11 Nov 2019

The thought of going to uni can be one of the most exciting (and slightly nerve-wracking) experiences of your student life.

It’s a massive change from high school. After over a decade of the school routine, it’s finally the beginning of something new. It’s an opportunity to dive into new experiences and immerse yourself in uni culture. It’s the chance to discover and study your passion, and live independently (sorry Mum, but I need my space).

As soon as you start uni, you’ll realise that it’s so much more than just getting a degree. It’s the time of your life where you’re constantly learning, in and out of the classroom.

You might think that employers only care about your marks, but what’s also really valuable is the way you challenge yourself to try new things and take advantage of all the different opportunities uni has to offer. If you do this, you’re guaranteed to graduate with more than just a piece of paper.  

1. Networking

It’s not just what you know, it’s also who you know.

Networking. A single word that might send shivers down your spine. But there comes a time where you’ll have to bite the bullet and put yourself out there.

Networking is a crucial part of the uni experience and there’s always a tonne of events happening. It’s the perfect chance for you to build connections with other students, staff and potential employers in an area you’re keen on jumping into.  

2. Work experience opportunities

Any time you see your uni advertising a work experience internship or opportunity that is vaguely related to you or the industry you want to go in to – apply!

These are great ways to learn skills that lectures and tutorials can’t give you - we’re talking interpersonal skills, practical solutions to real problems and sussing the general feel of what it’s like working in your industry. You’ll be blown away by what you’ll get out of even just a four-week internship.

3. Overseas learning (who wouldn’t want to travel and study?)

Student exchange or short courses abroad are something to take full advantage of if you’re given the opportunity. It’s a chance to broaden your perspective and challenges you to step outside your comfort zone. It’s not all about sampling the different foreign cuisines (although that’s definitely a perk). Learning abroad is a sure-fire way to fast track your knowledge and understanding of other cultures, which is highly valued when you head into the workforce.

It can be pretty overwhelming to suss out all these experiences while trying to balance your studies. One thing you could consider is applying for scholarships. They’re a perfect way to give yourself a leg-up at uni and we’ve found you one that ticks all the boxes.

The Westpac Young Technologists Scholarship is for people that are genuinely passionate about technology and want to make a difference in the world.

Open to anyone who has graduated from high school in the past two years, this scholarship is designed to support curious individuals who are eager to find ways technology can be used for good. Despite what you might think, scholarships aren’t just for the students who are topping the class. The Westpac Young Technologists Scholarship is all about you, your drive and your desire to actually be part of something bigger.

This scholarship gives you $5,000 per year over three years, but that’s not even the best bit. You will also have access to paid internship opportunities and mentoring, an overseas learning experience, and the chance to get to know a mix of undergrad and postgrad students, researchers and innovators from across Australia who are some of the brightest and best minds out there (basically, the best networking you can get).

Don’t believe us? Check out Niamh Conway and Riva Mendoza from the Queensland University of Technology; they’re just a couple of the many past recipients of this scholarship. Niamh had the opportunity to travel to Shanghai, China to immerse herself in a one-week leadership development program with a group of 40 young Australians, while Riva trekked off to Nepal for a two week program to learn critical skills in observation, ideation and decision making – both opportunities made possible because of the Westpac Young Technologists Scholarship. This scholarship is not just about the tech or the dollars, it’s about giving you opportunities that would otherwise be out of reach.

Sounds pretty amazing, right?

If you’re planning on studying a technology-related degree, like IT, engineering, computer science, design and tech or creative industries (even game design and business), then you may be eligible for this scholarship, depending on what uni you plan to go to – head over here to check out all the details. Having a degree is one thing but having the right skills and contacts that will equip you for life after graduating uni is another.