Plan B vital for tertiary hopefuls who missed out

Plan B vital for tertiary hopefuls who missed out in 2010


As tertiary courses for 2010 begin this week, Career Services is advising students who missed out on places to prepare a ‘Plan B’, and is offering assistance to help them achieve their goals.

Susan Kosmala, Career Services’ Deputy Chief Executive, says that while missing out on a course in 2010 can certainly be distressing for students who had a specific path in mind, it shouldn’t deter them from continuing to pursue their goal.

“Firstly, recognise that there are some other choices you can make. You may be confused about what to do next, or feel that your dreams have been squashed,” says Ms Kosmala. “Take some time to re-evaluate, and explore your options. Think about how else you can get to your goal – this is your ‘Plan B’. This may take time and you will need to do some research.”

Ms Kosmala says that although tertiary student numbers are rising, funding to each tertiary institution is capped at a certain number of students. Some universities and polytechnics will reach their maximum number of funded students in 2010, and some will limit places in certain courses.

Ms Kosmala says that while their heart may have been set on a particular course of study, student hopefuls may still be able to get the qualification they want through another route.

“For example, you could 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 had originally picked out, you may be able to have your results cross-credited further down the track.”

Ms Kosmala also says that though a tertiary application may be declined in 2010, students may still be able to start a course in the following semester, or next year.

“Talk with someone from the liaison or recruitment office at your tertiary institution now so you are prepared. Try to find out why you didn’t get into the course, and look for ways to improve your application for next time. However, before deciding on any programme, ensure that what you are doing will help you.”

Ms Kosmala says a Plan B should also include finding part-time work or getting work experience that will help you to explore other options.

“Ask yourself, how else can you work towards the career you want? A great start is looking for work experience in the industry that interests you. There you’ll meet people and make contacts, and if you excel at your job – you never know what might come up.

“If you do decide to look for full or part-time work, you need to know about the reality of looking for work in a tight labour market and be prepared.”

Ms Kosmala 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 2010.

She also says Career Services has seen an increase in use of their online resources and phone services by young people since exam results were released.

“This is certainly a good indicator that young people are doing what they can to explore all opportunities. One thing to remember is that often the path to the career you want is not linear. Check out all of the options that might suit you. Get help by talking to a careers adviser or talk things over with your parents.”

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

ENDS