By Shamsiya Hussainpoor
If you’re looking for career guidance, job search tips, or resume advice, Belgrave Library is the place to be on the first Monday of every month.
Swinburne Skills and Job Centre careers support advisor, Olivia McDougall will be on hand to offer free one-on-one career services to the community, with sessions running from 10am to 12pm on Monday 3 March.
As a qualified career practitioner, Ms McDougall and her team are committed to helping individuals of all backgrounds navigate their career paths.
“Our goal is to make our services accessible to the local community, and libraries provide the perfect environment to meet people where they are comfortable,” Ms McDougall said.
The Belgrave Library sessions are part of a wider initiative to bring career support into local community spaces across the Dandenong Ranges and beyond.
No one too young or too old for career support:
The Swinburne Skills and Job Centre offers free and impartial services for everyone, no matter their age or stage in life.
“We see clients ranging from school leavers to mature-age individuals looking for a career change,” she said.
“Our clients come from all walks of life – some are looking for a job after returning to work as parents, while others are long-term unemployed or in need of a fresh direction.”
These career support sessions are available to anyone in the community, and there’s no charge.
“The beauty of our service is that it’s flexible and tailored to meet each person’s individual needs – whether it’s one session or several, we help clients at their own pace,” Ms McDougall said,
Tips for students seeking their career path:
For students looking to find their ideal career, Olivia offers three key pieces of advice:
1. Explore and gain experience – try different activities like volunteering, internships, or part-time jobs. Exposure to various industries can help you discover what you enjoy and what suits you.
2. Develop transferable skills – employers value teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. Build these skills through school projects, extracurriculars, and casual work.
3. Be open to change – stay flexible, embrace learning, and don’t be afraid to try new things. Your interests and opportunities may evolve over time, so it’s important to be adaptable.
A Community-Focused Service:
Olivia’s role at the Swinburne Skills and Job Centre is to offer support to those in the Maroondah, Knox, and Yarra Ranges areas, but the program is accessible to all Victorians.
“Swinburne’s Skills and Jobs Centres are a fully funded initiative of the Victorian State Government, offering career advice, training information, and job search strategies to anyone who needs it,” she said.
The Belgrave Library sessions have been running regularly for over two years, and with no fees or eligibility requirements, they’re an excellent resource for anyone looking to take the next step in their career.
Whether you’re just starting out or making a change, Ms McDougall and the team are there to provide the advice and support you need.
Booking is essential, to reserve a spot, please call Belgrave Library at (03) 9800 6489.
