Alumni news
Learning from experience Katie Hunt Alumni and Community Manager
Throughout the year, Year 10 students have an opportunity to participate in Carey’s work experience program. This valuable program provides students with a first-hand insight into a chosen profession to see what a career is truly about before planning to embark on their own. Work experience also gives students the opportunity to connect with the world of work in a meaningful way. It guides pathways, builds resilience and develops important transferrable skills. Bringing work experience back to Carey after a 15-year break has been a proud moment for the Careers team – it has been a tremendous amount of work but absolutely worth the effort. Students have overwhelmingly voted with their feet with approximately 80% of students have elected to undertake a work experience placement. In partnership with the Community Engagement team, the Careers office has started to build a strong database of community partners who support the work experience program, including many Carey alumni and current parents. Many of the students have chosen to complete their work experience with a Carey alum who has volunteered their time, expertise, and professional knowledge to host a student in their workplace. Most of us will remember our own work experience from high school and overcoming the nerves involved in stepping outside of the familiar school environment. 16 | Torch
Choosing to be placed with an alum with whom you have a common bond goes a long way in breaking down those first-day-on-the-job nerves. With nerves settled, both student and employer are engaged in a mutually beneficial situation. It helps all involved to expand networks, gain new perspectives and boost social skills. Being in a workplace also helps students to gain independence and increase their self-awareness. Not only that, when students have a better understanding of their potential career path, they are more inclined to study the subjects associated with their career goals, giving them the motivation to continue studying.
N
ick Thorn (2001), Co-Founder and Head of Digital Atollon, an independent Australian branding,
Year 10 student Lachlan completed work experience with Nick Thorn (2001) at his design firm.
Nick Thorn (2001): ‘I did work experience at a design agency when I was in Year 10, and loved everything about it ... So when I could offer it back, I was excited for the experience.’
