Students awaiting results should have Plan B for career

With NCEA exam results from 2010 arriving in mailboxes and inboxes around the country, Career Services is encouraging students to think about preparing a ‘Plan B’ for their career if they don’t get their first choice for tertiary study, and is offering them assistance to make those plans.

Janet Brown, Career Services General Manager Operations, says that not getting into a course can be difficult for students to deal with, but shouldn’t be a deterrent to continuing to pursue the directions they want for their career.

“It can be a very confusing time if you’ve had your heart set on a particular course, so it may feel that your dreams have been squashed,” says Ms Brown; “But it’s important to keep in mind that there are a range of other choices and options that are still open to you.”

“Be sure to take a good amount of time to re-evaluate your options and think about how else you can achieve your goals. This is your ‘Plan B’. It may take time and you will need to do some research, but Career Services can assist you with this.”

Ms Brown says that due to funding caps, tertiary institutions must limit their intake of students, even though the demand for places gets bigger every year.

“Some universities and polytechnics will reach their maximum number of funded students in 2011, and some will limit places in certain courses. It’s a situation that we are finding more young people have to deal with every year.”

Ms Brown says that students who miss out on a particular course of study may still be able to get the qualification they want through another route.

“One option is to enrol in a course that is similar or related to your first choice. If, sometime in the future, you still want to do the course you originally picked, you may be able to have your results cross-credited. However, before deciding on any programme, do ensure that what you’re doing will help you further down the track.”

Ms Brown also says that though a tertiary application may be declined in 2011, students may still be able to start a course in the following semester, or next year.

“Right now, you should contact someone from the liaison or recruitment office at the tertiary institution you would like to enter, so you are prepared. See if you can find out why you didn’t get into the course, and how you might be able to improve your application next time.”

Ms Brown says a Plan B can also include options of part-time work or unpaid work experience that will help your long term career goals.

“This is about plotting your own course towards the career you want. A great start is looking for work experience in the industry that interests you. You’ll meet good people and make the right sort of contacts, and if you show promise, there may be job opportunities there.”

“Be aware, however, that it is still a tight labour market in New Zealand, so keep your expectations realistic and be prepared with more than one option, without losing sight of the dreams that really inspire you in the direction you want to go.”

Ms Brown says Career Services provides a range of advice and tools via phone and on-line that can help students explore options and prepare themselves for study and work opportunities in 2011.

“We understand that the career paths people take are not necessarily linear, so it’s vital to check out all of the options that might suit you.”

Visit Career Services’ web site www.careers.govt.nz to webchat with a careers expert or phone their advice line on 0800 222 733 to talk through your options.

ENDS

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