
Help your child to find out everything they can about the university courses and careers they are interested in.Research methods might include:
- meeting with our student advisors and ambassadors
- discussing options with their school careers counsellor
- talking to family or friends of family who work in similar/related careers/industries
- attending career expos and our August Open Days
- work experience and volunteering.
Other sources of information include:
- our course guide and website
- the SATAC University Guide (online or printed)
- the Job Guide
- the myfuture career exploration website.
Be realistic, not pessimistic
Be careful to balance considerations, such as current demand for graduates and the state of the labour market with positive perspectives; there may be better employment prospects for some qualifications interstate/overseas or emerging technologies that will create new opportunities in certain industries.
As a university student your child will gain the kinds of transferable skills that will prepare her/him for any career and life in general, including the ability to apply knowledge acquired during study to any situation, how to collaborate or work independently, and effective communication with others in situations outside her/his experience.Pathways to study
High school results are no longer the only way to get into university. You can help your child investigate the different pathways to tertiary study, including TAFE and Foundation Studies. This may introduce course and career options they’d not previously considered. It’s also important they become familiar with the different types of support (including scholarships) that are available to students once they get to university.Open days and orientation
Bring your child to our Open Days to take a tour of the campus, attend informational presentations and participate in activities that will get them excited about coming to university.Encourage them to get involved during Orientation Week, when they will have the opportunity to find their classes and meet other students, so they feel more comfortable once the hard work begins.
At home
Setting up a designated study space that is quiet and uncluttered, along with developing healthy eating habits and good sleeping patterns will ensure they have a head start when classes commence.Making important decisions
Going to university is not only about developing knowledge and skills, but also self-reliance and independence. Your child needs to make the final decision about their university preferences and career choices.Reassure them that it is okay for them to change their mind. It is relatively simple to transfer between courses without experiencing any significant disadvantage financially or time-wise.