In the last 12 months I have taken an interest in writing.
So when it came time to selecting where I might like to do work experience, journalism and the Deniliquin Pastoral Times stood out to me.
This week, as part of the week-long Work Experience Program for Year 10 students at Deniliquin High School, I have been working with the team of journalists who bring you the news.
During my time here, I have had the chance to help with articles, interviewed other students on work experience and have taken photos.
I even attended a community catfish release with the larger Pastoral Times team on Wednesday, which was really interesting.
Being able to have the opportunity to work at the PT has been a good experience.
The time I have spent here has not only helped me understand this field of work better, but also helped me understand what to choose for my electives next year – English and arts classes in particular.
I will be doing another block of voluntary work experience next week, which will take me in an entirely different direction.
My next assignment is in childcare.
I hope by participating in a variety of different workplaces I will find the right career for me.
I am one of 49 students who has been out in the community on work experience this week.
Childcare is very popular, with 10 students at local early childhood centres this week.
Other industries students have gone into include primary school education, veterinary services, dentistry, medical and fitness, forestry and natural resources, mechanics and disability services.
Deni High careers advisor Pam Sinha said work experience is great for building “soft skills” like communication, organisation, confidence and other skills.
“It’s important for students to get into work experience to help build confidence in the working field,” she said.
“It is important for personal development to assist you in becoming work ready.
“It gives you skills and a chance to test out skills in real settings.
“Some students are hoping to get school based traineeships for the end of year on the back of this program.
“One student in particular is doing work experience with a diesel mechanic and is trying to impress the employer to try and pick up an apprenticeship by the end of the year.”
Some students have gone outside of Deniliquin to explore career options, including Albury and Griffith, while others have gone back to familiar territory.
Eliza Buckley and Hazel Glowrey have gone back to their former primary school, and have been in the classrooms at Edward Public this week.
Hazel has been working with the Kindergarten class, with Margaret Werner.
“Coming back to Edward School has been a fun experience,” she said.
“I’ve enjoyed working with kindies and helping them with their group activities.”
Eliza has been working with a series of teachers – Teena Irwin, Karen Druitt and Sarah Young – with the Year 1 and 2 students.
“Since I used to go to Edward School, I thought it would be a nice place to come back to,” Eliza said.
“My favourite part was being able to work with little kids and help them with their writing and telling time.”
More from the work experience program will be included next week.