As young adults growing into our body and discovering how we fit into this bustling world, one cannot escape the inevitable questions surrounding our career and future. As the days grow older and longer, our minds spiral into worry about the encroaching adulthood. Run as we might, we cannot hide from it. The road ahead is shrouded in darkness, rocks and bumps line the narrow pathway, and many have lost their direction and purpose since. But what if we had a guiding compass?

This drove the School of Science committee to lead and build a career workshop, personally reaching out to and inviting various experienced souls to lead and guide young naïve ones. Presenting an opportunity to those who sought it. With a panel of speakers, Mr. Lucky, Ms. Nicole and Mr. Alex, each from differing pathways converging here at Monash, students from all schools flocked to secure their spot and of course the Mofusand keychains provided for the first 60 sign ups. 

The workshop was well tailored, with panels actively discussing and addressing the common woes of young interviewees entwined with their own experiences in their respective industries from fashion (Mr. Alex) to biotech (Ms. Nicole) to edible oils (Mr. Lucky). It was interesting to see the varying shifting perspectives and insights across different industries, and yet all sharing common themes as well. Some key takeaway messages regarding interview advice? Dress sharp, arrive 20 minutes earlier than your designated time, mind your body language and don’t go blindly seeking answers from ChatGPT, make it authentic and tailored to you.

After the enriching discussion amongst the panels, time was also allocated for fellow students to ask any burning questions brewing in their mind. Questions and ideas flowed, students engaging seriously presented with this opportunity to expand their minds and actively take a step towards what would be the beginning of their future career ahead. As the footsteps faded into the night and the workshop came to an eventual end, one hopes that everyone walked away with more confidence and clarity than they arrived.

Opportunity does not befall those who are simply lucky, but to those who seek it and are open towards it. When the door opens, only those who are prepared will be able to grasp it in their hands.

To young fellow job seekers, do not sit back and wait for an opportunity to fall from the sky, take action now. Every little minute things you do will pile up one day, forming the key to a door towards a brighter future than one you can ever imagine. Do not be afraid of the journey ahead, for you are not and will never be alone on this path.

I sincerely wish everyone the best of luck in their job seeking and future career plans.  

Written by Jia Wei

Photos by Thong Chen