Socially Savvy

You’re all about providing essential support to people in need. Look into paths where empathy and understanding are crucial, like social work, law, psychology or politics. Explore the various fields you could get into, the funding opportunities out there, and where to connect with like-minded folks. What a job, staying close to mob!

Pathways

• Pursue an undergraduate degree in a field you’re keen on. There are plenty of different areas to pick from and plenty of ways to get into the course you want. Many institutions also offer 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 an area you like by signing up for a TAFE course or short course. For example, if you’re interested in psychology, look for courses on counselling skills or community services. Open Universities Australia is a great place to start.

• Volunteering with community organisations, social services or local government offices can provide valuable insights and connections.

• 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 one of these areas, including:

• Ngalaya First Nations Law Scholarship

• John Koowarta Reconciliation Law Scholarship

• The Bendi Lango Bursary

• The Puggy Hunter Memorial Scholarship Scheme 

• Dr Tracy Westerman Indigenous Psychology Scholarship.

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 Aurora Foundation’s Indigenous Pathways Portal, which can be filtered by your preferred subject area like law or social work.

Networking

• Networks like AUSPSA and AASW connect you to other students and professionals in your area. There are groups just for mob out there, too, like IAHA and the Australian Indigenous Psychologists Association.

• 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, and state-based organisations like the NSW Bar Association or ALS Mentoring offer programs that are worth a look.

• Keen to give back to mob in the health space? Look into Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs). Check out the NACCHO map to find an ACCHO near you. From here, you might find a specific Aboriginal Medical Service (AMS) that you want to get involved with.

• 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.

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!

• Inspired by the many wonders of the world? Being a So Sciency Scientist could be for you.

• 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. 

• Got a mad new idea? Start your journey as a Deadly Entrepreneur.

• Love delivering exceptional service for community? Get thriving as a Main Street Hero.