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I’m Abigail Hoelscher, and I’m currently studying a media degree at the university of Adelaide. Like many students, I’ve found the transition from school to university both exciting and overwhelming.

It’s a leap that can bring moments of self doubt and uncertainty to your own future and the direction of where to go. In this blog ill share a step by step guide to navigating education, gaining experience and exploring career possibilities, offering insight and reassurance to those on a similar path.

Utilising school to its full capacity

School is such an pivotal time within our lives, where early ideas and curiosity are openly encouraged in order to direct us in to the possibilities of our future directions.

This is especially focused upon during high school, where a broader range of subjects and opportunities are offered, allowing students to explore different areas, experiment with their interests and discover what they truly enjoy and excel at. Making the most of these opportunities can lay a strong foundation for future study and career choices.

“Vocational development depends more on existing opportunity structures then choice”

– Peter Creed from the journal of career developments

High school is offers so many opportunities purposely so students can get out of their comfort zone with the confidence of structure and support, ultimately leading to acquiring news skills and experience, that is beneficial when transitioning into university. in short –  BE COMFORTABLE WITH BEING UNCOMFORTABLE, TRY NEW THINGS!

Books, lectures and new beginnings : starting uni and setting up your future

As someone who went into uni with a lot of anxiety and unsure of where I was heading, I quickly realised how important it is to push yourself towards something you’re genuinely passionate about.

Without that sense of purpose, it can be hard to see the bigger picture or stay motivated when things get challenging. when it came time to choose my degree, I had to take a step back and ask myself a few key questions.

• Do I have a basic understanding or interest in some of the topics covered in this course?
• Am I genuinely passionate about media as a field of study?
• Do my current life experiences connect or align with the electives on offer?
• Will this course challenge me to step outside my comfort zone, learn new skills, and apply myself beyond the classroom?

If you find yourself naturally responding to these questions (even subconsciously) then university is not only a worthwhile investment, but also a meaningful commitment to both your personal growth and education.

Its not just about choosing a course but rather a path and the experience that will set yourself up for the future you want to create.

Experiencing the real deal

After you’ve become familiar with what the course entails, it becomes significantly easier to identify connections and seek out opportunities that will benefit your future career, particularly within a field as broad and evolving as media.

There are several practical steps that you can take while still at and after university, in order to build experience and strengthen your skills:

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• Start with the basics. Taking on a casual job in hospitality or retail may seem unrelated to media, but it provides valuable transferable skills such as teamwork, communication, time management, and reliability (McArthur, 2017). These foundational experiences demonstrate your ability to thrive in a workplace setting.
• Take on internships or Work Integrated Learning projects. These experiences offer a deeper understanding of how media operates in the real world, while also elevating your resume and helping you stand out from the crowd. Many university programs now offer placements as part of their curriculum make sure to take advantage of them.
• Pursue short courses or certifications. Platforms like LinkedIn Learning, and TAFE offer affordable courses in areas like digital marketing, content creation, or social media management (McArthur, 2017). Completing these before you graduate can give you a competitive edge and show employers you’re proactive about learning.
• Network and stay industry informed. Building professional relationships and keeping up with media trends is crucial. Attend industry events, follow key organisations and professionals on platforms like LinkedIn, and don’t underestimate the value of a well-crafted resume and online portfolio.

“Excellent customer service and
communication skills as you will be dealing closely with the
press, suppliers, retailers, staff and the general public.”

– Bennett (2002)

By taking these steps early, you’ll not only develop your practical skills, but also gain a clearer understanding of the type of media work you want to pursue after university.

Summary

In summary, don’t hold yourself back and follow your passions. Within the modern university’s there are so many options for finding ways of perusing your dream careers, ask questions and push yourself to achieve your dreams!

References

Bennett, R., 2002. Employers’ demands for personal transferable skills in graduates: A content analysis of 1000 job advertisements and an associated empirical study.. Journal of Vocational Education & Training, 54(4), p. 457–476.

Creed, P., 2007. The relationship between career variables and occupational aspirations/expectations for Australian high school adolescents.. Journal of Career Development, 34(2), pp. 127-148.

McArthur, E., 2017. The Employers’ View of “Work-Ready” Graduates: A Study of Advertisements for Marketing Jobs in Australia. Journal of Marketing Education, 39(2), pp. 82-93.