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How to get the edge in the health sciences sector

Health Science is a diverse area that requires a wide range of skills and knowledge in its application.

One of the best ways to ‘get the edge’ is to obtain not only course related work experience, but to seek out opportunities that help develop transferable skills.  The more relevant the work experience is to your studies, the better the opportunities to stand out from the crowd when applying for jobs in your field.

For most positions, employers will require certain skill sets which you may have to address in the form of Selection Criteria.  Some common examples of these skills include:

  • Research and Analysis: Demonstrate critical thinking by identifying key issues or specific language from a variety of media
  • Advocacy and Communication: Highly developed written and oral communication skills with the ability to encourage change
  • Physical Fitness: Interested in leisure as a way of promoting well-being, with a calm mental outlook and physically fit to cope with the demands of the job.
  • People Skills: Able to work as part of a team while caring and supporting a diverse range of people.
  • Flexibility: Adapting to continuously changing work environments
  • Problem solving: Identify key issues and develop innovative solutions.
  • Initiative: Thinking outside the square. Identifying new opportunities.

Work experience opportunities

Opportunities to gain relevant workplace experience can be obtained through the following:

Internships

Internships are supervised programs which are offered in a workplace. The student will have the opportunity to apply university theory in a practical setting.  Some internships can be credited towards your course of study.
Visit the Jobshop website to view internship vacancies.

Study Abroad

Studying overseas can be an enriching, life-changing experience, where you can gain in-depth knowledge and experience of another culture while learning more about your area of study through a new and exciting lens.
For more information visit the Study Abroad website.

Volunteering

In a competitive job market, demonstrated community involvement can give you an advantage over candidates who have none. Volunteer work is characterised by three elements:

  • it provides a service to the community.
  • the volunteer makes a free choice.
  • it is unpaid.

Volunteering Victoria
Volunteer vacancies on the Jobshop website

Professional associations

Joining a professional association could provide you with the opportunity to meet people in your industry, make contacts and show an employer that you are serious about your chosen career or area of study.

Membership may also provide professional development activities, conferences, networking evenings, workshops or advice about pay and conditions. Below are a few of the professional associations in the health science sector:

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28th September 2011