Entry score not always the be all and end all

VICTORIA University student Shaun Olsson understands the importance of investigating all study options to find the right career.

A lack of interest in maths during his final year at high school meant the Hoppers Crossing graduate (pictured) didn’t achieve an entrance score for his VCE.

“My lack of entrance score hasn’t held me back. I was lucky to leave school and get a computer job that I loved,” Mr Olsson said.

“When the company closed, I had decisions to make so I followed my interest in electronics. The course is challenging and to be passing the maths component is especially satisfying.”

Mr Olsson is studying for an advanced diploma of electrical engineering.

VU community gateways program’s Janet Jensen says incoming tertiary students should seek guidance.

“The biggest piece of advice I can give is to take advice,” she said. “There are professionals ready and qualified to assist.”

VU offers free career counselling at its Highpoint learning centre.

—Helen Grimaux