Course and Career Chat

Hosted by Kim Whitty

Careers Education

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Episodes

113

Latest episode

Aug 2026

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About the show

Listen up as Kim, a passionate careers teacher, chats to current tertiary students and staff to find out everything you need to know about university and TAFE courses, the careers they can lead to and the transition from high school to further study.

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60 recent

August 18, 2026Episode 11517 min

Deakin University: Why Should You Consider It?

Open Days are happening at the moment, and I want to pop in and give you a snapshot of the things I think are really important to consider about each of the major universities so that you can make the most of the Open Day and get what you need to make an informed decision about your future. So why should you consider Deakin University? The main aspects I talk about in this episode are: Sport Science. Deakin is the #1 Sport Science school in the world. If you're interested in a career in the sports industry, Deakin is the university for you. The other courses and faculties that Deakin has a great reputation in like Forensic Science, Criminology, Psychology, Nursing and Health Sciences The business courses offered at Deakin that allow you to study Marketing and Human Resource Management through the lens of Psychology. How you can dive into Marine Science (sorry, not sorry) at Deakin if you're not afraid of the cold. I also mention a previous episode where I interviewed Lauren, the Associate Head of School, Teaching and Learning at the School of Midwifery and Nursing at Deakin. Check it out here: www.roadmapeducation.com/podcast/32 If you want to make the most of your next Open Day, grab my free guide: www.roadmapeducation.com/open-days

August 13, 2026Episode 10919 min

VU: Why Should You Consider Victoria University

Open Days are happening at the moment, and I want to pop in and give you a snapshot of the things I think are really important to consider about each of the major universities so that you can make the most of the Open Day and get what you need to make an informed decision about your future. So why should you consider Victoria University? The main aspects I talk about in this episode are: The negative misconceptions many people still have about Victoria University and where they came from Facts to counter the misconceptions, including student perspectives and subject rankings The courses and faculties that VU has a great reputation in like Sport Science, Health Science, Nursing, Engineering, IT and Education How VU works with industry partners to benefit its students If you want to make the most of your next Open Day, grab my free guide: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/open-days

August 10, 2026Episode 11319 min

The University of Melbourne: Why Should You Consider It?

Open Days are happening at the moment, and I want to pop in and give you a snapshot of the things I think are really important to consider about each of the major universities so that you can make the most of the Open Day and get what you need to make an informed decision about your future. So why should you consider The University of Melbourne? The main aspects I talk about in this episode are: The Melbourne Model. What is it and what are the pros and cons? The number of majors available in The University of Melbourne's generalist undergraduate degrees like Arts and Science Breadth subjects and how they can support your learning Why time and money are important to consider when comparing The Melbourne Model to completing a double degree for courses like Law and Engineering in particular Graduate Entry packages that guarantee a Commonwealth Supported Place in both an undergraduate degree and a graduate degree Why The University of Melbourne might suit you if you're interested in research If you want to make the most of your next Open Day, grab my free guide: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/open-days

August 6, 2026Episode 11210 min

ACU: Why should you consider Australian Catholic University?

Open Days are happening at the moment, and I want to pop in and give you a snapshot of the things I think are really important to consider about each of the major universities so that you can make the most of the Open Day and get what you need to make an informed decision about your future. So why should you consider Australian Catholic University? The main aspects I talk about in this episode are: You don't need to be Catholic to go to ACU, and you won't have to study religion in your course ACU has a smaller campus than the other major universities in Melbourne, and that could be pro or a con depending on what you prefer ACU has a really strong reputation for health, education, and social sciences (eg teaching, nursing, psychology, social work) ACU's connection to Rome, Italy and how you can make the most of it How to study at ACU if you haven't completed a Year 12 qualification If you want to make the most of your next Open Day, grab my free guide: www.roadmapeducation.com/open-days

August 4, 2026Episode 11122 min

RMIT University: Why Should You Consider It?

Open Days are happening at the moment, and I want to pop in and give you a snapshot of the things I think are really important to consider about each of the major universities so that you can make the most of the Open Day and get what you need to make an informed decision about your future. So why should you consider RMIT University? The main aspects I talk about in this episode are: RMIT's location in the middle of Melbourne The fact that RMIT is dual sector and what that means for students looking at vocational training, higher education and pathway courses RMIT's amazing industry connections and how that will help you as you pursue your career The main areas that RMIT has a strong reputation for, including Engineering, Design, Fashion, and Media and Communication courses If you want to make the most of your next Open Day, grab my free guide here: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/open-days

December 9, 2025Episode 1109 min

VCE Results Are Coming: Understanding Your ATAR and Finding the Right Pathway

VCE results are released tomorrow, and whether you're feeling excited, nervous, or a mix of both, this episode is here to support you. Even though we all know ATARs aren't the most important thing in the long run, they do feel important right now — and that's completely normal. In this short pep talk, I explain why your ATAR is simply a piece of data that helps you make your next step, not a measure of your worth, potential, or future success. You're allowed to celebrate if you're proud of your results, and you're allowed to feel disappointed if they're not what you expected. I also walk you through the wide range of pathways available through VTAC, including vocational courses, UniLink programs, starting at a different university with lower entry requirements, or choosing a similar course at your dream uni and applying to transfer after 6 or 12 months (often with credit!). No matter what number appears on your screen tomorrow, you still have options — so many options .

December 2, 2025Episode 10910 min

What Year 12 Students Should Do Before VCE Results: How to Finalise VTAC Preferences

Now that VCE exams are finished, it's time for Year 12 students to prepare their VTAC preference list before results are released next week. In this episode, I explain why finalising preferences early leads to better choices, how to set up your list with dream courses and pathways, and what to do if you still have no idea what you want to study next year. Timestamps: 1:30 — What to do after VCE exams 4:45 — Why you should finalise VTAC preferences before results 8:30 — What to do if you don't know what you want to study Links: Work with me: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/services VTAC dates: https://vtac.edu.au/dates

November 25, 2025Episode 10814 min

Why ATAR Goals Can Backfire — A Healthier Way to Approach VCE Goal Setting

In this episode, I share why setting goals around a specific ATAR or study score can actually increase stress, reduce motivation and lead to burnout. Inspired by Dr Emily on The Imperfects Podcast , we explore a healthier approach to VCE goal setting — one that focuses on future pathways, not numbers students can't fully control. Timestamps: 1:48 — Why I've never liked ATAR-based goals 3:55 — Dr Emily's take on goal setting 5:20 — Why students burn out when they chase a number 8:20 — How to create healthier, more meaningful VCE goals Links: Work with me: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/services The Imperfects Podcast episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-imperfects/id1476501557?i=1000731475926

November 18, 2025Episode 10713 min

Why VCE Feels So Confusing for Parents — And How to Get the Information You Actually Need

In this episode, I share how trying to navigate my son's cricket club with zero information helped me understand exactly how parents feel when their child starts VCE. You'll hear why VCE feels so overwhelming, why schools often don't communicate clearly, and how understanding the system helps you make better decisions about VCE subjects, tertiary pathways and supporting your teen through Year 11 and 12. Timestamps: 0:45 — Trying to start cricket with no information 6:11 — Why VCE parents feel lost 10:24 — How I support families through VCE Links: Work with me: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/services The Parents' Guide to VCE: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/podcast/95

November 11, 2025Episode 10614 min

How to Choose the Right VCE Subjects, Tertiary Courses and Career Pathways (and Stop Cutting Off Your Options)

Choosing VCE subjects and planning a tertiary pathway can feel overwhelming — especially when you're worried about closing off future options. In this episode of Course and Career Chat , I share stories of four students who were unintentionally limiting their choices because of assumptions about what they could or couldn't do. You'll hear how, once they had the right information, they were able to make informed decisions about their VCE subjects, courses, and career pathways — and feel confident about their next steps. Timestamps: 1:00 – Penny's story: Exploring creative careers and overcoming self-doubt 5:30 – Hailey's story: Finding health and medicine pathways that work 10:50 – Two more stories: Deciding between Year 12 and trade pathways Links mentioned: Work with me → roadmapeducation.com/services