A Snapshot of Australian University Career Services

Abstract

For almost 100 years, career services in Australian universities have been providing assistance to students. Along with providing students with career development learning opportunities and employment services, career services have the potential to cross boundaries. Career services work with all faculties and disciplines of study, form vital links and partnerships with employers, liaise with organisations representing professional associations and work with prospective students. As universities make their own decisions about the type of career development support they offer their students, the level of this service has varied. In this context, the role of university career services within the Australian career community is unique. Often unnoticed by policy makers and funding bodies, traditionally career practitioners within these services have quietly delivered quality career services to diverse student populations. This article provides an overview of the career services in Australian universities. It begins with a brief history of the development of career services and the significant shifts leading to changes in these services, before noting the key roles undertaken by career services today and the importance of their work. The final section reviews some of the possible challenges facing career services in the future.