Beginning of Program

Now is the time to start planning for the future and setting yourself some career goals.

What are your likes, dislikes, strengths, and values?

What does the labour market in your industry look like now, and what might it look like in the future?

Where do you want to head in your career and what are the options available to you?

What do you need to do to achieve your goals?

• Get involved in a club at university. This may be a sporting club (see UniSA Sport), or a cultural special interest, academic, social justice club through USASA. You can also start volunteering as an active member of your community. The UniSA Volunteering team have a range of activities that you can become involved in. Alternatively have a look at what UniSA’s Leadership Program has to offer. All of these activities will help you develop your employability skills, build experience to put on your resume, and stand out to potential employers. Consider signing up to UniSA+, UniSA’s employability award that recognises all of these activities.

• Start building your work history and begin looking for part-time/full-time/casual work, any experience is valuable whether related to your program or not! Visit Finding Work for more information.

• Find tips to help you with your career planning and job search strategies via our Self-Help Career Resources.

• Prepare for your job applications by attending a resume writing workshop, visiting Career Services Drop-Ins for advice or via our Self-Help Career Resources. Make your applications stand out from the crowd!

• Attend Careers Events and the annual Careers Expo to help you decide what kind of jobs are available in your field and give you an insight into specific industries.

Mid-Program

You’ve completed the first year of your program, so now is the time to start getting serious about your career.

Reassess your career plan and goals. What direction are you headed in and what adjustments might you need to make to your career plan?

What do you need to do now to ensure you reach those career goals?

What plans do you have to gain valuable experience in your industry to ensure you remain competitive?

• Consider using free electives to do a work placement or internship – this is a great way to gain valuable skills in your chosen field and help your future employability.

• Ensure you look out for opportunities to undertake vacation work aligned to your area of study during your university breaks – this is a great way to get your foot in the door for a graduate program or other paid position. Visit Finding Work for more information.

• Studying abroad or doing an exchange is a great way to gain an insight into skills needed to work with people from different cultures.

• Consider participating in international volunteering opportunities.

• Attend Careers Events and the annual Careers Expo to build your professional network, and develop your knowledge.

• Find yourself a mentor to learn from in your chosen industry! Please visit Build a Professional Network for more information.

• Book to speak with a Career Adviser about your career plan and goals to ensure you are on the right track. They can also support you with career-related advice with respect to change of course or program.

Prior to Graduation

You’re getting close to graduating now.

What do you need to do in your final year to land your dream job?

• Take every opportunity to continue to build on your work experience whether this be a work placement, internship or paid employment opportunity. For more information please click here.

• Apply for graduate program positions. Most graduate opportunities for the following year close in March/April, so look out for them and apply as soon as possible – you don’t want to miss the boat!

• Attend Careers Expo and other Careers Events to meet and network with organisations who employ graduates.
• Don’t forget to utilise our Self-Help Career Resources, Career Services Drop-Ins or talk to a Career Adviser for that extra support to ensure you are on track to achieve your career goals.