Victoria's #1 university for student support*
Feeling anxious about starting uni? Not sure about what you want to be? We have a huge range of career services to help set you up for success.
“What do you want to be when you grow up?” While you may no longer dream of becoming an Olympic athlete or astronaut, it remains a constant question in your life, now accompanied by greater pressure as you gear up for life after high school.
With countless career options available, selecting a career path can be daunting. Here are our top tips for choosing a career with impact.
How to choose a career
Envisioning your future self can be daunting. Instead, focus on where you want to be in the next five years to guide your current decisions.
What would your lifestyle look like? What type of work environment and location would suit you? What achievements are important to you?
To help form a picture of your future career, think about the work and life your friends and family have, visit career expos and don’t be afraid to ask your high school career advisers for help.
If you want some career inspiration, our career stories are a great place to start.
Is it a good idea to follow your passion?
The average Australian adult spends about a third of their life at work, so it's wise to pursue a career that sparks your interest. However, consider whether you’ll still feel passionate about it when it's your full-time job.
Following your passions could open doors to unexpected career paths. Initially, you may have thought that being an athlete was the only entry into the sporting industry, but after exploring Deakin’s study areas and courses, you may discover exercise and sports science degrees that lead to exciting professional opportunities.
If you can't choose a career, should you still go to uni?
No matter what you study, university can help you hone and develop important skills like resilience, adaptability, flexibility and the ability to challenge the ways things are done in a productive and engaging way – skills that are valued by all employers.
At Deakin, you’ll get real-world expertise and practical skills that will give you a competitive edge in the workplace with our wide range of internship, work placement and work-integrated learning programs.
Set yourself up for career success
Take time to consider your goals and the steps needed to achieve them. Career planning is an ongoing process that evolves as you grow and acquire new skills. Deakin provides career support during your studies and beyond, helping you explore employment opportunities and equipping you with the tools to secure your ideal career.
What if you make the wrong career choice?
There’s always time to change your mind! Everyone will find themselves at a point of transition during their career. Whatever decision you make, the life experience you get from that decision will help you identify what you like and dislike, and furthermore, help you confirm who you want to be.
Remember, we’re here to support you through your university journey at any stage. Explore our hands-on courses and get the help you need to make an informed decision about your future.
Ready to discover a fulfilling and exciting career? Find a course by ATAR and the professional roles you could pursue.
Footnotes
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. For more information, visit our list of sources.