ABCN Find Your Purpose

During The Australian Business and Community Network's (ABCN) Find Your Purpose experience twenty Year 9s and 10s worked with mentors from American Express to identify their values, interests and skills. The students thoroughly enjoyed the process and gained and understanding of the importance of aligning career aspirations with their strengths and values and listed strategies to gain more information about gathering information for career planning. Students' responses (below) indicate the value of this program and JFSC is very grateful for the support provided by ABCN and American Express personnel.

Rating Area	Before FYP Rating 5-7	After FYP Rating 5-7
I feel confident about choosing a career	44%	78%
I understand how using my strengths and knowing my values will help me build a career and life I love	39%	94%
I understand the importance of researching career options before making decisions	61%	100%
I know the steps I need to take to explore my career ideas	39%	89%
I plan to complete year 12	94%	94%
I plan to undertake further education such as TAFE, university or other courses	61%	83%
I am aware of a range of career options and pathways	61%	94%
I feel comfortable connecting with and developing relationships with other people	56%	78%

Student Comments:

What was the most useful thing you learnt in this program and/or from your mentor?

"I learned that you may want to do a certain career at some point in life, but you may end up doing something completely different."

"To have more options in a career and that careers are flexible."

"You do not always have to follow the path you wanted when you were younger, your mind can change."

"The mentors shared their experiences, and I understood that changing what you do in the future is okay!"

Is there anything you'd like to say to your mentor/s?

"It was worthwhile because it helped me learn so much about myself!"

"I think it was worthwhile because I got to meet new people in the workplace and have good conversations."

"I think it was worthwhile because it was an engaging experience between the mentors and students."

"I would like to say thank you so much for helping me understand the future and your backgrounds, how you guys managed to achieve your goals."

"Thank you, David and Tiffany, for helping me open up my mind about the future and the career I want!"