career tips – Griffith University Careers and Employment Service

Hear from the experts – how to source an internship

source an internship

In our previous post, we outlined the things you must consider when taking on unpaid work experience. But how do you go about sourcing your own internship? Luckily, we’ve rounded up our expert careers counsellors to give you their best thinking-outside-the-box tips so you can make the most of your Uni holidays and get some real life industry experience.

Margo Baas, Manager Careers and Employment Service

Know yourself and understand what your skills and passion can bring to an organisation before you reach out. The same concepts apply to finding a job, an internship, a volunteering role or even a partner in life! Knowing what you are looking for and what you can bring to the (working) relationship will dramatically increase your success rate in getting that informational interview secured, then talking to people who get you and finally securing that interview and the role.

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An Ode to Griffith: So Long, So Farewell

By Kylie Robinson

Major heartbreak, meeting and marrying the love of my life, completing a postgraduate qualification and making lifelong friends marks some defining moments of my Griffith University career. I start this blog post with descriptions of personal tragedies and exhilarating highs because career growth and life experience don’t happen separately – they occur simultaneously. After almost 10 years as a proud member of the Griffith clan, today marks my last day. My life is nearly unrecognisable to the naive, terrified 24 year old who started at the university, unsure and anxious about the step I was taking.

As I sit down to write this blog, I’m not really sure how to articulate my feelings. How do I explain what this place represents to me? The words came to my mind earlier but as I write now it’s not so easy to articulate my feelings about the place I know as my home away from home. Griffith is so much more than just my workplace; it’s where I’ve grown up.

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Use online stalking for good

I think we’ve all done it. Researched people online to check their status. I’ll admit guilt this to this practice. What if we changed our habits and used our online research for our careers. Our 24-7 access to information is a definite game changer. It’s a universally accepted fact that technology has changed the way we live our lives. We go online from multiple devices and within five years there will be inventions we can barely contemplate. Consider the hours you mindlessly spend online. Or me – it’s better not to count the hours.

When it comes to developing your career, social media affords us many opportunities. Your imagination is the limit to your creativity and inspiration although it can be difficult to know where to start.

Speaking from personal experience, Seek is not your only option for researching and applying for job opportunities. It is certainly one of the most commonly used platforms but it’s beneficial to consider other online techniques.

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Student services student leadership program 2015 – recruiting now

Would you like to 59dfa6af14be804017d9b1d78c00a83c receive free training in leadership skills (valued over $300) plus a certificate for your resume, in exchange for offering your skills to the Griffith community?

The Welfare and Student Liaison Office in Student Services coordinates an annual leadership program which is offered to potential or current student leaders. We would like to invite students interested in participating in leadership activities within Griffith to submit an Expression of Interest to join the program. If you wish to apply, please visit the Welfare and Student Liaison Office website (www.griffith.edu.au/welfare) and complete the online Expression of Interest form by 9:00am on Monday 4 May 2015. Students who are short-listed will be invited to attend a group interview on their campus in Weeks 10 to 12. Successful applicants will be notified by mid June.

Successful students can attend the training program at either the Gold Coast or Nathan campuses. Details are as follows:

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Technology transforming our world

“University is an incredible catalyst for extracting ambition and allowing it to flourish.”

Bachelor of Information Technology graduate Benjamin Hall shares his motivation for pursuing a university degree, his love of technology and his processes and dedication for achieving a graduate position in his field.

What made you decide to go to university?

During high school I had no real aspirations to study further as I wanted to be a chef. My parents weren’t so sure but my mother presented a strong case for more study which stuck with me forever. A year later I promised my late mother I would go to university for her and started working harder. In my final year at high school, I received the Griffith University Gold Coast Award and a direct offer to study a double degree in business. Although I didn’t study business, my promise to my mother was the real motivation to study at university. Since I walked into Griffith, I loved every moment and am so thankful of the words my mother spoke.

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Flying solo with an education degree

2014 Education graduate Jacquelyn Nesbitt spoke to us about why she chose education, her study journey and her hopes after graduation.

What did you study and why?

Ever since I started school I knew I wanted to be a teacher, so naturally, when the time (finally) came to choose what I wanted to study, I enrolled in a Bachelor of Education (Primary). After studying for two years you’re given the opportunity to choose a specialist area, and I chose Middle Schooling as I really enjoyed teaching in the middle years (years 4 to 9).

What were the most interesting things you learned in your degree?

My degree at Griffith University was filled with so many interesting learning experiences. Not only did I learn my teacher’s tricks of the trade, but I also understood how to create engaging learning experiences that can cater for a variety of students.

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Adapting to the Australian job market – for international students

Are you one of the many international students who will graduate with the opportunity to remain in Australia to undertake employment? Are you seeking Australian work experience or an internship during your studies? Discover proactive job search strategies that work for international students and graduates and learn the skills and information you need to present yourself with confidence.

If you have ever felt frustrated by Careers Fairs and employers advertising roles for ‘Australian Citizens or Permanent Residents only’, then this seminar is for you. International students and graduates can experience success in their Australian job search, but will benefit from looking for work differently than local students do. This seminar will assist international students who are considering remaining in Australia post-graduation on the 485, 517, 462, 457 or similar visas, as well as those who are seeking Australian work experience or an internship during their studies.

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How to use LinkedIn to benefit my career

What does your LinkedIn profile say about you?

With more than 300+ million users, LinkedIn is the most popular social network for professionals. Are you using it to it’s fullest potential?

LinkedIn can be an extremely powerful tool. In this seminar you will learn how many of LinkedIn’s functions can be used to better optimise your on-line presence, effectively search for job opportunities and extend your professional network.

Students are welcome to attend seminars on any campus.

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10 secrets of success in securing employment

It’s a brand new year, a brand new start to get inspiration for your job hunt!

10 Secrets of Success in Securing Employment

The job search is much more than getting your resume together and applying online for jobs. There are too many graduates who have this covered. This seminar is designed to help you to stand out from the crowd.

It will review strategies past graduates have used successfully to secure employment, steps you can take to improve your own job search and links to resources to help you along the way.
It is never too early (or late!) to learn how to succeed in finding graduate employment. The key is to start now, take action and seek help when you need it.

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Game, Set, Match! Griffith accounting student wins national competition to work at Australian Open, 2015

Griffith graduate and current Master of Commerce (Professional Accounting) student Matthew Shannon is about to embark on one of the most exciting professional opportunities of his life interning at the 2015 Australian Open starting today. Winning the CPA Australia competition to experience an elite five day experience at the Australian Open, Matthew stood out above 2,500 applications from around Australia and New Zealand by developing a stand out LinkedIn profile and his performance at his panel interview. By attending a Griffith University industry event, Matthew connected with Jacqui Owen, Relationship Manager – Education, CPA Australia to get tips to develop his LinkedIn profile. Watch Matthew’s journey over the next week as he experiences the opportunity of a lifetime.