UTS Orthoptics student Stacey has some tips for making the most of your postgraduate studies.
Postgraduate study sounds awfully daunting. Back to university, meeting new people, an intense workload, a new campus – it can be a pretty tough gig. If you are on the way to completing another degree at UTS, then these hints might help!
After completing her undergraduate degree at the University of Wollongong, Stacey (right) decided that she wanted to become an Orthoptist.
1. Don’t be afraid to branch out and meet new people
It seems scary at first - sitting down in orientation week with a whole class full of random strangers avoiding eye contact. How long has it been since we last had to do this whole “introduce yourself” shenanigans? Smile and say hello. These people are your fellow students and future colleagues, so make some friends. It turns out everyone is in the same boat and you will find some lovely gems out there to help you along the way.
2. Ask teachers for help when you need it
Professor of this, Doctor of that… Coming from an undergraduate degree, I thought that teachers were unapproachable voices that echoed from my laptop after watching a week’s worth of online lectures.
At UTS, it’s a different story. These people are friendly faces ready to help you when times are tough. Small class sizes ensure you are not just a number; the teachers actually know your name! Send through an email, or chat after a lecture or workshop - they are more than willing to ensure that you understand everything you are taught.
Employers love to hear that you are motivated, able to achieve goals and willing to go above and beyond because you are interested in your chosen field!
3. Get involved
Being a postgrad student doesn’t mean all the fun has to stop. Get involved with university life and join a club or society. This is a great way to network, meet new people and gain some experience for your resume. Employers love to hear that you are motivated, able to achieve goals and willing to go above and beyond because you are interested in your chosen field!
4. Keep on top of the workload
At the end of the day, it is still university and work needs to be done. Keep on top of the workload so by the end of semester you are not swamped with a mountain of lectures to catch up on. This is another thing that differs from undergraduate studies; this stuff is entirely relevant to your future profession. So chip away at some study notes, meet up with your classmates to revise content and clarify things that confuse you. I’m not going to lie - the workload is intense at times, but this is just another reason to stay motivated and study hard.
5. Practice, practice, practice
The degrees at the Graduate School of Health have practical components, especially for Physio and Orthoptics. At the end of each semester, the course assesses your capability to perform skills that you would do out in clinic. They might assess you on things you learnt in Week 1, so make sure you practice these things throughout so you don’t forget.
If you can, use the facilities at uni or meet classmates to revise. It makes it way easier when it comes to study week when everyone is stressing out. You can be that cool, calm and collected person that everyone wants to be.
Long story short; have fun, meet people, study hard and practice and you will be sure to ace it at UTS.
– Stacey Federicks
Orthoptics student