BEST PRACTICE GUIDE

HOW TO advise students who are unsure ofUndergraduate

their study path student advising at UWA
After reading this guide, you will be able to:
1. assist students to develop self awareness
2. direct students to resources
3. guide students to make informed decisions.

WHO IS THIS GUIDE FOR?

Discussions with the student should be handled by a senior adviser.

ABOUT UNDECIDED STUDENTS

Students who are unsure of their study path may range from those who are uncertain if they are enrolled in the correct
major/s to those who have no idea of what to study. The student may be ’unwilling, unable or unready to make educational
decisions and/or vocational decisions’. 1 It is important that the adviser understands that the time students take to make a
decision will vary.

Students need to be guided to make informed and wise decisions. It is not up to the adviser to make decisions for the
students. The adviser’s role is to direct the student to available resources, and encourage the student to become self aware
and informed so that they can confidently make a decision.

Students need not feel stressed if they have not made a decision in first year. The course structure allows students the
freedom to delay making a decision on their degree-specific until second year, as long as they have studied sufficient first
year units to be credited toward a degree-specific major.

Advisers should make the students aware that a particular major does not guarantee a certain job – the job market is
constantly changing and evolving. Skills learnt in one major can be transferrable and applied in another field. Students should
be encouraged to consider second majors outside their degree and creative choices of electives and broadening units so that
they have breadth of skills. Some professional graduate courses like Law do not require a particular undergraduate major.

If students decide that they wish to change enrolment and enrol in different majors, they should be made aware that it may
take longer to finish their degree.

ADVISING THE STUDENT

Advisers can guide students in the decision making process by directing them to take the following steps.

Exploration and self awareness

Advisers should encourage students to explore who they are, and evaluate their interests, abilities and goals. Students, who
experience difficulties in articulating what their talents and interests are, may find a written exercise valuable. Ask the
student to reflect on and write about:
 what activities they enjoy doing;

 what subjects they enjoy studying;

 what activities and subjects they have performed well in;

 what they would like to learn more about;

 what careers they are interested in;

 what subjects and activities they don’t enjoy; and

 what are their personal characteristics (e.g. like communicatingHow topeople,

with advisedislike
students
detail).unsure of their study path
The results of this discussion or written exercise will lay the groundwork for the decision making process.
Research: building knowledge

1
Gordon, V.N. (1984). The undecided college student: An academic and career advising challenge. Springfield, IL: Charles C. Thomas

Guide 4 - Last updated: 3rd February 2012 Page 1 of 2

 Encourage students to start researching the different educational and vocational opportunities available.
 Educational: direct the students to information on majors, disciplines and academic skills.

 Vocational: direct the students to resources on careers. Suggest that they speak to professionals to find out what

their job entails. Advise the student to explore the possibility of volunteering to gain job experience in an industry
that interests them or apply for an internship or vacation work.

Decision making
Students should now be ready to evaluate educational and career pathways according to the self-knowledge that they have
built up. Get the student to choose the majors and/or careers that interest them most and evaluate the pros and cons of
each one. Suggest they map out educational and professional pathways and rank them according to their interests and
values. Students can use the first year and/or course study plans to map out combinations of majors, broadening units and
electives. Ask the student to reflect whether the pathways they have chosen are compatible with their abilities and needs.

INTERVIEW SUPPORT
Advising context
Advice of this kind should preferably be given face-to-face.

Useful questions
 What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
 What have you excelled at?
 What would you like to learn?
 What do you want to achieve?
 How would you describe yourself?
 Have you considered taking approved leave for one or two semesters?
 Have you considered changing course?
 Have you thought about speaking to professionals about their work and what it entails?

WHEN SHOULD YOU REFER?

In some cases, it is important to refer students to other sections of the University.

When? Area responsible? Referral point?

When students require specific Careers adviser in the Student Support Services, Reception,
information regarding career and Careers Centre Level 1, Social Sciences Bldg South
professional pathways. 6488 2423
When students require specialised Faculty teaching the major Faculty student office
information regarding majors.

RESOURCES FOR ADVISERS

 UWA undergraduate handbook www.handbook.uwa.edu.au for guidance and use in planning the student’s course.
 First year study plans http://handbooks.uwa.edu.au/undergraduate/newcourses2012/about/study_plan for
examples on combinations of units which lead to more than one major.
 The Future Students’ website www.studyat.uwa.edu.au for information on careers and the study pathways that
lead to specific careers.
 UWA CareerHub www.careers.uwa.edu.au for career and job resources, workshops and events, career
opportunities for graduates and the mentor program.
 My Future website www.myfuture.edu.au for information on occupations, industries, labour market trends and the
My Guide career decision making tool.
 Graduate Careers Australia at www.graduatecareers.com.au and Graduate Prospects at www.prospects.ac.uk for
broad information about graduate career options.

Guide 4 - Last updated: 3rd February 2012 Page 2 of 2