The Mhscareers Open Day Guide 2017
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
Brought to you by The MHSCareers Team – Lucy & Ron THE MHSCAREERS OPEN DAY GUIDE 2017 Get Ready for Open Season In this Guide, you’ll find everything you need to prepare for Open Day, as well as a complete listing of University Open Days across Australia 1 Open Day Guide 2017 – MHSCareers Resource Centre What are Open Days, anyway? In just one word – BIG Universities and Tertiary Institutions usually only hold one major Open Day each year - it’s your best chance to find out what life at each university is like, and what they can offer you. Open Days are fun, exciting and interactive. You can expect to take part in mock lectures, see live displays, tour labs and classrooms, as well meet lecturers and students. Universities take their Open Days seriously, and so should you. It’s never too early to get along to Open Day, and even if uni is still years away you’ll find something of value. And if uni is just around the corner, this could be your last chance to ask questions before you need to make some big decisions about your future. Planning for Open Day season can be tricky but we’ll show you how to make the most of your big chance, prepare for each event, and put together a schedule for success. Read on to find out everything you need… 2 Open Day Guide 2017 – MHSCareers Resource Centre Here’s what you’ll find in this Guide (Everything you need to know to plan for the season) Page 4 - Why do I need to go? Page 6 - How to pick the right Open Day Page 9 - Preparation is the key to success Page 10 - Our Open Day Checklist Page 11 - There’s so much to talk about Page 13 - Can’t make it to Open Day? All is not lost The Open Day List 2017 3 Open Day Guide 2017 – MHSCareers Resource Centre Why do I need to go? Because it’s the best and easiest way to find all the answers in the one place Of course, there’s more than one reason – Open Days give you unrivalled access to an institution that’s normally pretty tightly guarded, so choosing to attend Open Day is something every student should think about if there’s a chance you may go to uni. Make a good decision for your future The university and course you choose will probably have a big impact on your life, and while none of us can know what the future has in store, it’s important to get all the information before you make a decision. You’ll also be able to find out about your accommodation options, the kind of groups, sports and extra-curricular activities you can get involved in, as well as the services and facilities on campus. 4 Open Day Guide 2017 – MHSCareers Resource Centre There’s something for everyone Not sure if you want to go to uni? You’ll discover the kinds of places uni could take you, and what uni life will be like Don’t know which course to choose? Ask the experts about your options and find out about their whole range of courses Can’t decide on your favourite uni? Visit all the ones on your shortlist, it’ll give you more of an idea of which is right for you Already know where you’re going? Excellent; confirm your choice (or change your mind) and learn what comes next 5 Open Day Guide 2017 – MHSCareers Resource Centre How to pick the right Open Days to visit Choosing which Open Days you attend can be tricky, especially if you live far away or there’s more than one on the same day At MHSCareers, we always advocate exploring all your options. That way, when crunch time arrives you’ll feel as confident as you possibly can that you’re making the right decision for your future. So if you can, get along to as many Open Days as possible. That way, you can compare features you like (and don’t like) about each uni, and learn about how they each do things a little differently. You don’t need to be in Year 12 to go to an Open Day, so if you’re in a younger year level, then get a head-start and cross some off your list now. You can always go back and visit your favourites again later. 6 Open Day Guide 2017 – MHSCareers Resource Centre Not sure which Universities to visit? Do some research Perhaps you have a favourite or two, but aren’t sure about the rest? Start by finding out a little bit about each uni… Look for: • The types of courses and areas of study they offer – do they match what you want to study? • The facilities and learning resources available – will you be learning in state- of-the-art workshops, and have access to quality teachers? • If they offer student support and services - can they help if you have a disability or special need? • How close they are to home, or how easy it is to find accommodation nearby • Career and employment opportunities – do they have programs with reputable companies or offer internships? 7 Open Day Guide 2017 – MHSCareers Resource Centre It’s a big decision What matters the most is making the right decision for you and your future In the long run, what counts is choosing a university and course that offers everything (or just about everything) you're looking for. We’re not saying that you can’t change things down the track if you’ve made the wrong choice (lots of people change their minds) but getting off on the right foot is a good way to start. Use this opportunity to analyse what really matters to you: • staying close to home (or getting as far away as possible) • finding the best teachers or most advanced faculty • access to exchange programs or overseas study • scholarship opportunities • a course with the right ATAR/OP The harsh reality is that choosing the same university as all your friends, or one with a prestigious reputation or fancy campus may not be the best solution for you - instead, think about what you're hoping to gain from continuing your study, and weigh up all your options before you make a decision. 8 Open Day Guide 2017 – MHSCareers Resource Centre Preparation is the key to success There’s always lots to do, but don’t let that distract you from the essential stuff, like speaking with lecturers or doing a tour Some institutions will release a program of events so you can work out what you want to do before you get there - these will usually be available on their website. We've included links to help you plan your day for most of the Open Days, so check out the lists at the back of this Guide and get planning! 9 Open Day Guide 2017 – MHSCareers Resource Centre Open Day Checklist Relax, enjoy the atmosphere, and talk to everyone (that's what they're there for) ü Register online That way they’ll know you’re coming and send you info about their event so you can plan ü Find a map Uni’s can be big, so work out where you want to go and make sure you’ve seen everything that’s important to you ü Arrange transport Most uni’s are well serviced by public transport, and it’s a good chance to practice for the real thing ü Plan your day Download the program or online planner, then find your ‘must-see’ sessions ü Bring a friend There’s nothing like a second opinion, plus it helps to get those close to you involved in your study journey 10 Open Day Guide 2017 – MHSCareers Resource Centre There’s so much to talk about… One of the biggest benefits of Open Days is that every lecturer, careers officer and student is there to answer all your questions (And thankfully, there are no silly questions.) They’ve all been there before, and have first-hand experience of the same decision process that you’re going through now. So it’s worth asking for their advice. Not sure where to start? It’s ok, conversation with strangers can be daunting for the best of us. If you’ve done some research it may be a little easier – you can find information about each course and area of study, so find the ones you think are interesting and note down any questions you have about them. 11 Open Day Guide 2017 – MHSCareers Resource Centre Here’s what to ask: What kind of jobs do people do after this degree? Are there any practical components, field-trips or internships? Is it competitive to get in, and are there alternative entry options? How easy is it to change if I don’t enjoy this course? Can I study part-time if my circumstances change? Will I be able to work straight away, or is there more training? What subjects should I study at school? Are there any scholarships available? Will I get to choose my major after starting the degree? Is it possible to study any subjects online? And don't forget - people like to talk about themselves, so ask everyone you meet why they chose their degree or profession and what they'd change if they could. You'll be surprised what they'll tell you, and it might bring your own situation into focus. 12 Open Day Guide 2017 – MHSCareers Resource Centre If you can’t make it to Open Day, all is not lost Yes, Open Days are a pretty big deal, but they’re not the only place to find out about uni life Sometimes just getting to an Open Day can be difficult, especially if you live far away from campus, or want to attend more than one uni on the same day.