My Summer Job

“The only source of knowledge is experience”

Albert Einstein

With the completion of semester two marking and three full years of university study completed, I was now well over half-way through my double-degree program. As the end of my studies was drawing increasingly closer, I have been searching for opportunities to gain practical experience to support the topics and theories discussed in my courses from semesters past.

Unfortunately, the hard part about trying to find a job/intern position in particular industries, is the fact that most employers desire an employee with industry experience. As a student, we are often faced with the age-old dilemma (as pictured below) to get a job we need experience, but to gain experience, we need a job.

To find a resolution to this dilemma, I contacted a Career Learning Consultant on-campus to see if there were any industry experience or volunteer opportunities available during the summer break. From there I was told of a wonderful opportunity to attain practical experience for my marketing studies, through the business component of my program through enrolling in a work integrated learning course.

Work integrated learning is an opportunity to experience applied aspects of working in a particular industry related to a student’s area of study – enhancing learning through the application of concepts, theories and graduate skills to their set workplace activities. Additionally, the benefit of taking this course lies in the fact that the industry experience imparted through this program will also enhance employment opportunities beyond graduation.

So why should students take up work integrated learning during their university studies? Here are the top five reasons why:

1.  Industry contacts

Networking is a great way to help attain a graduate position after completing university studies. Through undertaking work integrated learning, students work in collaboration with real-world businesses and organisations – granting students regular contact with industry leaders and individuals, with a wealth of experience in their particular field. Through establishing positive contacts with these individuals, there is potential for future employment opportunities with the industry leaders or their organisation for students in their graduate years.

2. Your experience looks good on your resume

Ultimately, employers looking to hire university graduates often look toward the student’s experiences beyond their university study in finding a suitable employee. For this reason, a first-hand experience in the industry has the potential to give a student the upper hand in applying for graduate positions in competing for positions with other university graduates state-wide (and sometimes even nation-wide!).

3.Apply your academic knowledge to industry skills

This is the essence of work integrated learning. By providing an opportunity for students to collaborate with real-world organisations to showcase and apply their acquired knowledge, students are able to experience and practice first-hand the relevance of their studies within their prospective industry.

4. The experience will allow you to narrow down your list of potential career.

Work integrated learning allows students to have a taste of the kind of work, duties and responsibilities required of an individual in a particular industry. Through this, students will have a greater understanding of the industry they are placed in and will therefore be better able to make a judgement on whether they would enjoy a career in their particular industry.

5. Unforgettable life experience

In light of the quote by Albert Einstein above, every experience is an opportunity to expand your knowledge and is therefore another reason why work integrated learning is valuable to the student’s learning.

I am now five weeks into my marketing placement where I am working alongside an advertising agency, putting my knowledge into practice in assisting to deliver particular branding materials to specific organisations – including making taglines, creating content for websites and presenting the agencies vision on how promotions should be targeted and coordinated.

I am very appreciative for this opportunity and cannot wait to see what further experiences it may offer.

My Learning Journey

Well, it’s over. The first year of my degree is over. With the end of the year coming up, what better way to reflect upon my journey so far than to share it with you….

The year just gone is my 13^th year of education, in my 18 years of life. That’s over two-thirds of my life spent learning about the world, life and topics in which I am interested. It’s thousands of dollars of uniforms and stationary…it’s hundreds of teachers, lecturers and tutors…and countless quizzes, assignments and exams. I’m pretty lucky, aren’t I? According to an American study, only 6.7% of the world’s population have undertaken tertiary education, and I will become one of them. I know it’s easy to say this now since exams are over and there are no assignments to make me rethink being my decision to go to uni, but I am grateful that I am able to become part of the 6.7% of the world’s population that hung in there.

In my reflections, I asked myself what I had learnt this year (and I urge you to do the same). In my subjects this year, I have learnt everything from how to evaluate shares on the stock market, to the history of the radio. I have learnt the basics of contract law, and how to manage conflicts in the workplace. I have learnt what makes a consumer purchase a product, or how to mathematically test a hypothesis. I have been given the opportunity to understand the world a little better, in more areas than I had ever imagined. I am sure for everyone reading, whether you are at university or not, you have also learnt something this year. You may have learnt a new trick on your skateboard; you may have learnt a new song on the guitar; you may have learnt about the solar system; or you may have learnt how to read. No matter how young or old, we are all learning. I guess university is just a formal way to learn about the things you like.

During holiday time, I always try to have a bit of ‘r and r’ – reflecting and resolving. I have already done the reflecting part…so it’s time for some resolutions! When I began thinking about making some resolutions for 2013, I starting along the lines of, “I am going to begin all of my assignments as soon as I get them” and “I am not going out on the weekend if I am not up-to-date with all of my study”. (But I guess, to stick to resolutions, they have to be realistic). So instead I have come up with the following resolutions for 2013 in relation to my studies:

1. Be grateful to learn – it’s not a right, it’s an opportunity.

It is easy to get bogged down in study, and only see it as a chore that must be done. In 2013, I want to look at every assignment as an opportunity to learn and develop skills.

2. Share my own knowledge or experiences with someone who needs a helping hand.

When I look back and think about all those people who had given me advice about exams or study tips, I found that information invaluable. I want to pass on my tips and experiences to others, in the hope that it makes their journey a little easier too.

3. Take time to thank those people who, each day, help me achieve my dream

It’s simple: I admit to being ‘outwardly stressed’ (see picture below). So it’s time to say, “Sorry” and “Thank-you” to those who took the punches when times were tough.

Well, I think these resolutions are a bit more achievable… and a bit more rewarding. With a new year on the horizon, it’s a great time for everyone to have a bit of ‘r and r’. For everyone who has been lucky enough to undertake education this year: be grateful. For those who have experienced the joys of life: share these joys. For those who have been given a gift, talent or skill: use this to help those who are less fortunate than yourself.

This year, 2012, has made me realise that education is a gift, an opportunity and an honour.  So let’s celebrate our fortunes! May everyone have a safe and happy holiday (or an enjoyable third semester of study) and from the team of USQ bloggers: thank-you for your support and you will hear from us in 2013!

Your Future: Here and Now

By the time you have finished reading this blog, you will know my secret. It’s not a bad secret, or one that is embarrassing. It’s a secret to success. It’s the secret to where I am today, and how I had so much fun getting here. Enjoy

It’s coming to that time of year when everything seems to be winding up. It’s nearly the end of semester (or term) and the ties start to get a bit looser, the sun starts to get a bit brighter and you know that the end is in sight. With Christmas and New Years just around the corner, who doesn’t love this time of year?

However it got me thinking, this time last year I was about to take the big leap into the unknown. I was about to finish year 12 and graduate from education as I knew it. I was about to enter a world of freedom, liberty…and working outside the school hours of 9:00am to 3:00pm, Monday to Friday.

Let’s face it, popular topics among friends included…Will I have a gap year? Will I go straight to uni? Which university will I go to? What do I even want to study? Will I move out of home?

Will I? What if? How come? Huh? Ohh…it’s too hard. What’s on this weekend?

However at this point in the year, contrary to my friends, I was hardly stressed at all. I had a little secret up my sleeve! No I wasn’t best friends with the OP fairy, I didn’t have enough money to purchase a degree off eBay, and I didn’t have a double identity known as Miley Cyrus.

Mine was a little secret I like to call…(drumroll)…The USQ Head Start Program.

Ohh, great secret Amanda, how is that meant to help me face life-after-schoolies? Well, I am going to tell you how.

I completed a USQ Head Start program between the summer holidays of year 11 and 12, studying Accounting for Decision making. I chose this semester because it DIDN’T EVEN IMPACT ON MY SCHOOL STUDIES!! (#winningatlife). What else is great is that I ended up getting a High Distinction in the subject!

However I am sure you all want to know why this program is a secret to success. My Head Start course was my secret weapon to my success in three ways:

Number One: Graduating from high-school with a future

At the end of year 12, when my friends were worrying about applying for university and hoping they would get in, I was sitting back and having a nice glass of satisfaction. By completing my Head Start course the year before, I had guaranteed myself entry into my degree (providing I met the pre-requisites), guaranteed myself a place at USQ, knew that I could move out of home and pay pretty cheap rent/expenses (and move back in for the night when I was sick of 2-minute noodles).

For me, this was great. I could graduate from high-school knowing that by putting in a bit of extra effort earlier, it set me up for life in a lot of areas. I even only put one preference on my QTAC application: Bachelor of Business at USQ (Shh don’t tell my guidance officer!).

#beingprepared

Number Two: Bragging rights!

I’m going to be honest with you; it does feel pretty good (even now) to say, “Yeah, you know, I started studying my university degree while I was still in high-school. They paid the fees for me too. What of it?”

Okay, so I may have been a bit more humble in reality. However I’m not just talking about bragging rights to your friends, the completion of a Head Start course looks great on a resume and scholarship application!! So:

• Bragging rights to friends/ teachers/family (obviously for pure gratification)
• An awesome point for a resume – shows motivation, dedication and commitment. I always put the completion of Head Start as a key point on my resume. It not only shows that you were able to actually handle the work load, but it shows you took the initiative to do something extra. This could lead to work experience and a potential career. In many cases I have seen it become the foot in the door to the student’s future.
• Looks amazing on a scholarship application = possible free money. When you apply for a scholarship at USQ, putting the completion of a Head Start course looks a-m-a-z-i-n-g! It shows you are interested in studying at USQ, and it proves you are above and beyond others of your grade.

#lookinggoodbecauseyoureworthit

Number Three: It helped me chose my career…in a rather unexpected fashion.

I was very ambitious in high-school (cough cough). I wanted to earn lots of money. I wanted to wear branded business clothes, and perhaps stylish glasses that only actually contained clear lenses. I wanted to own a big house and holiday at lavish islands. I wanted to be able to work anywhere in the world. And I figured the best way to earn money was to work with money. So I wanted to be an accountant. Hence, I decided to study accounting as a Head Start course.

Ohh, was I in for a shock. Apparently (even though accounting and economics are the only business courses offered at school) there are sooooooo many more courses offered at uni. There was marketing, public relations, HR, tourism, events management, GRAPE AND WINE PRODUCTION, etc.! What’s even better is that with a USQ degree, I could be earning lots of money, wearing branded business outfits and work anywhere in the world with any degree!  So I could actually choose a real degree, for me, with real career prospects.

Through doing the Head Start program, it opened my eyes to what the world really has to offer. Amazing lecturers, amazing careers, amazing research, amazing stories and an amazing degree.  In Year 11, I knew I was part of something much bigger than myself, by school, my city and my country. It felt pretty cool

#openingdoorstotheworld

So as I reflect on where I was this time last year, and think of all of those battling through your high-school years, I do have some advice:

#beingprepared

#lookinggoodbecauseyoureworthit

#openingdoorstotheworld

These three points sum up what anybody in year 10, 11 and 12 should be doing right now and in the near future. In fact, anyone of any age that can learn from these things:

#beingprepared– it makes everything so much easier and gives you time to enjoy the good things in life.

#lookinggoodbecauseyourworthit – never underestimate yourself because it pays off to look good to the right people.

#openingdoorstotheworld  – possibilities are endless, so why not open the door if there is something great waiting for you on the other side.

For me, these three things are what the Head Start program is aimed at. And for hundreds of students each year, this is what the Head Start program delivers to them.

Don’t wait: your future is here and now.

I didn’t wait: and I can look back and say that I am living my dream.

Dreams start early

As a father and having worked for a number of years in children’s theatre and after-school care, children have often amazed me with the confidence they have in talking about what they are going to be when they grow up. They never say “What I would like to be if this happens or that happens”, or a thousand other qualifications, but simply: “This is what I am going to be”. Sure kids change their minds, some more than others, but the dreams held by a child at a given moment in their lives stay alive as real and achievable goals.

With a little help from my double-trouble twins (OK a lot of help!) we came up with a story as viewed through the eyes of a child, which reflects the above phenomenon – how dreams start and where children believe the dreams will take them.

So what happens along the way to some of us that causes us to forget our dreams or put the dream off until tomorrow. “Tomorrow” – that place of the future where all sorts of wonderful things are going to happen if you ever actually get there? To a child, having a dream turn into reality is as natural as falling asleep, night follows day, eating an apple or a pear, or putting mud on your face. It is a natural expectation for a child that if I say it, I will do it.

So I asked myself “Why did I wait so long to make my first dream come true?” And then I asked myself “Why did I wait so long to move on to the next dream…” (I’ve always been one of those kids that has a lot of dreams) “…knowing that dreams can become reality”. The answer was clear. Unlike a child, I lost confidence in my dreams, so much so that even after achieving one dream I still doubted whether I could turn another dream into a reality. I was afraid of shadows and the shadows returned again – shadows that were no more than tree branches scratching at the windows. Then, as with the first dream, I opened the window, I stepped outside the door, I went beyond my familiar comfort zone, and I started to climb that new tree, the very tree that scared me. And I thought what would have happened to my dreams if I stayed frightened of the shadows, and what would have happened if I didn’t find this new tree to climb. The answer was clear: a different reality would have happened, different to the one I that the child inside of me who dares to dream wants in his life.

At USQ we have the possibilities, the courses, the degrees, the international reputation to help you turn your dreams into reality. And you don’t have to do it all on your own. We have the people to help you negotiate your way through the shadows. Lecturers, librarians, ICT support, Student Relationship Officers, Learning Centre Staff, students, a whole community waiting to work with you toward your dreams. A place where once again you can have the confidence to believe that your dreams are a natural expectation.

This is Lindsay Nicholson, father of three, husband, former lawyer from another life, current USQ Bachelor of Science (Psychology) student, signing off and wishing you happy dreams and prosperous realities. The eye lids are feeling heavy. I think I will go and have a dream. Nighty night…

Uni at 50 – An Exercise in Choice, Determination and Hope

I kept a journal during the first semester of study after 30 years and thought it may be of interest to other mature aged students ;

Journal of  Semester 3, 2011 by Vicky

26.11.11

Week two and I have decided this experience is too much of a roller coaster emotional ride to not start a diary.  The decision to start Uni was not difficult, having toyed with the idea for some time.  Extreme circumstances that force our lives to change direction, independent of our own choices also offer opportunities that other-wise seem too difficult to create ourselves.

The excitement of having made the decision in total confidence, “Yes, this is what I want to do” gave way to the process of gaining entry via QTAC. How I will finance the whole course is still a mystery at this stage. Not really giving much thought to my ability to actually pass the course requirements.  Informing friends and family with enormous enthusiasm was met with all manner of reaction from ‘Good on You’ or ‘Not my choice of topic’ to shock as friends (of similar age) contemplating themselves attempting such an endeavour.

With the offer from USQ, only one week after my QTAC paperwork was completed, still a high level of excitement but gradually as the 14 November, 2011 approached, terror set in.  Everything is “on line”, My Gosh at this stage I don’t even ‘face book’.  What’s a forum???

I am so in love with Nathan at the UCT.  Tried to do my first CMA, no receipt came up on the screen which I am supposed to print out, was the submission successful or not??? No idea, in the mean time realized I had two out of the three questions wrong.  What a start, am becoming overwhelmed.  Finished Assignment one and started Assignment two, completed all the reading for module one and two, came to do the exercises and absolutely no recollection what-so ever of the chapters.  I really need a different strategy.  My sister tells me with a chuckle, “at least you won’t get Alzheimer’s.” A bit late for that, I silently believe I already have it big time. 

“There is lots of help available”, well now is the time, I’ve got till the end of week three, second of December to drop a subject. In six days I have to change my attitude towards my computer, bring my technology skills forward approximately 20 years and work out what I am supposed to be doing.  Stay calm, you can do it.  The snob in me tells me other people in their 50’s go to Uni.  The target is 51% at this point.  Hoping for some divine intervention or minor miracle.  Started a study group on Wednesday’s in the Uni library with the treat of  buying lunch ie Tuckshop and what do you know, the refectory is closed for renovations during the third semester.  Not being superstitious!!!! This is not a sign.  Best line of attack is to call Roxanne (SRO) and make an appointment for Monday to get a few pointers. I need to get all the stomach butterflies flying in the same direction.  This old girl will test the system.

Some very useful advice from bemused friends and work colleagues include;

• Having a specific place to study
• Have a sprig of rosemary on your desk (something to do with remembering)
• Good luck with that
• If you’re looking for a case study I’d be a good candidate
• Treat Uni as a job ie working hours (having been in private business I know what that means)
  

3.12.11

I have decided to stick with the two subjects after all. Means nose down bum up. Went and saw my SRO, study group going OK. Got one assignment submitted, another due on Monday, nearly done.  Spent all day Thursday with computer problems, will have to work out a way to avoid this added stress, especially with assignments due.  It is very difficult to put total trust in technology when there is so much depending on it working properly.  I decided to work on all assignments from the USB from now on.

Gradually think I am getting better organized and have a system in place to relocate paper work, a filing system of sorts.  My brain seems to be tuning in more although fine details are going to be a problem for recall.

19.12.11

My desk is a disgrace. I kill trees at a great rate of knots.  The assignment from hell is due in a few weeks and Christmas is upon us.  It is intimidating to read the forums and sets off a series of doubtful thoughts as to whether I am up to date or not.  Read all the chapters, remembering is another question.  It was wonderful to actually talk to someone at the TLC re the assignment.  Jillian will review what I have done on the assignment on Wednesday, which is a great confidence boost and motivator as what is not done by then I am on my own with.  I am struggling with the “Virtual” side of the forums at this stage. Forty hours a week on two subjects or courses seems excessive. Am thinking would have been a better option to have started semester one on campus next year.

It is wonderful to have met up with another student and have phone conversations, perhaps a sign of my age or just the loneliness of my circumstances catching up with me.  Jillian actually smiled at me.

With the stress of my first substantial assignment and the weird behavior of this virtual world stuff I am beginning to wonder about this whole Uni thing. I am supposed to be enjoying this experience.

21.12.11

Sitting in the library and feeling great having ‘virtually’ completed the assignment.  Jillian checked it and showed enough interest to want to know the result (great for self confidence). I am getting on with reading the chapters and plowing through modules.  Is wonderful to have the week spare of additional readings to revise and catch up, Christmas is coming up.

I don’t really know at this stage how may memory for the detailed content of modules will go, exams will show.  My kids give the impression that Mum at Uni is a bit of a joke, I hope they can be proud of me on Graduation Day.

Talk about distractions and procrastination a whole new chapter by itself, yesterday had to play search and rescue to two calves who fell into a 3metre full of logs left over from the flood at Withcott and now an writing this journal instead of reading page 602 in the text book, still lunch time now and today is my tuck shop day!!!

Just struck “First-year medical student syndrome”

4.1.12

Christmas was more difficult than expected.  Got sick and lost the catch up week to revise first half of the semester.  Getting geared up for exams, thinking that it may have been better to start first semester 2012 on-campus instead of externally or even only doing one course to get the hang of study, still really enjoying the material even though it seems a large volume of data to get through, exams will tell a story.

Seem to be getting better with brain function.  Definitely need to practice organizational skills. Goal setting really helps, life distractions still a constant battle.  None of us exist in isolation remember I am studying psychology and doing a major in life.  I am very much looking forward to the break after exams.

19.1.12

Getting towards the pointy end of the semester, feeling anxious about exams and getting the final assignments finished.  Having been ill over Christmas for 2 weeks feel behind as I had planned to revise during that time.  How’s this for a distraction, have a romantic interest, really Vicky you are 50 years old, messing with my head, teenager stuff.

Looking back organization and management were a major problem.

30.1.12

One big assignment back and feeling rather disappointed 20.5/30.  I had spent an enormous amount of time on it and got the draft checked by TLD.  I had found the assignment extremely difficult to work out and in the results sheet there seems to be no place for a positive comment, something must have been OK with it.  I am going to the TLC to get Jillian to go over the mark sheet with me.  I know we are at university level but self esteem and confidence are still important for first year students, not to mention 50 years who haven’t studied for 30 years.

Have finished all the course material and did the last years exam an am feeling nervously OK  51% is the target mark, to just pass would be awesome.

Have lost some time dealing with personal stuff, anniversary of the flood and all that went with it, somedays are diamonds and some are just stone.

Have managed to get all assignments in on time, got course material read and have really enjoyed the content.  The examples of all the concepts in the PSY1010 text are just so good and helpful to understand, thanks Lorelle (author of the text).

I have found it difficult not having interaction face to face with cohort; I guess encouragement is what is missing. You are doing OK or a pat on the back sort of stuff.

Here I am procrastinating again by writing this diary, all good, back to work – Hey I missed the mens tennis final last night to study!!!

5.2.12

Night before first exam and feeling rather nervous, trying to think rationally and stay calm, do my best, have a go.   Could have revised better, I think I should do a study plan next semester as seemed rather erratic in reviewing the whole material.

Could have done without the romantic interest four weeks out from exams!

6.2.12

One down and my nervous system is coping a beating. I think I went OK yesterday and now need to concentrate for next exam on Wednesday.

8.2.12

Second exam  today and my son is having his wisdom teeth out at the same time, very difficult to fit everything in and the conflicts for time are very difficult to manage let alone trying to concentrate and focus on the study.  With lots of divine intervention things will be OK.  Once again trying to control maladaptive cognition (impressed, I learned something in PSY 1010)

Results

Got an A for both subjects and what a ride.  I was totally thrilled and surprised knowing what chaos had preceded the previous three months.  My adult children seem to be taking the whole thing a bit more seriously now.  Have the added pressure now to maintain these results but now can discount the question of my ability.  Will tackle semester 1, 2012 with a renewed level of enthusiasm and hopefully will be a bit kinder on my nervous system and the famous last words to be better organized.  At this point it is doubtful if there is actually such a thing

I have gone on to complete first semester 2012 in a much more relaxed manner and with more confidence and to my delight have maintained my academic level.  It is much easier to get started into the semester as I now know how the study desk works and don’t panic when someone says “look on the net”. Happy to do this blog as I know what my nervous system went through in my first semester, but the good news I survived and am here to spread the word that anything is possible.

Cheers, Vicky

(PS. Romance is still on track albeit via Telstra)

New Beginnings

“Did you ever get the feeling that you wanted to go and then you got the feeling that you wanted to stay?” (Jimmy Durante).

After having accomplished a Double Degree in Arts (Honours) and Law, having myself admitted to the Supreme Court of Queensland and High Court of Australia as a solicitor, and then practising for several years – guess what? I got the feeling – you know, that I wanted to go. Stronger than the feeling that I wanted to stay, it won out!

The Double Trouble

And here I am, USQ, Bachelor of Science (Psychology) student, 12 years older than when I first started on my tertiary path, two more children (*pigeon pair twins – the double trouble) in addition to my oldest daughter who has followed this journey with my very patient wife (no photos Dad! I find a compromise).

Twins draw Mum and Older Sister

So, with a few more wrinkles, especially around the eyes, and a motivation stronger than ever over this exciting new chapter in the Lindsay Tome of Tertiary Treasures, I hesitated for about a second. I realised that I wanted to leave the old profession and start anew, transition careers, reinvent myself, and I remembered 40 is the new 20 and I might live til I’m 120 so there is plenty of time ahead. To be honest, I can see myself studying at 60, 70, 80 etcetera…Never too late to start and what a place to start! USQ, external (my cup of tea with family of three – oh yeah, and the missus – oops!), online, and on campus programmes and courses across three campuses – Toowoomba, Fraser Coast, and Springfield.

External mode suits me down to the ground with family and work commitments. The academic social forums keep me active and connected, and regularly involved in exciting discussions and debates with my peers. The supportive and friendly nature of staff and students has made this journey so much easier for me, reassuring me every step of the way that I am a part of a real tertiary family who cares about their students irrespective of course, study mode, state or continent.

Daughter Lily Cuddling Dad After Hard Night’s Study

And the bonus! Because I already have a couple degrees tucked into my belt, I am able to transfer to the Graduate Diploma of Psychological Studies first semester next year – once I complete my 3 introductory prerequisites this 2^nd semester and 3^rd semester of 2012 – or stay in the Bachelor of Science (Psychology) and receive credit for prior study. Either way, I’m heading strong and fast to my next vocation as a psychologist. What a world, what a country, what a university!

So if you’re thinking about it, don’t think too long, dangling toes in the deep end is fine for a while, but diving in, doing the laps, and winning your own sprint or marathon  (whatever you fancy – plenty of courses and study modes to suit sprinters and long distance runners if you’ll excuse the metaphors) – well there is nothing more exhilarating.

I hope to see you at the finish line, but you’ll need to enrol first!

Cheers

Lindsay