So Sciency Scientist
Yearning for learning? Float away to the stratosphere or dig deep into home soil. If your mission is to find explanations for many of the world’s wonders, this could be the area for you. Check out all the different fields you could get into, the funding opportunities available, and where to connect with like-minded science lovers and professionals.
Pathways
Pursue an undergraduate degree in science. Go for a general science degree to explore different areas, or dive into a field you’ve already got your sights set on. Some universities offer preparatory courses and bridging programs tailored to help you find your way, as well as admission pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. Check out Course Seeker or Good Universities Guide to find a course that appeals to you.
Get hands-on skills in a science-related vocational course at TAFE or a VET provider like Education Training & Employment Australia or the Southern Cross Education Institute. Search for VET courses on Study Australia to get an idea of what’s out there.
Sign up for a short course in a specific area like machine learning, quantum mechanics, robotics or forensic science. Open Universities Australia is a great place to start.
Have a look at current job opportunities on boards like SEEK or Ethical Jobs. For roles specific to First Nations job hunters, you can search for ‘Aboriginal Identified jobs’ or filter for Indigenous jobs. Koori Mail, Our Mob and Indigenous Employment Australia are job boards created by and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people that are worth a look, too.
Funding
There are a range of scholarships available for First Nations young people looking to study science, like the First Nations Cancer Scholarship, the Stronger Smarter Institute Teachers of STEM Initiative and the TagEnergy Future Leaders Program. The CSIRO’s Indigenous STEM Education Project has also created scholarships at various universities around Australia to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander STEM students, so it’s worth checking if your university has one in place.
For more info about financial support, visit institution websites. Many universities and TAFEs offer funding for First Nations students. If you’re considering uni, check out the NIAA’s list of Indigenous Higher Education Units, where you can learn more about student support. It’s also worth exploring ABSTUDY, AIEF’s scholarship program and science-specific scholarships via Aurora Foundation’s Indigenous Pathways portal.
Networking
Networks like the Australian Academy of Science, the Young Scientists of Australia, Science and Technology Australia (STA) and STEM Sisters can connect you to other students and professionals in your area. There are groups just for mob out there, too, like NISTEMPN, Young Indigenous Women's STEM Academy and Deadly Science.
One fantastic opportunity worth spotlighting is the National Indigenous Space Academy (NISA), which offers a number of First Nations students in STEM the chance to intern at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in the United States.
CareerTrackers supports First Nations students from Year 12 and throughout university to connect with employers and participate in paid, multi-year internships.
Yalari’s Pathways Program helps to prepare students for life after school and to navigate the transition to higher education, vocational training and employment.
AIEF offers career support for First Nations students from Year 11 onwards, assisting with goal setting and applications for higher education, training or employment opportunities.
Connect with a mentor through AIEF or AIME. If you want advice specific to your field, in2science, IMNIS and Curious Minds are worth a look.
Indigenous student support centres at your education provider (like an Indigenous Higher Education Unit) aren’t just good for finding resources; they’re a great place to find connection and community, too.
What else would you be good at?
Hit up the quiz again to see where else your skills, interests or passions could take you. Or, jump ahead to learn more about the other quiz outcomes and how to get started on those instead.
More into working with your hands? Build your skills as a Hands-on Trade Master.
More into the latest tech trends and gadgets? Being a Tech Head might be your calling.
Ready to build and create? Explore how to become an Engineer for the Real World.
All about helping others and being there for mob? Being a Health Profesh could be just the thing!
Want to inspire and educate young ones? Get Schooled and make it happen.
All about expressing yourself? Unlock your Creative Mode, share new ideas and celebrate your culture.
Keen to stay close to mob and to uplift your community? Discover how to be Socially Savvy and advocate for others.
Got a mad new idea? Start your journey as a Deadly Entrepreneur.
What can I do now?
Thinking about pathways is exciting, but it can also be proper stressful. Check out Yarn Up to connect with community, hear from others, and access wellbeing resources and support.
Share the quiz around! Spreading the word is a great way to lift up mob and support each other.
Hear young Australian of the Year and founder of Deadly Science Corey Tutt reflect on how life’s twists and turns can lead to unexpected passions and opportunities along the way.