Mentors give career advice to students

More than 100 people attended a mentoring dinner last week

The event which has been held for several years, was organised by Baw Baw Latrobe LLEN and held at the Warragul Function and Conference Centre.

The Inspiring Young Women dinner is designed to link successful women in the community with young students seeking some insight and information about specific careers or general information about career journeys.

It is an information and knowledge sharing event connecting young women in the community, giving them a sense of what’s out there and inspiring them with a ‘can do attitude.’

Compere Ruth McGowan, a former Baw Baw Shire councillor, welcomed the students and experienced women and described the evening as an opportunity to discuss career opportunities and pathways.

Ms McGowan used a series of hats to give examples of how she had channelled energy to make important decisions in her life.

She used a large bush hat as her blockey hat to indicate when she had to make decisions about her career and her decision to pursue agricultural science in a male dominated field She also had some dressy hats and even a tiara to remind her to have fun and not be too serious.

Her tiara had guided decisions about her confidence. Ms Mc Gowan concluded with her fire fighting hat which formed her community service, particularly as a CFA volunteer.

“I urge you to put on different hats and see where it leads you,” she said.

Presenting a letter to her 16-year-old self Maida Anderson, marketing and programs coordinator at West Gippsland Regional Library Corporation said even though her life would change she urged her younger self to be kind to herself and her friends.

She said her parents would always be her biggest supporters “be nice to them, respect your parents' decisions and say thank you.”

“Don't pressure yourself to decide straight away on your career. It is okay to be confused and anxious.

“Keep your standards high when it comes to boys,” she concluded.

Krysten Evans, Baw Baw Shire governance advisor said she was humbled to be asked to speak at the occasion. She said at 16 her life was just beginning. “At 16 it is hard to imagine what your life is going to be like at 28 years old.

“I was lucky to be bought up in a happy and loving family,” she said.

Krysten said she understood that her family had worked hard to give her a private school education. “I was nurtured by my parents and teachers. “The power of your life sits in your hands. “You can achieve anything. Commitment and hard work will get you anything you want to achieve.

Try to get a balance, eat healthy make decisions and own them and travel,” she said.