Sitting down at your desk and studying has probably never ranked top of anyone’s “favourite things to do” list…ever. But sometimes there’s just no avoiding the fact that you have to knuckle down and do the hard yards. Fortunately, there are ways that you can study and learn while having a bit of fun at the same time (or at least make the whole process a bit less more enjoyable). Here are our top 10 ways to study that aren’t boring.

Join homework clubs or study groups

A bit like going to the gym, some days you just don’t have the motivation to study. But joining a class and getting the motivation you need from others can be really helpful. You might also find it more fun and engaging than being alone at your desk.

Watch documentaries

Some people (like me) love nothing better than a great doco. If that’s the case for you, you could search for some documentaries related to your subjects and settle in for a good watch. And if watching a documentary isn’t generally your idea of fun, why not give it a try? It could:

• Grow your knowledge of real-world issues and topics.
• Help you to improve your interdisciplinary thinking by introducing you to subjects you might not usually think about.
• Improve your creativity, problem-solving, and social justice skills.
• Increase your general knowledge.

Sometimes even watching a fictional movie can be helpful. For example, if you’re studying English Literature and there’s a movie based on the book you’re reading, or if you’re studying history and there’s a movie about the event or era you’re studying, a movie could improve your understanding and bring the events to life for you.

One small caveat: watching any random TV show, documentary, or movie and telling yourself or your parents that it’s “study” won’t cut it – you’ll have to be selective and look for relevant, reliable, and informative content.

Deep dive online

In September 2020, teens were reported to spend an average of 14.4 hours each week online. So why not make some of that time productive? If you can overcome the temptation to go off-track, there are heaps of helpful tools, tips, and topics to dive into on the internet. You might like to watch video explainers, find practice test or exam questions, or even browse forums where other students have discussed your subject.

(Spending time scrolling through social media and chatting to your mates don’t count as productive, unfortunately.)

Do projects or presentations

Researching and putting together a project or presentation will do more than just help you learn about your topic. You’ll also be developing these key skills:

• Creativity
• Analytical and critical thinking
• Problem-solving
• Teamwork and collaboration (if it’s a group project)
• Communication
• Tech knowledge
• And plenty of other skills too!

If you find these kinds of activities motivating, why not incorporate them into your personal study time? You could write blogs, make videos, write a letter (e.g. to your local politician or council), create infographics, design a poster…the options are endless.

Competitions are also an easy way to put your knowledge to the test and challenge yourself (and you might even win some cool prizes too).

Go places

The classroom isn’t the only environment designed for learning. You could visit museums, libraries, galleries, theatres, or go along to educational and career talks. If you’re interested in politics, for example, you could take a tour of a Government or Parliament House. Or if law is more your scene, you could sit in the public gallery during a hearing. There’s no better way to learn than experiencing things first-hand.

Sign up for things that interest you

You could get a lot out of going along to workshops, joining a club, heading off on a camp, completing short courses and microcredentials, or participating in holiday programs. There are some that you might have to pay for, but others could be free.

Look on council websites, browse social media, search sites like Eventbrite or Humanitix, ask your teachers and parents, take a peek in the newspaper, or check the notice board at your local shopping centre to find events happening near you. (You might also like to check out our very own events calendar too.)

Make it a game

These days there are thousands of apps designed to “gamify” learning. And with plenty of free options out there, you have nothing to lose by giving some a try and seeing if they give your studies a bit of a boost.

If you want a bit of a break from technology, you could also get your hands on some good old-fashioned board games or a deck of cards. Depending on your choices, games could help to:

• Improve your memory
• Boost your cognitive skills
• Increase your processing speed
• Develop your logic and reasoning
• Improve your critical thinking
• Increase your spatial reasoning
• Advance your verbal and communication skills
• Extend your attention and concentration span
• Teach you problem-solving skills
• Grow your confidence
• Enhance your decision-making

Time spent on games can be a fun way of winding down, spending time with family and friends, as well as having the nice perk of developing some of the skills listed above.

Work smarter

Sitting down to study for hours after a long day at school is not appealing to many people. So why not work smarter and spread out your study sessions? You could use time spent travelling in the car or on the bus, free periods at school (if you can resist the urge to chat to your mates), or while you’re waiting for an appointment to hit the books and do a little revision.

Instead of spending big chunks of time studying, you’ll have more free time to chill out, play sport, catch up with friends and family, and just do more of what you enjoy.

Teach others

If you have solid knowledge in a subject or two, you could earn some pocket money and revise everything you’ve been learning by tutoring other students who need a little help.

Teaching other people is a great way to determine how much you know, and see where there might be gaps in your knowledge. Even if you don’t want to commit to formal tutoring, why not ask a parent, sibling, or even a friend to sit down and let you “teach” them something?

Gain skills

If you have a test coming up, your time is probably best spent revising for it – but if you have a little time to spare (even just 10 minutes per day), why not start learning a new skill?

You could learn to touch type – this will be helpful for school and life in general. Or you could study up on the basics of coding, start learning a new language, teach yourself to cook…your options are nearly endless!

Looking for more ideas?

We have heaps of other blogs on our website here, packed with ideas to help you get motivated and stay focused.

Like everyone else, students lead busy lives; so the idea of fitting volunteering into your jam-packed schedule can be tricky. But evidence shows time spent volunteering has many benefits – not just for the people being helped, but the volunteer themselves too. So what are some of the main benefits of volunteering for students? Let’s take a look.

Learn about a career you’re considering

Work experience can sometimes be hard to find, and can also feel like it lacks a sense of real responsibility or experience. Conversely, volunteering opportunities can be easier to find and allow you to test-drive potential careers without the commitment of a proper job.

For example, if you choose to volunteer in an aged care facility, it might be because you’re considering a job in health or social work. If you volunteer for Landcare, you might be interested in careers where you can work outside, such as landscaping, agriculture, or even environmental science.

Time spent volunteering provides real-world first-hand experience of the industry, and could help spark your interest (or rule out unsuitable careers). Unlike work experience, you can volunteer over many weeks, months, or even years and build up a solid bank of experience – this can give you more certainty when choosing a career down the track.

Find something you’re passionate about

Regardless of the benefits, volunteering is still a big commitment and requires you to willingly give up your precious time. So it’s important that you feel strongly enough about the cause to really want to make a difference, rather than just doing it because it looks good on your resume.

Being truly passionate about something helps you gain more from the experience. And connecting your passion to your career can also help you feel more fulfilled and happy in your day-to-day work.

If you aren’t sure how to find volunteering opportunities that align with your interests, ask yourself some questions like these to kick-start the process:

• What do you enjoy doing?
• What causes are important to you?
• Do you want work with children or animals?
• Do you mind getting your hands dirty?
• Would you like to be part of a team or do you prefer to work alone?
• What skills do you have to bring to a volunteer role?
• What skills are you interested in developing?

Develop important workplace skills

Unlike school, sport, or other extra-curricular activities, volunteering placements are usually run more like traditional workplaces. You’re expected to turn up on time, take instructions from people who are not educators, and achieve set goals.

Volunteering gives you the opportunity to build communication and teamwork skills in a work-like environment. You’ll need to listen to instructions, potentially deal with clients or customers, and work alongside other volunteers. This level of accountability is difficult to replicate within the more sheltered school environment.

Volunteering placements that take place on a regular basis could also lead to you advancing in your role, and you could even become responsible for training new volunteers.

All of the skills you develop while volunteering will be useful in the workplace. Additionally, you can confidently add them to your resume knowing you have real evidence to back up your claims. This makes it a win-win for you and your potential new boss – employers usually regard volunteering experience very highly.

Build an understanding of the world (and yourself) outside of school

Volunteering often allows you to come face-to-face with existing problems and needs within the community. It can also help you develop an appreciation for your own opportunities and circumstances. Spending time in the community, gaining first-hand experience of the issues that affect people around you, can be truly character-building.

Unlike school, many volunteering roles often allow you to test-drive multiple different tasks and types of work. This way you can find which ones resonate with you the most.

For example, if you volunteer with a homeless charity, you may find you prefer to spend time talking to clients and providing that much-needed human interaction. Alternatively, you may find your strengths lie in sourcing food and goods to supply to clients, or in caring for their animals, or in handling the social media for the volunteer group.

Learning that multiple solutions and roles are required within a single workplace could expand your understanding of the world of work and yourself.

Access networking opportunities

It’s no accident that the most exclusive university scholarships offer integrated networking opportunities as part of the package. We often find ourselves relying on our networks, particularly in the professional world.

Understanding the importance of networking and knowing how to develop connections early on means you can use your networks for everything, from securing part-time work to finding internships, sourcing referrals, and even finding new clients down the track.

Your time spent volunteering will also allow you to meet people who could one day be the key to finding your next position or opportunity. 

The benefits aren’t limited to your career

Volunteering also comes with several benefits for students outside of job finding and skill building. It could help you:

• Feel more confident
• Raise your self-esteem
• Find purpose and meaning
• Know you are a part of something important
• Improve your physical and mental health

It’s important to remember that you get the most benefits from volunteering when you’re doing it for the right reasons. You’ll find it much more fulfilling and rewarding if you’re truly doing it for others, not just for yourself.

Find out more

There are heaps of benefits to volunteering for students – it can help you gain valuable skills and experience, and learn more about yourself as a person and your place in the world. If you want to read more, we have lots of other ideas and tips to spark your interest on our website here.

Finding the perfect work experience placement can feel overwhelming. With so many options out there, how do you know which one is right for you? Whether you’re dreaming of working with animals, designing video games, or anything in between, we have some tips to help you choose the right work experience placement for you.

Think creatively about your options

Sometimes your dream placement might not be available right away. Let’s say you want to work at a zoo – but there aren’t any zoos nearby, or their placements are all booked up. Don’t worry! There are usually lots of alternative options that can give you similar experience and skills.

For example, if you’re interested in working with animals, you could try:

• Local animal shelters
• Veterinary clinics
• Pet grooming services
• Wildlife rescue centres
• Council animal management teams

The skills you learn in these places could be just as valuable for your future career.

Choosing between in-person and virtual placements

These days, you can do work experience either in-person or virtually. Both options have their benefits, so ask yourself these questions to help decide:

In-person placements

• Can I reliably get to and from the workplace each day?
• Am I comfortable working face-to-face with new people?
• Would hands-on experience benefit me more in this field?

Virtual placements

• Do I have a reliable computer and internet connection?
• Am I good at working independently?
• Would this give me experience with digital tools used in the industry?

Do your homework before committing

Before saying yes to a placement, it’s important to know exactly what you’re getting into. Here’s what to check:

• What hours you’ll need to work
• What to wear (is there a dress code?)
• What you need to bring
• Who you’ll be working with
• What kinds of tasks you might be doing

Remember: as a work experience student, you should mainly be observing, asking questions, and working on practice tasks – not doing the work of paid employees.

Speak up if something doesn’t feel right

If you’re ever uncomfortable or concerned about your placement, you definitely don’t need to stay quiet. Talk to a supervisor or manager at your placement or your school’s work experience coordinator – your wellbeing and safety always come first!

Ready to start looking?

Remember, work experience is about learning and exploring – so don’t stress too much about choosing the “perfect” placement. At the end of the day, any experience can teach you valuable skills for your future career.

Want to explore work experience opportunities? You can find heaps more information on our website here.

Think you’re not great at making decisions? Think again! While you might stress about big choices like choosing your subjects or planning your future career, you’re probably already building solid decision-making skills through everyday activities. Here are three surprising signs that show you’re better at decision-making than you think.

You’re the go-to person for your friend group’s plans

If your friends often turn to you to finalise weekend plans or resolve group chat debates about where to meet up, congratulations – you’re flexing some serious decision-making muscles!

This kind of social planning requires balancing multiple factors: different people’s preferences, time constraints, budgets, and accessibility. When you successfully navigate these competing needs to land on a plan that (mostly) works for everyone, you’re demonstrating advanced decision-making skills like weighing options, considering consequences, and finding compromises.

Even better? If you’re the person who can confidently say “let’s do this” when everyone else is stuck in an endless loop of “I don’t mind, whatever you want to do,” you’re showing you can handle the pressure of making final calls – a crucial decision-making skill.

You’ve successfully managed your gaming or sports strategy

Whether you’re choosing your Pokémon team, making split-second decisions in Fortnite, or deciding when to pass the ball in football, you’re actually building sophisticated decision-making skills.

Gaming and sports require rapid assessment of situations, quick prioritisation, and strategic thinking about both immediate and long-term consequences. Every time you decide which weapon to pick up, which character to level up, or when to take a risk versus play it safe, you’re practicing the same decision-making processes that leaders use in high-stakes business situations.

The best part? Because you’re doing something you enjoy, you’re learning from both successes and failures in a low-pressure environment – exactly how the best decision-makers build their skills.

You can put together a decent outfit (even under pressure)

We’re serious – this is actually a complex decision-making process! When you’re choosing what to wear, you’re simultaneously considering multiple factors: the weather, your day’s activities, dress codes, comfort, style, and what’s clean and available.

If you can regularly pull together appropriate outfits without major drama, you’re demonstrating key decision-making skills like:

• Gathering relevant information (checking the weather, your schedule)
• Evaluating options against multiple criteria
• Making quick decisions under time pressure
• Adapting to constraints (what’s actually clean and available)
• Learning from experience (what worked or didn’t work in similar situations)

Where you’ll use this skill in the workplace

Decision-making skills are crucial in virtually every workplace role, but here are some specific ways you’ll use them:

Resource allocation

When managing budgets, time, or team members, you’ll need to decide how to best use limited resources to achieve maximum results – just like when you’re managing your study time or gaming strategy.

Crisis response

Whether it’s handling an urgent customer complaint or responding to a system failure, you’ll need to make quick, informed decisions under pressure – similar to those split-second gaming decisions.

Product development

Deciding which features to include, what to prioritise, and when to launch requires weighing multiple factors and making trade-offs – just like when you’re balancing different factors in social planning.

Team leadership

Leaders constantly make decisions about task delegation, conflict resolution, and project direction – skills you’re building when managing group activities or team sports.

Quality control

Determining whether something meets standards and deciding how to address issues requires confident decision-making – like when you decide if an outfit works for a specific occasion.

Event coordination

Coordinating events requires constant decision-making about timing, resources, and contingency plans – similar to organising social activities.

Building your decision-making skills

The best news? Decision-making is like a muscle – the more you use it, the stronger it gets. Every time you make a choice and observe its outcomes, you’re building better decision-making skills for the future.

Want to level up your decision-making even more? Start paying attention to how you make everyday decisions. What information do you consider? What factors influence your choices? The more aware you are of your decision-making process, the more you can refine and improve it.

Being good at making decisions doesn’t mean never making mistakes – it means being able to gather relevant information, weigh options, and move forward confidently with the best choice you can make with the information available. If you’re doing any of the things mentioned above, you’re already on your way to becoming a skilled decision-maker!

Find out more

Curious to know if you’ve mastered any other skills? You can read more blogs on important skills for work on our website here.

Veterinarians (also known as vets) are doctors of animal health. They prevent, diagnose, and treat diseases and other health issues in all kinds of animals. They can work in small clinics, emergency and specialist hospitals, zoos and aquariums, wildlife parks, universities, research facilities, pet food and drug manufacturing companies, and conservation and government organisations.

If you’re passionate about animals and their welfare, love science, and are driven by emotional rewards rather than financial ones, becoming a veterinarian could be perfect for you.

What skills do I need as a veterinarian?

• Excellent communication abilities
• Strong passion for animal health and welfare
• Empathy and emotional resilience
• Great organisational and time management skills
• Attention to detail and observation
• Technical skills with machinery and lab equipment
• Scientific aptitude and inquiring mind
• Surgical knowledge and capabilities

What does the job involve?

• Examining, diagnosing, and treating sick and injured animals
• Carrying out general check-ups
• Administering preventative treatments like vaccinations
• Prescribing and giving medications
• Taking cell and tissue samples
• Performing diagnostic tests
• Conducting surgery on animals
• Managing animal health records

What industries do veterinarians typically work in?

• Professional, Scientific and Technical Services
• Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing

What Career Cluster do veterinarians belong to?

Veterinarians are primarily part of the Guardian Cluster because they focus on health, wellbeing and safety – in this case, for animals. They also use some skills similar to Informers (sharing knowledge with pet owners).

What kind of lifestyle can I expect?

Veterinarians usually work full-time, with limited part-time opportunities. Full-time vets often work more than standard hours each week, as the role can require after-hours emergency care and weekend work. You’ll work in various environments, both indoors and outdoors. The job can be emotionally demanding as you may encounter difficult situations.

While starting salaries vary by country and region, most veterinarians can expect to earn an average to above-average income throughout their career. The demand for veterinarians is growing in many countries, with particular need in rural and regional areas.

How to become a veterinarian

To practice as a vet, you’ll typically need to:

• Complete high school with a strong focus on science subjects
• Graduate from an accredited veterinary medicine program at university/college
• Obtain necessary licensing or registration in your country/region
• Complete any required practical experience
• Begin working as a qualified veterinarian

The exact requirements and length of study will vary depending on your location, but most veterinary programs take 5-6 years to complete.

What can I do right now to work towards this career?

If you’re in high school and interested in becoming a vet, here are some steps you can take:

• Volunteer with animals at local shelters or rescue organisations, or look for work experience opportunities at vet clinics or animal hospitals
• Talk to practicing veterinarians about their experiences. If you don’t know anyone, see if you can watch videos or documentaries about a career as a vet.
• Focus on English, Mathematics, and science subjects at school, and research your future study options

Where can I find more information?

• Australian Veterinary Association
• New Zealand Veterinary Association
• British Veterinary Association
• Veterinary Council of Ireland
• American Veterinary Medical Association
• Canadian Veterinary Medical Association

Similar careers to veterinarian

• Animal Trainer
• Farmer
• Marine Biologist
• Veterinary Nurse
• Agronomist
• Pet Groomer
• Wildlife Conservationist

Find out more about alternative careers on our Job Spotlights page.

Think social awareness is just about being nice to people? There’s way more to it – and you’re probably already crushing it. If you can navigate different social media platforms, manage various friend groups, or keep the peace in group projects, you’re showing some serious social awareness skills that employers love. Let’s look at some ways you might already be a social awareness expert.

You’re a pro at reading different social situations

If you can:

• Switch between different communication styles with teachers, friends, and family
• Know when to use memes versus when to be more formal
• Understand the unwritten rules of different social media platforms
• Adjust your behavior between different friend groups
• Pick up on when someone’s having a rough day

You’re demonstrating advanced social awareness. The ability to “read the room” and adjust your approach accordingly is a crucial professional skill.

What makes this impressive isn’t just knowing the rules – it’s understanding why they matter and how they help groups function better. This kind of social intelligence is invaluable in workplace settings.

You notice when group dynamics are off

Maybe you’re the one who:

• Spots when someone’s feeling left out of the group chat
• Notices tension in team projects before it becomes drama
• Recognises when a joke has gone too far
• Picks up on changes in friends’ moods
• Understands when to lighten the mood or when to be serious

This ability to sense and respond to group dynamics shows sophisticated social awareness. It’s the same skill that helps leaders manage team morale and maintain productive work environments.

You’re good at including different perspectives

Whether you:

• Make sure quieter friends get heard in group decisions
• Consider how plans might affect different people
• Think about accessibility when organising events
• Recognise and respect cultural differences
• Help bridge gaps between different friend groups

You’re showing valuable social awareness skills. This ability to consider and include diverse perspectives is increasingly important in today’s workplace.

You know how to navigate online communities

If you can:

• Understand different community vibes and expectations
• Pick up on unwritten rules in online spaces
• Recognise when discussions might get heated
• Adapt your communication style to different platforms
• Help new members feel welcome

You’re demonstrating modern social awareness skills. The ability to navigate online social spaces effectively is becoming crucial in professional settings.

You’re aware of how your actions affect others

When you:

• Think about how your posts might impact different audiences
• Consider timing when sending messages or making requests
• Recognise when your mood might affect group dynamics
• Understand how your choices influence group decisions
• Take responsibility for your impact on others

You’re showing mature social awareness. This understanding of your social impact is essential for workplace collaboration.

Where you’ll use this skill in the workplace

Social awareness is crucial in modern workplaces. Here’s where you’ll use it:

Team leadership

Just like managing group dynamics in social settings, you’ll need to understand and support team morale and collaboration.

Customer service

Similar to adapting your communication style for different people, you’ll need to read and respond to customer needs effectively.

Cross-cultural communication

Like navigating different online communities, you’ll work with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures.

Conflict resolution

Your experience in spotting and addressing social tension will help you manage workplace disagreements constructively.

Change management

Understanding how changes affect different people will help you support teams through transitions.

Community management

Your skills in nurturing online communities translate directly to building professional networks and communities.

Stakeholder management

Like considering different friends’ needs when making plans, you’ll need to balance various stakeholder interests.

Building your social awareness skills

Social awareness isn’t about being perfect in every situation – it’s about being mindful of others and adapting your approach accordingly. If you’re doing any of the things mentioned above, you’re already developing this essential skill!

Want to strengthen your social awareness even more? Try:

• Paying attention to how different people communicate
• Practicing seeing situations from others’ perspectives
• Noticing patterns in group dynamics
• Learning about different cultures and viewpoints
• Reflecting on how your actions impact others

The best socially aware people aren’t just naturally “good with people” – they’re observant, adaptable, and genuinely interested in understanding others. Sound like you? You’re already more socially aware than you thought!

Tip: your experience navigating both online and offline social spaces gives you an advantage in today’s workplace. The future of work is hybrid, and employers value people who can build connections and read social cues in both physical and digital environments.

Learn more

Already a social awareness expert but want to learn how to build other valuable skills? Take a look at some of the other resources on our website.

Thinking about applying for a scholarship but feeling overwhelmed by all the different types out there? Don’t worry – we’re here to help break it down for you. Whether you’re a straight-A student, someone who loves helping in their community, or you just need some financial support to achieve your dreams, there’s probably a scholarship out there for you.

Why should I apply for scholarships?

Receiving a scholarship can make a huge difference to your future. Here’s why they’re worth checking out:

• They can help pay for your education costs (like textbooks, fees, or even living expenses)
• They look great on your resume and university applications
• They can open doors to special opportunities and programs
• You don’t have to pay the money back (unlike student loans)

What types of scholarships are out there?

Let’s look at some common types of scholarships you might come across:

Academic scholarships

These scholarships are all about your grades and academic achievements. If you work hard at school and get good results, these could be perfect for you. Most universities offer academic scholarships, but you might find them from other places too.

Financial need scholarships

These scholarships are designed to help students who might struggle to afford their studies otherwise. You’ll usually need to provide some information about your financial situation when you apply.

Talent-based scholarships

Good at sports? Love art? Amazing at public speaking? There are scholarships out there for all sorts of talents. In most cases you’ll need to provide evidence of your achievements, like competition results or a portfolio of your work.

Community service scholarships

If you spend time volunteering or helping out in your community, these scholarships could be for you. They’re looking for students who are committed to making a difference, whether it’s in your local area or across the world.

Special interest scholarships

These scholarships are super specific – they might be for students studying certain subjects, from particular backgrounds, or with specific career goals in mind.

Tips for applying

Here are some quick tips to help you put together a great scholarship application:

• Start early – scholarships often have different deadlines throughout the year
• Double-check all the requirements before you apply
• Ask someone else to read over your application before you submit it
• Keep copies of everything you submit
• Don’t give up if you don’t get the first one you apply for

Want to know more?

Ready to start your scholarship search? You can find current opportunities on our scholarships database.

If you still need a bit more advice, you might like to check out some of our other blogs and resources.

Getting results back that aren’t what you hoped for can feel pretty rough. Whether it’s a test score that’s lower than expected or end-of-year grades that didn’t quite hit the mark, academic disappointment is something most students face at some point. The good news? This setback doesn’t define you, and there are plenty of ways to move forward and grow from the experience.

It’s okay to feel disappointed

First things first – it’s completely normal to feel upset, frustrated, or disappointed when you don’t get the results you wanted. These feelings show that you care about your education and had goals in mind, which is actually a positive thing. Give yourself some time to process these emotions rather than trying to push them away.

What to do next

Feeling disappointed is totally normal, but now it’s time to make a plan. Instead of letting these results get you down, there are some practical steps you can take to understand what happened and figure out how to do better next time. Here’s where to start:

Take a step back

Before diving into what went wrong, take a little breather. Do something you enjoy, talk to friends or family, or just take some time to clear your head. Once you’re feeling calmer, you’ll be better equipped to look at the situation objectively.

Analyse, don’t criticise

Instead of being hard on yourself, try to look at your results as feedback rather than failure. Ask yourself:

• Which areas did I do well in?
• Where did I struggle?
• Was there anything specific that threw me off?
• Did I prepare differently for this assessment compared to others?
• Were there things out of my control that impacted my studies?

Talk to your teachers

Your teachers are there to help you succeed, and will be more than happy to provide you with feedback. Book a time to speak with them about:

• Understanding where you went wrong
• Getting specific feedback on how to improve
• Discussing study strategies that might work better for you
• Setting realistic goals for next time

Tip: Approach your teacher with an open mind, and remember that while feedback can be uncomfortable sometimes, they’re trying to help you learn and grow.

Turning academic disappointment into motivation

Sometimes, the most challenging moments can become our biggest motivators. While it might not feel like it right now, this academic disappointment could be the push you need to try new approaches, develop better habits, or discover learning methods that work better for you.

Set new, realistic goals

Use this experience to set clear, achievable goals for your next assessment. Break these down into smaller steps so they feel more manageable. For example, instead of just saying “I want to do better,” try “I’ll spend 30 minutes each day reviewing my notes.”

Try different study techniques

What works for one person might not work for another. Maybe flashcards aren’t your thing, but mind maps could be perfect. Or perhaps studying in shorter bursts would work better than long sessions. Now’s the perfect time to experiment with different methods – if you need some ideas, you might like to read this blog.

Focus on progress, not perfection

Remember that improvement takes time. Celebrate small wins along the way – maybe you understood a concept that previously confused you, or maybe you’re feeling more confident with your study routine. These are all steps in the right direction.

Your grades don’t define you

While academic results are important, they’re just one part of who you are. Universities and employers look at many different things, including:

• Your overall growth and improvement
• Extra-curricular activities
• Leadership qualities
• Problem-solving abilities
• Resilience (like how you handle setbacks!)

Looking forward

Every successful person has faced disappointment at some point – what matters most is how you respond and what you learn from the experience. Use this as an opportunity to:

• Develop better study habits
• Learn what works best for you
• Build resilience
• Practice bouncing back from setbacks

And remember, there are always multiple pathways to reach your goals. If you’re worried about how these results might affect your future plans, talk to your school’s career advisor or counsellor about your options – you might be surprised at how many different routes there are to get where you want to go.

“I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.”

^{Michael Jordan}

Want more study tips and advice? Check out our other helpful resources here.

Landing your first job is exciting, but the application process can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re applying for a part-time role while studying or looking for your first full-time position, we’ve put together this guide to help you craft a job application that will catch an employer’s eye.

Before you start

Take some time to check if the job is right for you. Ask yourself:

• Can you commit to the hours they’re asking for?
• Do you have most of the skills they’re looking for?
• Is the location somewhere you can get to easily?
• Does the role interest you?

If you’ve answered yes to these questions, then it’s time to get started on your application.

Steps to craft the perfect job application

Once you’ve found the right job, it’s time to submit an application. Here are some tips that can help you land that all-important interview.

Read everything carefully

The number one rule of job applications? Read the instructions thoroughly! Pay attention to:

• The closing date and time
• What documents they need from you
• How they want you to submit your application
• Any specific requirements they mention

Missing even small details could mean your application gets overlooked, so take your time with this step.

Research the company

Employers love candidates who show genuine interest in their organisation. Here’s what to look for:

• What does the company do?
• What are their values?
• What makes them different from similar companies?
• What’s their work environment like?

Pro tip: Use the company’s official website and their social media accounts to find the most up-to-date information.

Create a standout resume

Your resume is often your first impression, so make it count:

• Keep it truthful – never lie about your experience or skills
• Use keywords from the job description
• Highlight relevant experience, even if it’s from school or volunteering
• Keep it neat and easy to read
• Check for spelling mistakes and typos

Need help with your resume? Check out our guide to resume basics to get started.

Get your documents ready

Many jobs ask for supporting documents. Common ones include:

• Proof of identity (like your birth certificate or passport)
• Qualifications or certificates
• References from teachers or previous employers
• Working with children checks (if required)

Keep these documents organised in a folder on your computer so you can find them easily.

Clean up your online presence

This step is often overlooked, but before you apply, do a quick social media audit:

• Set your personal accounts to private
• Remove any inappropriate content
• Create a professional email address (firstname.lastname@email.com looks much better than coolkid123@email.com)
• If you have a LinkedIn profile, make sure it’s up to date

Final checks

Before you hit submit, run through this checklist:

• Have you followed all the application guidelines?
• Are all required documents attached?
• Have you checked for spelling and grammar mistakes?
• Are your contact details correct?
• Is everything saved in the right format?

Take your time with these checks – it’s better to take a bit of extra time to submit a polished application than a rushed one with mistakes.

After you apply

Once you’ve submitted your application:

• Save a copy for your records
• Keep track of where and when you applied
• Look out for confirmation emails
• Check your spam folder regularly
• Be patient – it can take time to hear back

Want more help?

Remember, practice makes perfect. Each application you submit helps you get better at the process, so don’t get discouraged if you don’t succeed right away. Keep trying, and you’ll land that job before you know it!

Looking for more tips on landing your dream job? Check out our other career resources here.

Train drivers are responsible for operating and driving various types of trains, including passenger trains, freight trains, trams, and locomotives. They ensure the safe and efficient transport of passengers and goods while following strict safety protocols and schedules.

If you’re reliable, good under pressure, and interested in transport and logistics, becoming a train driver could be perfect for you.

What skills do I need as a train driver?

• Excellent attention to detail and observation
• Strong safety awareness and responsibility
• Quick thinking and good reflexes
• Calm and focused under pressure
• Great communication abilities
• Problem-solving skills
• Reliability and punctuality
• Flexibility with working hours

What does the job involve?

• Inspecting trains before departure for safety
• Operating trains according to schedules and regulations
• Monitoring safety systems and gauges
• Making passenger announcements
• Coordinating with station staff and controllers
• Responding to emergency situations
• Performing basic maintenance checks
• Completing operational documentation

What industries do train drivers typically work in?

• Transport, Postal and Warehousing
• Mining
• Manufacturing

What Career Cluster do train drivers belong to?

Train Drivers are primarily part of the Maker Cluster because their job mainly involves operating and maintaining complex machinery. They also use some skills similar to Guardians (ensuring passenger safety) and Coordinators (managing schedules and logistics).

What kind of lifestyle can I expect?

Train drivers often work irregular hours, including weekends, holidays, and overnight shifts. Most positions are full-time, and part-time opportunities are limited. You’ll need to be flexible with your schedule as you might work early mornings, late nights, or even overnight shifts.

Salaries vary depending on your location, experience, and the type of trains you operate, but train drivers generally earn above-average wages. The demand for train drivers remains stable as railways continue to be an essential part of transportation infrastructure.

How to become a train driver

While specific requirements can vary by country, the typical pathway to becoming a train driver includes:

• Completing high school with good results in Maths and English
• Obtaining a driver’s license
• Completing relevant training programs or qualifications in train operations
• Passing medical examinations and safety checks
• Completing on-the-job training with your employer

Many railway companies offer apprentice or trainee programs that combine work and study, allowing you to earn while you learn. The length and type of training required will depend on your location and the company you work for.

What can I do right now to work towards this career?

If you’re in high school and interested in becoming a train driver, here are some steps you can take:

• See if you can find work experience in a transport or logistics-based setting. This will help you see if you might enjoy the work, and can help you start building important contacts for the future.
• Focus on subjects like Mathematics, English, and any available technical subjects while at school, and research the specific job requirements in your country.
• Talk to a train driver to see what a day in their life is like. If you don’t know anyone, watch videos or documentaries about a career in transport instead.

Where can I find more information?

• Australasian Railway Association
• Railway Industry Association (UK)
• Association of American Railroads
• Railway Association of Canada

Similar careers to train driver

• Logistics Manager
• Pilot
• Truck Driver
• Drone Operator
• Delivery Driver
• Engineer
• Bus Driver

Find out more about alternative careers on our Job Spotlights page.