Facing the uncertainty of life after school can be daunting, but Year 12 students at Tamborine Mountain State High School received some guidance from local professionals during the school’s annual Career Day on June 3.
The event brought together guest speakers from a range of industries to share their career journeys and advice for students preparing to leave school.
Among the speakers were professionals from diverse backgrounds, including Tamborine Mountain News journalist Guy Hazlewood, IT, Queensland Police and Queensland Fire Services, with community experts discussing the different pathways they took after graduation and the opportunities that helped shape their careers.
Tamborine Mountain State High School Guidance Officer Tom Corr-Clements said the day was designed to help students navigate an often-uncertain stage of life.
“Young people leaving school have a lot of uncertainty in their future,” Mr Corr-Clements said.
“The Career Day is designed to help demystify their next steps and alleviate some anxiety they feel about their future.
“The information they learn is designed to springboard students into their next step, whether it is university, apprenticeships or employment.”
A key message throughout the day was that there is no single pathway to success.
Mr Corr-Clements said students were encouraged to embrace opportunities as they arise rather than feeling pressured to have their future mapped out.
“We really wanted our students to come away feeling okay about the fact they do not know exactly what their future will hold,” he said.
“Our experts did an amazing job of highlighting there is no ‘one way’ to go out of school.”
He said many of the guest speakers shared stories of unexpected career turns and opportunities that ultimately shaped their futures.
“I really loved the consistent message that came out of our special guests – take the opportunities that come your way as they will help guide you to new and exciting things,” he said.
For students still unsure about their future direction, Mr Corr-Clements offered simple advice.
“The biggest advice I would give is that this is totally fine to not know exactly what you want to do,” he said.
“After all, you miss all of the shots you don’t take.”
He said the school welcomed interest from community members who may wish to participate in future career-focused events.
