Published on: 27 June 2014


One hundred boys discussed their career aspirations with ‘young’ old boys last week at the second annual Year 12 Career Breakfasts held in the Old Boys’ Gallery. The joint initiative between the Old Boys’ Association (OBA) and the School gives boys an opportunity to ask questions of alumni from a range of fields.

Three breakfasts were held over three mornings before school with various fields grouped together. Twenty-two old boys were represented from the industries of business and commerce; engineering, architecture and arts; and health science.

One or two old boys were seated at each table and moved between tables during the breakfast. At the end of the event, the old boys took the floor for a 20-minute question and answer session. Many boys also remained behind to ask further questions.

Some of the general advice given included: do not panic, you do not need to know the occupation you are going to pursue at the end of Year 12; for some people, a general degree is a good idea; make the most of all opportunities, any experience is a good experience; and try to get some work experience, employers are looking for this.

Career Counsellor Jody Clarke said the breakfasts were again, very well received by the Year 12 students. Mrs Clarke said the boys seemed to genuinely appreciate being able to talk to young old boys about their work, study paths and the reasons for choosing their particular occupation.

“One boy got so much out of the first breakfast, he asked if he could attend all three, which he did,” Mrs Clarke said. “Another boy’s mother reported that her son felt it was the best event he had attended all year, and it had given him more direction.”

Alumni Officer Andrew Baird said, such is the depth of talent within the Old Boys’ network, that only one speaker out of the 22, was a speaker at last year’s breakfasts.