Enter the careers advisor
The last two weeks of August are tough on us Careers Advisors. Students’ emotions are going through the mill, parents are full of concern and universities act more like faceless bureaucrats than hallowed seats of learning.
So for the Careers Advisor, it’s a tricky time. We want to get involved with the emotion and the concern and yet still have our wits in good enough shape to be able to explain clearing. Sitting in an appointment with someone who didn’t make their grades can be a tough experience. Sitting in the same appointment with the student and their concerned parent sends anxiety levels through the roof. For a start, it’s difficult for parents to be rational when they’re that concerned about their kid’s future. And it doesn’t help that some of them expect a careers advisor to pull off miracles of the golden ticket /Wonka bar variety.
It’s tough for everyone. But for those who didn’t get the grades they wanted, I can say that there’s still time to consider your options, even at the beginning of September. Bad results needn't jeopardise a seven-year school career – even an enforced gap year isn’t the end of the world if it means a chance to improve grades, rethink university or course choices or get some decent work experience. Not to mention seeing the world.
Last updated on: 02 October 2008