Experience, connections and initiative.
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If there was one lesson that students at Blayney High School learnt about finding a job, it was the importance of all three of these.
Students were treated to a reality check, of sorts, of what they need to be doing now, to secure a job once they finish school.
Presenter Kirstin Casey said that the NSW Business Chamber’s Skillsroad Show was designed to provide local students with expert career advice and to help them understand the realities of finding work.
“The majority of students don’t really think about what they want to do until they finish school, but there is so much that they can do whilst they’re at school that will help them,” she said.
“Skillsroad Show is about getting young people to start thinking about the right careers for them.
“Young people often want a job, however, they have never been encouraged to sit down and connect the dots between what they enjoy doing and what careers might match their interests.”
For year 11 students Hayley Batty and Allira Simmons, finding work experience in Blayney, especially in areas that they’re interested in, was a challenge.
“I’m interested in becoming a vet nurse or psychologist and the vet clinic is always really busy,” Hayley said.
Allira is still considering her options and her current two career paths are certainly different.
“Right now I’m thinking of either something in construction, or the police force,” she said.
Ms Casey acknowledged that refusals can be demoralising, but applying for a job was a numbers game.
“I set myself a target of applying online for seven jobs a day, and after many weeks of doing that I only received one call back,” she said.
“And I got that job.”
The seemingly old-fashioned method of hitting the streets was still a worthwhile method of securing a job.
“Going into businesses and asking for work, dropping your resume off and asking about work experience will make them remember you if a position does come up,” she said.
One last technique makes true the adage ‘it’s not what you know, it’s who you know that matters.’
“Don’t be afraid to utilise the connections that you have in your community to gather some work experience or casual work while you’re still at work,” Ms Casey said.