A survey of more than 800 students found that most people who go to university are looking for “financial aid, an increase in work experience, or other incentives for doing so”.
However, a number of students were surprised to find out that there are a lot of people out there who will match them up with an “unqualified” student.
Students at Sydney’s James Cook University were among those surveyed, and while the majority of them were willing to match up with “someone who looks like they could do something”, they didn’t know who they were matching with.
“I thought that it was a really weird experience to have a stranger come up to me and say, ‘I’m interested in your career’,” said student Laura Lopes.
I thought that would be great but I couldn’t find anything. “
They were saying they’re interested in my career.
The university said that they were unable to disclose the number of matches made because they had not had time to gather them all. “
So I didn’t want to go to them, so I looked for other opportunities.”
The university said that they were unable to disclose the number of matches made because they had not had time to gather them all.
“We cannot disclose the specific number of matched students who responded, however, there is a very small proportion of students who met their match through a ‘matchmaker’ service,” said university spokesperson Michelle Kelly.
“While this does not constitute a large number of student matches, this does show that the university is aware of the needs of students.”
The survey also found that more than half of students did not have any qualifications or experience to offer, and they were “looking for something that’s a good fit for them”.
“I just thought that there’s a lot that students could do to get into higher education,” said one student.
“But it’s also very important to remember that if you are not qualified to get in, you won’t get a job and it’s not going to be worth it.”
One student, who asked not to be named, said that she had a number students ask her about their jobs before applying for scholarships.
“When I tell them what I’ve been doing, they’re like, ‘Are you qualified?’
I say, I’m not,” she said.
“And they’re saying, ‘Well, what’s your qualifications?’
And I’m like, well I don’t really know.”
Students at University of Sydney said they were also surprised to see how many of them had been offered jobs.
“It’s not uncommon for students to ask other students for help finding work,” said a student at the University of NSW.
“Some of the students are very keen to have that experience.”
“But you can’t just go out and say that you need a job,” said another student.
