ATAR Notes: Forum

Uni Stuff => General University Discussion and Queries => The University Journey Journal => Topic started by: Joseph41 on April 03, 2019, 11:38:02 am

Title: Careers Education and Development - J41
Post by: Joseph41 on April 03, 2019, 11:38:02 am
Hello! I'm going to use this thread to document what I hope will be a nice little journey through further education. :)

I studied a Bachelor of Arts from 2013-15, and then Honours in 2016, but I haven't been at uni since. I'd like to do some study on the side, though (still work full-time), so my plan is to enrol in the Graduate Certificate in Careers Education and Development from RMIT University, which is one year part-time. The idea is to then continue to the Graduate Diploma, which will take another year part-time.

From what I can see, the next intake will be July this year, so that's what I'm planning for if all goes well (but there are several bridges to cross etc. before then).

Anyway, if that doesn't work out, I'd still like to enrol in further study at some point (PhD always in back of mind on unknown topic and for unknown reasons), so will use this same thread regardless to document how that progresses. :)
Title: Re: I'm planning to go back to uni!
Post by: owidjaja on April 03, 2019, 11:45:43 am
Omg I'm so excited to see this thread develop!

What made you decide to go back? And why Careers Education instead of continuing your studies in linguistics? (Perhaps I'm a bit biased towards linguistics because linguistics is such an interesting topic ;D)
Title: Re: I'm planning to go back to uni!
Post by: Joseph41 on April 03, 2019, 11:48:48 am
Omg I'm so excited to see this thread develop!

What made you decide to go back? And why Careers Education instead of continuing your studies in linguistics? (Perhaps I'm a bit biased towards linguistics because linguistics is such an interesting topic ;D)

Thanks! :)

I've developed a strong interest in careers and stuff over the last little while and would like to add another string to my bow, I guess. I also think I have the capacity to do it, so might as well pursue it while I can.

Linguistics - love the field, still want to continue studies in it at some point (see OP - PhD of unknown topic and for unknown reasons haha). But to do a PhD part time, for example (because I still want to work), that would take like eight years, be extremely expensive, and have limited if any benefit on what I'm doing at the moment, y'feel?
Title: Re: I'm planning to go back to uni!
Post by: vox nihili on April 03, 2019, 11:57:42 am
Thanks! :)

I've developed a strong interest in careers and stuff over the last little while and would like to add another string to my bow, I guess. I also think I have the capacity to do it, so might as well pursue it while I can.

Linguistics - love the field, still want to continue studies in it at some point (see OP - PhD of unknown topic and for unknown reasons haha). But to do a PhD part time, for example (because I still want to work), that would take like eight years, be extremely expensive, and have limited if any benefit on what I'm doing at the moment, y'feel?

yeah but Dr.J41
Title: Re: I'm planning to go back to uni!
Post by: owidjaja on April 03, 2019, 12:02:14 pm
Linguistics - love the field, still want to continue studies in it at some point (see OP - PhD of unknown topic and for unknown reasons haha). But to do a PhD part time, for example (because I still want to work), that would take like eight years, be extremely expensive, and have limited if any benefit on what I'm doing at the moment, y'feel?
Ahh I get it- my dad's doing his PhD at the moment and he's trying to manage his time working and slowly chipping away at his PhD.

Although I am curious, what was your Honours thesis on? Like, psycholinguistics? Sociolinguistics? (I'd love to track down your thesis and have a read)
Title: Re: I'm planning to go back to uni!
Post by: Poet on April 03, 2019, 12:29:16 pm
Hello! I'm going to use this thread to document what I hope will be a nice little journey through further education. :)

I studied a Bachelor of Arts from 2013-15, and then Honours in 2016, but I haven't been at uni since. I'd like to do some study on the side, though (still work full-time), so my plan is to enrol in the Graduate Certificate in Careers Education and Development from RMIT University, which is one year part-time. The idea is to then continue to the Graduate Diploma, which will take another year part-time.

From what I can see, the next intake will be July this year, so that's what I'm planning for if all goes well (but there are several bridges to cross etc. before then).

Anyway, if that doesn't work out, I'd still like to enrol in further study at some point (PhD always in back of mind on unknown topic and for unknown reasons), so will use this same thread regardless to document how that progresses. :)

Hey, good on you! This is really exciting, best of luck!

How do you feel about using RMIT instead of Monash? In this, what challenges do you expect to face? (e.g. unfamiliar territory, different program, juggling work and study?)

Although I am curious, what was your Honours thesis on? Like, psycholinguistics? Sociolinguistics? (I'd love to track down your thesis and have a read)
Oh, it's a pretty saucy read.
Title: Re: I'm planning to go back to uni!
Post by: Joseph41 on April 03, 2019, 12:35:33 pm
yeah but Dr.J41

This is, genuinely, a much bigger drawcard than it should be hahaha. #rossgellerisadoctor

Ahh I get it- my dad's doing his PhD at the moment and he's trying to manage his time working and slowly chipping away at his PhD.

Although I am curious, what was your Honours thesis on? Like, psycholinguistics? Sociolinguistics? (I'd love to track down your thesis and have a read)

Sociolinguistics, yep. I guess more specifically, discourse analysis, and more specifically still, critical discourse analysis.

I looked at how Kevin Rudd and Julia Gillard were portrayed by print media (linguistically) through their prime ministerships, focusing mostly on the leadership changes from Rudd > Gillard and Gillard > Rudd. If I were to pursue a PhD, I'd probably look at something similar - how male and female politicians are framed in and by the media, and how those framings could affect voters' behaviours.

I'll send you a PM with a link to my thesis haha.


Hey, good on you! This is really exciting, best of luck!

How do you feel about using RMIT instead of Monash? In this, what challenges do you expect to face? (e.g. unfamiliar territory, different program, juggling work and study?)

Good question! Obviously more familiar with Monash but I'm sure the systems and stuff have changed anyway since I've been there, so probably much of a muchness.

Quote from: Poet
Oh, it's a pretty saucy read.

Clever.
Title: Re: I'm planning to go back to uni!
Post by: fantasticbeasts3 on April 03, 2019, 01:13:48 pm
This is so exciting!!!

What would you like to do with this program once you’re done with it? (Maybe careers advising on AN could be in the books! hahaha) And how do you think you’ll cope with studying and working full-time?
Title: Re: I'm planning to go back to uni!
Post by: Joseph41 on April 03, 2019, 03:33:11 pm
This is so exciting!!!

What would you like to do with this program once you’re done with it? (Maybe careers advising on AN could be in the books! hahaha) And how do you think you’ll cope with studying and working full-time?

I think being qualified in careers would have pretty direct benefits in best helping around these traps, so I'd say that'll be a big advantage if all goes ahead! :D

Workload - good question. Haha. I think it'll be sweet but honestly, never done it, so am only guessing atm.
Title: Re: I'm planning to go back to uni!
Post by: Joseph41 on May 01, 2019, 11:36:20 am
I believe applications open today, so I'm planning to get on top of it at some point soon for Semester 2 intake. :)
Title: Re: I'm planning to go back to uni!
Post by: Joseph41 on May 08, 2019, 04:17:46 pm
Am gradually chipping away at the application. Not actually sure when I need to get it done by.

Bit of a weird process because it practically asks for a deconstructed CV (have to input all your work experience, education etc. one-by-one), but then it asks for a CV in full anyway. Most curious. ???
Title: Re: I'm planning to go back to uni!
Post by: Joseph41 on May 13, 2019, 04:22:37 pm
Made a CV yesterday for the above reason. Felt weird - I haven't had a proper CV in years!
Title: Re: I'm planning to go back to uni!
Post by: Joseph41 on May 21, 2019, 02:18:50 pm
RMIT has accepted my application, so now I just need to formally enrol!

Quicker process than I thought. Applications don't close until the end of the month, so I was sort of anticipating not to hear anything until then.
Title: Re: I'm planning to go back to uni!
Post by: Joseph41 on May 29, 2019, 01:06:13 pm
So, this Grad Cert. has four units. As I'm doing it part-time, I'll be doing two per semester. I *think* I've enrolled in two of them, but I've had trouble working out if I'm meant to be doing them in any particular order.

Oh well - I guess time will tell!
Title: Re: I'm planning to go back to uni!
Post by: Bri MT on May 29, 2019, 04:13:00 pm
So, this Grad Cert. has four units. As I'm doing it part-time, I'll be doing two per semester. I *think* I've enrolled in two of them, but I've had trouble working out if I'm meant to be doing them in any particular order.

Oh well - I guess time will tell!

If you've got questions about how uni works we have a section of the forum for that :P
Title: Re: I'm planning to go back to uni!
Post by: Joseph41 on May 29, 2019, 04:19:57 pm
If you've got questions about how uni works we have a section of the forum for that :P

Wow, this forum has everything! 😍
Title: Re: I'm planning to go back to uni!
Post by: Joseph41 on July 12, 2019, 05:06:15 pm
If I'm not mistaken, I should have learning materials (or something) available to me as of next week, and then classes start the week after. Or something. I'm honestly a bit confused about the structure of this whole shindig haha. I guess we'll see!
Title: Re: I'm planning to go back to uni!
Post by: Aaron on July 12, 2019, 05:14:11 pm
I thought about doing something like Careers Ed too back a while ago.... the dip in Careers would allow you to also consult as a careers practitioner in schools too if you ever decided to look into something like that. Can never have too many qualified careers counsellors in schools who know what they're talking about. They are pivotal as the advice they provide inform both students and parents re: decision making for future.

Good luck with it! Is it blended or fully face-to-face?
Title: Re: I'm planning to go back to uni!
Post by: Joseph41 on July 16, 2019, 03:56:40 pm
Anybody know how to automatically forward emails from Outlook to gmail?

I thought about doing something like Careers Ed too back a while ago.... the dip in Careers would allow you to also consult as a careers practitioner in schools too if you ever decided to look into something like that. Can never have too many qualified careers counsellors in schools who know what they're talking about. They are pivotal as the advice they provide inform both students and parents re: decision making for future.

Good luck with it! Is it blended or fully face-to-face?

Majority is online, if that's what you mean!

Thanks mate.
Title: Re: I'm planning to go back to uni!
Post by: Joseph41 on July 25, 2019, 10:36:58 am
Got back from interstate last night, and had a quick poke around the resources now available to me. On initial impression, I think I much prefer Canvas to Moodle.

From what I can gather, I have seven modules for each of my units, and I kinda progress through them at my own pace, but I also have assessments to get through at certain times. Should be interesting, will keep reporting back.
Title: Re: I'm planning to go back to uni!
Post by: Joseph41 on July 27, 2019, 09:19:45 am
So I'm watching my first lecture (not really a lecture, not quite sure how to refer to it) atm. It was on Thursday evening but was recorded. I guess it's more a webinar, where Course Leaders are presenting information and students can ask questions etc. by "raising their hand" or leaving a comment.

This session so far has just been introductory stuff, as all Week 1 sessions seem to be. Today and tomorrow, I'm going to try to sit down a bit and work out what assessments I have and when. I need to submit a calendar of sorts regarding when I plan to submit those assessments.

Once I have that sorted and feel a bit more on top of things (which I don't at the moment, which I don't like), I guess I'll have a crack at Module 1!
Title: Re: I'm planning to go back to uni!
Post by: brenden on July 27, 2019, 11:23:02 am
So I'm watching my first lecture (not really a lecture, not quite sure how to refer to it) atm. It was on Thursday evening but was recorded. I guess it's more a webinar, where Course Leaders are presenting information and students can ask questions etc. by "raising their hand" or leaving a comment.

This session so far has just been introductory stuff, as all Week 1 sessions seem to be. Today and tomorrow, I'm going to try to sit down a bit and work out what assessments I have and when. I need to submit a calendar of sorts regarding when I plan to submit those assessments.

Once I have that sorted and feel a bit more on top of things (which I don't at the moment, which I don't like), I guess I'll have a crack at Module 1!
My uni says you can't hand things in more than three days late or they don't have to accept it.
Handed in my last assignment at the end of day 4.
Hope that makes you feel better <3
Title: Re: I'm planning to go back to uni!
Post by: Joseph41 on July 27, 2019, 01:26:59 pm
My uni says you can't hand things in more than three days late or they don't have to accept it.
Handed in my last assignment at the end of day 4.
Hope that makes you feel better <3

Yeet. So what'll happen?
Title: Re: I'm planning to go back to uni!
Post by: Joseph41 on July 29, 2019, 08:48:39 am
I got through Module 1 for both units yesterday. It was pretty enjoyable - basically an online reader (with links out to other stuff as necessary), plus "Learning Notes" throughout. The Learning Notes are basically prompts that you respond to, which sort of force you to actively pay attention, which I think I like. Feeling a bit better about things now.

My units (not sure if I've mentioned previously):

HWSS2192 Professional Competencies for Career Development Practitioners (1)
HWSS2194 Vocational Assessment
Title: Re: I'm planning to go back to uni!
Post by: Joseph41 on August 05, 2019, 09:50:25 am
Quick update - have now completed Module 2 for both units. There's been a bit focus across the board on ethics and what it means to be an ethical practitioner. Module 2 for Vocational Assessment has started giving scenarios, now, prompting you to think about certain situations and what you'd do etc.

I had a quick look at my first assignment yesterday. Basically I have to select a sub-competency from CICA's professional standards of careers practitioners (CICA Career Industry Council of Australia - is the overriding body), and do additional research on it, set and complete goals to increase my skills, and so on. I think I'll do mine on labour market information, but we'll see.
Title: Re: I'm planning to go back to uni!
Post by: Joseph41 on August 12, 2019, 02:31:14 pm
Finished Module 3 for both units. Focused on communicating with clients (and others) in one unit, and assessment in different contexts in the other.

Also submitted my first assignment, which is the learning contract detailed above. I ended up selecting labour market information, so I'm hoping to learn more about this in the coming weeks. We'll see what the feedback on the assignment is, as I don't really have any point of reference at this stage.
Title: Re: I'm planning to go back to uni!
Post by: Joseph41 on September 11, 2019, 02:03:08 pm
One month later, super quick update just to not completely lose touch.

I've finished six of the seven modules for both units, and have completed my first assignment. I've been gradually getting through other tasks for other assignments, and have been assigned a group of five for one group assignment in particular. Can't say I'm a big fan of group assignments at all, but we'll see how it goes - could be a different dynamic given it's all online.

Anyway, I'm honestly giving this practically zero thought at the moment due to a super busy work period, so it's on the back-burner a bit.
Title: Re: I'm planning to go back to uni!
Post by: Joseph41 on September 16, 2019, 07:03:57 pm
Can't say I'm a big fan of group assignments at all, but we'll see how it goes - could be a different dynamic given it's all online.

Nah - there are still the same frustrations. Even with a good group, it's a bit annoying not being able to work on your own calendar, y'feel?
Title: Re: I'm planning to go back to uni!
Post by: Erutepa on September 16, 2019, 09:23:41 pm
Nah - there are still the same frustrations. Even with a good group, it's a bit annoying not being able to work on your own calendar, y'feel?
I do feel
While I have not been exposed to the terrors of uni group assignments, it is for the same reason that I dislike group assignments in highschool. Good to know that it doesn't change at Uni hehe.
Title: Re: I'm planning to go back to uni!
Post by: Joseph41 on September 16, 2019, 09:32:05 pm
I do feel
While I have not been exposed to the terrors of uni group assignments, it is for the same reason that I dislike group assignments in highschool. Good to know that it doesn't change at Uni hehe.

Much to look forward to!
Title: Re: I'm planning to go back to uni!
Post by: Bri MT on September 17, 2019, 06:50:51 am
I do feel
While I have not been exposed to the terrors of uni group assignments, it is for the same reason that I dislike group assignments in highschool. Good to know that it doesn't change at Uni hehe.

If it's any consolation my experience is that group quality is unit dependent - it's not all bad news
Title: Re: I'm planning to go back to uni!
Post by: Joseph41 on October 13, 2019, 10:01:19 am
Hey all. Quick update on my assignments, mostly to work out what I actually have left to do.

Professional Competencies For Career Development Practitioners 1:
- Learning contract: complete
- Undertaking and reporting on learning contract: have completed most but not all of the tasks, need to write the report
- Summary of learning: haven't started

Vocational Assessment:
- Online quiz: haven't done
- Investigate a vocational assessment tool (group work): my section is done, but group hasn't yet submitted
- Case study report: drafted, just need to submit (above word limit atm though)
Title: Re: I'm planning to go back to uni!
Post by: Joseph41 on October 13, 2019, 12:59:39 pm
Hey all. Quick update on my assignments, mostly to work out what I actually have left to do.

Professional Competencies For Career Development Practitioners 1:
- Learning contract: complete
- Undertaking and reporting on learning contract: have completed most but not all of the tasks, need to write the report
- Summary of learning: haven't started

Vocational Assessment:
- Online quiz: haven't done
- Investigate a vocational assessment tool (group work): my section is done, but group hasn't yet submitted
- Case study report: drafted, just need to submit (above word limit atm though)

Drafted the report on learning contract! So, to come:

* Summary of learning
* Online quiz
* Final submission of stuff I've drafted

🤙🤙🤙
Title: Re: I'm planning to go back to uni!
Post by: sweetiepi on October 13, 2019, 01:04:37 pm
Drafted the report on learning contract! So, to come:

* Summary of learning
* Online quiz
* Final submission of stuff I've drafted

🤙🤙🤙
Amazing stuff!

Hope you continue to be productive and finish those tasks! ;D
Title: Re: I'm planning to go back to uni!
Post by: Joseph41 on October 13, 2019, 01:07:21 pm
Amazing stuff!

Hope you continue to be productive and finish those tasks! ;D

nek minit:

(https://i.imgur.com/QzuiZqP.png)
Title: Re: I'm planning to go back to uni!
Post by: Joseph41 on October 19, 2019, 03:50:08 pm
I think I just finished my last assessment and, therefore, my first semester.

The final assessment was the quiz, which required 100%, although three attempts were allowed. In the first attempt, I misread "not suitable" for "suitable", so got a question wrong. And in the second attempt, I just plainly stuffed up a question. I'm very glad I satisfactorily got through it on the final attempt!
Title: Re: I'm planning to go back to uni!
Post by: Bri MT on October 19, 2019, 04:16:04 pm
I think I just finished my last assessment and, therefore, my first semester.

Congrats!
Title: Re: I'm planning to go back to uni!
Post by: Joseph41 on November 02, 2019, 10:52:54 am
Have officially passed my first semester back, and my first in conjunction with full-time work, which is pleasing.

Will write up reviews of my units in the RMIT section at some point. :)
Title: Re: I'm planning to go back to uni!
Post by: Joseph41 on February 25, 2020, 09:17:33 am
So my second and final semester starts next week. I think there is a compulsory three-day workshop at one point, and I also think I need to do a three-day placement at a school.

Should be interesting, but I'm looking forward to getting through the semester and finishing off the qualification.
Title: Re: Careers Education and Development - J41
Post by: Joseph41 on March 06, 2020, 05:28:59 pm
The coursework for one of my units seems kinda cool. The idea is that you work with a "virtual client" throughout the semester. You can choose from a range of different scenarios. Off the top of my head, there are like:

→ Year 10 student
→ Year 10 group
→ Year 12 student
→ Year 12 group
→ Tertiary student
→ Tertiary group
→ And then a bunch not of immediate interest to me, such as those in industry, business, and other circumstances

The idea is that you select your client, and then respond to video content etc. appropriately. So that might include building programs relevant to that client's needs, providing advice within certain frameworks, referring to appropriate services, and so on. I think some of the assignments are built up into the whole virtual client thing - I haven't fully worked it out yet.

I think I'm going to go with the Year 10 student, because I think it's of most interest to me, and also most relevance.

P.S. Have finally got around to changing the name of the thread, haha.
Title: Re: Careers Education and Development - J41
Post by: Joseph41 on May 07, 2020, 03:14:44 pm
So, very quick update two months later.

- Everything has been switched to online learning, so it's now 100% online.
- I had the chance to extend deadlines etc. to like November and do the in-person stuff instead, but I chose to graduate on time ("on time") instead.
- I think I'm now pretty much through all of the course content, and just have four assignments remaining over the next couple of weeks.
Title: Re: Careers Education and Development - J41
Post by: Joseph41 on May 18, 2020, 04:47:23 pm
Update: two assignments and a bunch of online workshop sessions left, and then I think I'm done!
Title: Re: Careers Education and Development - J41
Post by: Joseph41 on June 03, 2020, 04:50:26 pm
Think I just have one more online workshop (tomorrow night) and one assignment (will do on the weekend) left. Sort of funny how quickly the last portion of this course has gone.
Title: Re: Careers Education and Development - J41
Post by: Joseph41 on June 15, 2020, 08:39:50 am
Got my last assignment back over the weekend. Passed. So I think that means I'm done with study!

... for now. ;)
Title: Re: Careers Education and Development - J41
Post by: r1ckworthy on June 15, 2020, 08:52:17 am
Got my last assignment back over the weekend. Passed. So I think that means I'm done with study!

... for now. ;)

Congrats!
Title: Re: Careers Education and Development - J41
Post by: Joseph41 on June 15, 2020, 09:34:47 am
Congrats!

Thanks mate. Will try to get to some unit reviews when I can.

Definitely enjoyed the course overall, and was really happy to get back to some study!