The Best Ways to Nail Your Cover Letter

Applying for jobs can be stressful, especially for competitive openings, but if you do it right you can take comfort in knowing that you’ve sent off the best application you could. You may already have a killer resume (if you don’t, definitely check out our Resumes 101 post), but you can’t forget about your almighty cover letter. This is one the your most powerful tools in your application arsenal; your smooth-talking sales pitch to catch the employer’s interest. If you nail this, you’ll be on track for an interview in no time.

But don’t just take it from us, our Student Learning Advisors can vouch for just how important a good cover letter can be. With their extensive experience and industry knowledge, they’re the perfect people to ask about anything career related. So, whether you’re changing careers or going for your first graduate position, here’s how to ensure your cover letter gives you the best shot at your next job.

Don’t re-write your resume

Your cover letter exists to grab the employer’s attention and to allow you to sell yourself, so don’t bore them to death like your high school maths teacher would. This is where you get to give them a taste of who you are, why you want the role, and why you’re good for it. For instance, if you were going for a technician role, you would talk about your love of engineering while highlighting qualifications from your Diploma of Engineering at SIBT.

You should also explain why you’re interested in not just the role, but the company and its mission as well. You’re going to have to research this a bit, but it will show them that you wouldn’t be going into things blind.

Get the structure right

Keeping your letter structured and professional helps to ensure that it’s short and punchy; it’s not supposed to be a manuscript. A proper cover letter might read like this:

Greeting by name – If you know who you’re trying to convince, making things personal and appealing to them directly is a good way to start. You might find this on LinkedIn or it may be on the application page. If not, a failsafe is “Dear hiring manager”.
A clear introduction – The introduction is your first impression, it needs to be short and sweet, but don’t let it get dry. Start off by saying why the position appeals to you, why you’re suited for it, and what you value about the company. If you just graduated with a Diploma of Media and Communication, you could apply to a local media outlet and discuss how you love the emphasis they place on integrity in journalism. Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through a bit!
The body – Just like an essay, this is where your evidence comes in. Show the reader that you’re the perfect candidate by bringing up the relevant experience, skills, and qualifications from your resume, keeping the momentum you generated in your introduction going. Action words are a great way to do this. Strive and drive are great buzz words. Remember, you’re trying to sell yourself and what the company might gain from you.
Conclusion – Now it’s time to tie it all together. Re-affirm the points you made in your introduction, mainly your enthusiasm and interest in the position. Encourage the reader to read the rest of your application, and invite them to talk face-to-face….even if it’s via Zoom. This call to action shows that you’re keen to seal the deal and prompts the employer to make the next move.
Sign off – To close it off, end the letter with “Kind regards”, or another appropriate sign-off, and drop your signature in at the bottom.

Finally, make sure that the formatting of your cover letter is consistent with the rest of your application; you don’t want your application looking like a train crashed through an art gallery. Visual consistency makes a big difference, so using the same design style, font, and font size as your resume is a must .

Most importantly though is PROOFREADING! Make sure to double check everything for spelling mistakes, punctuation, etcetera. It’s always good to get another set of eyes on it too, so you could ask a mate or a Student Learning Advisor to have a read before you send it off.

Final thoughts…

While this is no means a comprehensive guide, it should give you a good idea of how to write the perfect cover letter. A cover letter is your first impression with a potential employer, so starting off strong is crucial. Take advantage of this opportunity to sell yourself and your skills.

When looking for jobs, sometimes you might find out about an amazing opening in another industry, one that you’d love to get into but don’t have the qualifications for. Not to worry, because with a diploma from SIBT you could be on track within 8-12 months. With diploma options ranging from IT to Business Administration, or from Engineering to Arts, now is the perfect level up your career.

Kind regards,
Your friends at SIBT

Resumes 101: Tips to Help Land Your Next Job

The key to any job application is a good resume, standing like a trophy case showing off all your achievements. It’s one of the first things an employer sees when they’re looking to hire someone, so if you’re going to land that interview for your next job, you’ve got to make sure you have a killer resume.

Whether you’re going for your first graduate position or want to level up your career, showing off your education, skills, and experience with a well-written resume is a great way to make a good first impression on a potential employer.

So, welcome to Resumes 101. Whether you’ve never written a resume before in your life, or are about to send one off for the hundredth time, this crash course of do’s and don’ts should help put you in the best position to land your next job.

The DO’s

Prioritize important information – You shouldn’t be submitting a generic catch-all resume. You know what position you’re applying for, so put the most relevant experience, skills, and education front and centre. If you’re going for a position as an office manager, you could highlight your Diploma of Business Management from SIBT.

Make it easy to skim – Hiring managers often don’t have time to read through every little detail of each resume they receive, so keep things concise. Try using short (2 lines max) bullet points, write either your previous companies or roles in bold, and be sure not to squish everything together.

Have a separate ‘skills’ section – Putting all your relevant skills in one easy-to-read spot helps show the employer that you’re exactly the person they’re looking for. You still need to highlight them in the context of past experience though, you can’t just say ‘Teamwork’ and leave it at that.

No experience? No worries! – If you’re going for your first graduate position, or entering a new industry for the first time, you should focus on showing off transferrable skills, side projects, or academic experience. Pair this with a strong cover letter and you’re good to go.

PROOFREAD! – There’s nothing more embarrassing than realizing you misspelled a word after you’ve sent off your application. Get a friend or family member to have a look at your resume before you submit it.

The DON’Ts

Tell your life story – A resume isn’t a complete history of everything you’ve done, rather, it’s kind of like a marketing flyer selling you as the best person for a job. A firm looking for an IT support officer won’t be interested in your high school Maccas tenure, so don’t brag about it too much. Instead, tell them all about your Diploma of IT from SIBT and highlight the skills you learned completing it.

Get too fancy with the formatting – It’s great to have your resume stand out, but don’t go overboard with the design. Unless you’re a graphic designer of course, go nuts! Make sure it’s professional above all else, using the same fonts everywhere and appropriate sizes for each aspect. Contact details, keywords, and sections should be clearly visible.

Explain why you want the position – That should be done in your cover letter. The only time you might mention this in your resume is if you’re changing industries, but make sure to keep it brief.

Forget the submission requirements – Sometimes employers request applications in a specific format, like a PDF or .docx file, so be sure to check that you’re sending them what they’re expecting.

Final thoughts…

Having a good resume can make the difference between landing an interview and never hearing back, so it’s important to get it right the first time. Sometimes it can be tricky figuring out just what you should and shouldn’t have in there, but not to worry, our Student Learning Advisors are there to lend you a helping hand.

Looking to add another qualification to your resume? With SIBT, you can earn diploma certification in just 8 to 12 months, picking up the knowledge and skills of industry professionals there to guide you every step of the way. If you decide you want to take things to the next level, you can take advantage of guaranteed entry into year 2 of a bachelor’s program at Western Sydney Uni, Sydney City Campus. With flexible study options and 3 intakes every year, there’s never been a better time to upgrade your resume.

Your First Week at SIBT

For many, their first week at SIBT marks the beginning of their higher education journey, but along with that comes many challenges. Feeling super un-organized? Trying to get a sense of what you need to do, where you need to go, and when you have to be there? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. There’s a lot to get your head around, so there’s a few “do’s” and “don’ts” you should know before you head down to campus.

DO: Attend your classes

The first few lectures for every class are some of the most important in the entire course, especially if it’s your first time at Uni. These are where your lecturers will run through the course details, assessments, and expectations, and as such contain crucial information to help you get settled in. It might be tempting to slack off and catch up on the content from a friend, especially if it’s early in the morning, but remember, with our small class sizes and personalized learning, your teachers will quickly start to get a sense of who’s there and who’s not.

DON’T: Pretend everything will be easy

Let’s face it, during the first week you’re not exactly expecting much in your classes. After all, it’s just introductions, right? Well, depending on which Diploma you’re studying, you might be in for a surprise. Our fast-track students in particular will be getting straight into things, because there’s no time to waste when you’re graduating in just 8 months. Don’t let yourself believe everything will be easy for too long, you don’t want to be caught off guard and fall behind right at the start.

DO: Get to know public transport

If you’ve got a workshop that starts at 10 AM sharp, you don’t want to be stressing about showing up late. Luckily, with SIBT’s prime location in the heart of the CBD, there are plenty of options when it comes to public transport, so brushing up on your public transport knowledge will help make your life so much easier. There’s a bus stop right outside campus, and you can easily walk from both the Museum and Town Hall train stations in just a few minutes. Knowing which busses and/or trains you need to take, as well as when they leave, will help take a bit of stress off during your first few days.

DON’T: Be shy!

University is a place of new beginnings, in both your academic and social lives, so it’s important to you put yourself out there and meet new people, especially during your first week. Most new people on campus won’t know a single other person there, so they’ll be looking to get out and make friends, just like you! Giving someone a hand with their books, starting a conversation in the elevator, or talking to your table before the start of a workshop are great places to start. Don’t forget to check out the kitchens, either! There’s one on every level, and this is usually where you’ll find loads of people getting snacks, drinks, or resting between classes, (as well as free breakfast!) so don’t be afraid to introduce yourself.

DO: Join clubs and societies!

One great thing about being at Uni is that there are tons of people with different backgrounds and interests, and you’ll usually find that there’s a social group for each! You can hop on the court with the basketball club, jam with the music society, or get to know one of the many international student societies, just to name a few! Taking part in the sporting and social activities on offer by all the clubs on the Sydney City Campus is a fantastic way to not only have a blast but meet like-minded people!

Final thoughts…

Your first week at SIBT is going to be a stressful but exciting time. Feeling completely disorganized and stressed out is totally normal at this stage, so don’t worry! As you get more comfortable with the way things work, join societies and clubs, understand your course load, and, most importantly, make new friends, you’ll start to settle in and feel more comfortable. If you ever have any questions or troubles during your first week, or any week for that matter, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your mentor or student support staff. We’re here for you every step of the way, and we hope your first week is a great one!

Missed out on an offer to Uni? Don’t panic, there’s another way in!

Whether you’ve missed out on receiving an offer to study at university or you don’t like the options you’ve been left with, there is no reason to panic. As we outlined in our blog ‘Dealing with the Chaos of the ATAR Release‘, there are a number of routes to higher education. Although, if your parents are hounding you for your results or you have your heart set on a Bachelor of Business, a future in IT, Engineering or even a place in Media, we have you covered.

The Diploma

Studying a diploma at SIBT guarantees you direct entry into year two of a bachelor degree at Western Sydney University, Sydney City Campus. Meaning, you’ll still complete your tertiary studies in three years! Well, four if you study a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours). You start with your friends and you graduate with your friends. We’d call that a win.

You can choose from five diploma programs, that will gain you access to a number of bachelor degrees.

SIBT Diploma	2ND YEAR AT WESTERN SYDNEY UNIVERSITY, SYDNEY CITY CAMPUS
Diploma of Arts	Bachelor of Social Science (Criminology and Criminal Justice)
Diploma of Business Administration	Bachelor of Business Bachelor of Accounting
Diploma of Media and Communication	Bachelor of Communication (Advertising) Bachelor of Communication (Journalism) Bachelor of Communication (Public Relations)
Diploma of Engineering	Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) Bachelor of Engineering Science
Diploma of Information Technology	Bachelor of ICT Bachelor of Information Systems

That’s all good and proper if a Uni degree is your end goal, but what if you just want to fast forward to working in the industry of your dreams? Our diplomas are a level five qualification, designed to equip students with a broad set of skills and in-depth knowledge about the industry they wish to join. Of course, you can’t study a Diploma of Engineering and want to gain an entry level role in marketing, it would, however, set you up for entry into a technical field. We’re practical like that!

The Foundation

Did you skip your exams or didn’t complete year 12? Our Foundation program may be right for you. We’ll help get you up to scratch and prepare you for university learning. The good news is, if you do well and achieve a mark of 70% overall in your first semester, you may be eligible to jump straight into a diploma, bypassing the rest of the program! Not so scary after all.

Final thoughts

As you can see, there’s no reason to panic, you don’t have to get left behind. You don’t even have to hide from your folks as you attempt to create your own university (it’s too much work, trust us). We’ve got programs that will get you to where you want to be. Applications are still open, so apply for free today.

Moving Out: Essentials for University 

Starting university can be stressful enough; imagine having to move out of your home. Whether you’re moving from across the globe or the other side of Sydney, you need a plan.  Wondering what to pack? Here’s a quick guide to help you get started.

The Essentials: 

Clothes and shoes – Crazy, right? Just don’t bring everything. Pack enough to cover you for at least 10 days, you might run out of time to do the washing. If you haven’t worn something in ages, leave it at home. Unless it’s a warm coat, Sydney can get cold in the winter if your more used to warmer climates. Make sure to pack at least one set of nice clothes, you never know when you might need them!

Toiletries – Again, obvious. However, in addition to your usual toothbrush, toothpaste, make-up, shampoo, conditioner, personal hygiene supplies, etc., it’s always handy to have some Panadol and a mini first aid kit. But if there’s one thing from you can’t forget, its deodorant!

Your laptop! – Your laptop is going to be your lifeline for everything from homework to exam prep. However, if you don’t own one yet or forget to bring it to campus, you can borrow one from our friendly iHelp Service Desk on campus. You can also buy an affordable one here in Sydney from many of our local stores, remember to check for special student discounts.

Chargers and electronics – There’s nothing worse than getting to the end of the day with a flat phone and then realising you don’t have a way to charge it. The same applies for laptops, speakers, and anything else with a battery.

Towels and a bathmat – Probably best, unless you fancy drying off in the sun. If it’s too much to pack, you can always pop into KMART or another affordable store to purchase a fluffy towel cheap.

Decorations and mementos – You’re not in jail, so don’t let your room feel like one. Bringing along a few pieces of home, like posters, a fake plant, or especially a family photo, will liven up your space to help you relax. It will also help reduce homesickness, something especially important for our international friends.

Important documents – These could include anything from your passport and health insurance to your Uni offer letter or accommodation contract. Make sure you have any important documents you think you might need access to and file them away to bring with you.

If you are flying to Sydney, remember to pack them in your carry-on luggage.

Situational items: 

Bedding – Many places offering student accommodation will just provide the bed and pillows, while others will also provide simple bedding. Depending on your situation, you might want to make sure you’ve got pillows and pillowcases, sheets, duvets and duvet covers. It might also be the perfect time for you to upgrade. 
Kitchenware – If you’re moving into an apartment with a shared kitchen, you will be provided with most utensils. However, it could be useful to pack an extra mug or two, just so everyone knows it’s your coffee and yours alone. Just make sure you’ve also got some dish soap to wash them up.

Other Useful Things… 

A good pair of headphones – Not everyone shares your taste in music, especially when they’re in the library. 
Lounge clothes – If you’re going to be studying at home for hours, you might as well be comfortable. 
Tape, paperclips, and a stapler – Useful for assignments and 5-second fixes.

Do NOT Bring: 

Your entire bedroom – Let’s be honest, half the stuff in there hasn’t been touched since you first brought it in. Only bring your favourite books, decorations, and clothes. 
Your pet – As much as we would all love to have them around, you’ll have to tell them “see you later!” just like any other family member.

Final Thoughts… 

Hopefully this list helps keep your overpacking to a minimum. Remember, you don’t need to pack everything. As we’ve explored before, there’s loads to do in downtown Sydney, so between your time on campus, at work, and out enjoying the food, nightlife, and activities of the CBD, you really won’t have a chance to think about more than the essentials.  

Whether you’re studying a Diploma of Media, IT, Engineering, Business, or Arts, everyone at SIBT is looking forward to seeing you on campus.  

See you soon! 

Why the City Centre is the Perfect Place for Uni Students

With so many universities across Sydney, there are no shortage of campuses to choose from. For instance, Western Sydney University alone has campuses from Parramatta, to Penrith, to our favourite, the Sydney City Campus. Each campus brings it’s own lifestyle, but with so much going on in and around the CBD, the city centre really is the place to be for university life.

That’s why at SIBT we’re proud of our location in the heart of Sydney’s CBD, opening up everything Sydney has to offer in events, entertainment, and shopping. Right across from Hyde Park, our state-of-the-art campus puts Sydney’s best nightlife, restaurants, and parklands at your fingertips. So whether you’re looking for a quick study break or a night out with your mates, the city centre has something for everyone, so let’s dive into the ocean of options available to you.

The Highlights

One of the most exciting parts of university is the nightlife, and in this area the city centre delivers in spades. The CBD boasts some of the densest collections of bars in Australia, so you won’t have to walk far to find a good drink. With plenty of nightclubs, live music, and events on all year round, the party’s on in downtown Sydney.

For those who love spending time shopping, there’s no better place to be. Swing by after class and treat yourself in Sydney’s fashion capital, Pitt Street Mall, home to retailers big and small with over 600 specialty stores. With major shopping centres like the Westfield’s Pitt Street, World Square, and the QVB all within a 10-minute walk, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to spoiling yourself.

If you’re a foodie, we’ve got good news for you; there are over 30 cafes, pubs, and restaurants within 500 metres of our front door. Being in the heart of Sydney means you have access to all the vibrant and distinct cultures that find their home here, with plenty of offerings from Italian to Thai that’ll make for a great break between classes. So, whether you’re looking for a coffee or a cocktail, spaghetti or som tam, the perfect meal is just a few minutes away.

Fancy a picnic instead, or just looking for a quick study break before exams? Well luckily for you Australia’s oldest parkland, Hyde Park, lies just across the street from SIBT. Why not have lunch by the iconic ANZAC Memorial, or historic Archibald Fountain? If you’ve got some time to spare, you could always stop in for a few laps at the Cook + Phillip Park Pool, an indoor pool heated all year round. They also have an indoor stadium that runs competitions in Futsal, Basketball, Volleyball, and Netball, so don’t forget your sports gear!

Home to the biggest Lunar New Year celebrations outside of Asia, Chinatown has become one of the most vibrant places in all of Sydney. Just a few blocks from SIBT you’ll find spectacular scenes with dance and music from a variety of Asian cultures, all under a sea of lanterns. Of course, we can’t forget the mouth-watering foods you’ll find all over Chinatown. Even when the celebration concludes, there’s still plenty to discover in this fabulous part of the city centre.

Final thoughts…

With so many sights to see and things to do, the city centre has everything you need to make the most of your time at university before, between, and after classes. Public transport is just a stone’s throw from SIBT, so you can be anywhere in the city in a heartbeat with easy access to both greater Sydney and the excitement of the CBD.

If you’re looking for a Uni experience in the heart of Sydney, then guaranteed progression into the second year of your degree at Western Sydney University, Sydney City Campus through an SIBT Diploma is the perfect way to start. We’re here for you with our flexible study options and first-class student support, so you can stop worrying about your studies and focus on enjoying everything the city centre has to offer.

Why Goal Setting is so Important

We all strive for success, it’s in our nature, but few people are lucky enough to have it fall into their laps. So, if you want to perform at your highest level, or get somewhere you want to be, you need to have a clear vision of what you want and set goals in order to get there.

A goal can be anything you’re looking to achieve, whether it be something big, like developing the next Candy Crush, landing your first job, or joining your dream career, or something smaller, such as studying for two straight hours. As long as you know where you want to go, you can plan accordingly to make sure you get there; this is the crucial part of goal-setting. Having a broader goal allows you to break it down into smaller goals, making it easier to obtain your dreams.

Goals keep you motivated

Let’s say your goal is to start a career in criminology. Setting this goal gives you a long-term vision of what you want to accomplish, and importantly, the short-term motivation to get there. Now let’s look at breaking this down into smaller goals to help you reach the big goal; for example, finishing your Diploma of Arts at SIBT.

To do this, you might set yourself a task to study for two hours every day in the leadup to the exam period because you know that it will help you reach your overarching goal of getting into a Bachelor of Social Science, and from there, a career in criminology. Having smaller goals like this is a great way to stay motivated because every time you complete one you get a sense of accomplishment, encouraging you to keep going. As you complete goal after goal, you’ll also build on your self-confidence as you realise your own ability.

Goals keep you focused

When you have a specific goal in mind you know exactly where you want to go, helping you to stay focused on the tasks at hand. For example, let’s say you just completed your Diploma of Media at SIBT and you’ve got a job interview at a local newspaper. If your goal is to get the job, you’re going to do everything you can to be as prepared as possible. You’ll be focusing on researching the company and its core values, and remembering everything you learned during your diploma study to give yourself the best possible chance.

Goals help track your success

In breaking your bigger goals down into smaller ones, you’re making benchmarks that help you track your progress. This lets you check your progress to see how far you’ve come towards your goal, or if you’ve been slacking, how much you must complete to catch up. These smaller goals that you tick off along the way to your ultimate goal are a measurement of your success, showing just how much you’ve accomplished. They also help prevent procrastination by laying out your next step. If you know what you need to do next to stay on-track for success, you’re less likely to stray from the path and fall behind.

Final thoughts…

Whether you write them down or keep them in your head, having goals to strive towards helps focus your life in the direction you want it to go. A lot of the time goal setting is unconscious, you realize something you want and go for it, but for longer term goals it’s helpful to create a plan to get there, hitting smaller goals along the way.

If your goal is graduating with a bachelor’s degree from Western Sydney University, then that’s where we can help. Fast-track your degree and your goals by completing a Diploma at SIBT, with guaranteed entry into year two of your bachelor’s program at Western Sydney University, Sydney City Campus. Our first-class student support will ensure you put yourself in the best position to accomplish all your goals, big and small.

The BEST Way to Get Ready for an Exam

Exams are only a week away here at SIBT, and for some, there’s only a week left until they’re ready to start their journey at Western Sydney University, Sydney City Campus (this could be you!). But even for our most experienced SIBT veterans, exam weeks can be some of the most stressful and challenging times of the year.

But don’t worry!

There’s still time left to prepare. To help you out, we’ve put together some of our favourite strategies to get yourself ready to ace those exams. And remember, if you’re ever feeling stuck or overwhelmed by the stress of your studies, our Student Counsellors are always there for you. Now, how about those top tips?

Make a study plan!

To avoid cramming everything last second, spacing your study out over a longer timeframe with a study plan is a no-brainer. Not only will this decrease your stress levels the night before an exam, but it also leaves you time to double-check anything you’re unsure of with your teacher.

Obviously, the earlier you start planning, the better, but it’s also equally important to be realistic with your planning. The last thing you want to do is make an unreasonable schedule with heavy study loads in short periods of time.

It’s also helpful to plan your study by topics rather than subjects. Don’t just say, “I’ll study Intro to Software Design for 3 hours on Thursday”, have a specific topic in mind to review and break it up into manageable chunks of time. Make sure to take your attention span into account; you don’t want to be sitting around “studying” one subject for ages.

Lastly, make sure to include some down-time. You don’t want to risk burning yourself out by overstudying, so set a goal to study for a few hours and then reward yourself with some well-earned rest. Make sure to schedule in this time to relax and maybe watch a show, take a nap, or go for a walk. By building this time into your plan, you’ll be less likely to overload yourself with an unrealistic workload. If you decide you’d like some help getting a study plan going, don’t hesitate to contact one of our Learning Support Officers!

Mix up your study methods

Some people spend all their time reading, re-reading, and re-writing their notes, while others just skim their notes once and go straight to some practice questions. When studying for a final exam, it’s important to blend these methods and do a bit of both.

Try starting out by re-reading your notes, and re-write all the important details together in another spot. This way you’re focused on what really matters, and can take all the fluff out to highlight the most crucial information. Once you’ve done this you can move on to practise questions and past exams to put your understanding to the test, making sure you’re really getting what you’ve learned.

Keep on top of your health

Your physical health can have an enormous impact on your concentration, answer speed, and memory, so make sure you’re staying healthy in the leadup to exams. You might feel like you don’t have time for it, but don’t slack off your workout routine! Physical activity helps clear your mind, so you’re more likely to feel in control of your situation. Also, try to eat healthy, vitamin rich “brainfood” and stay hydrated, particularly on exam days and the days before.

Just as important as exercise and food choice is SLEEP! Often, and tragically, overlooked by students, a good night’s sleep helps ensure that your body and mind are rested and ready to take on whatever you throw at them. It might be tempting to load up on caffeine right before an exam, but if you walk in tired or crash off coffee halfway through, you’ll struggle to remember things that would have otherwise been easy. If you’ve made yourself a good study plan, and followed it well, you should have no problem getting a good night’s rest before an exam since you won’t need to cram until 3 AM.

In the Leadup to the Exam…

It’s important to know when to stop. If you’re up at night panicking that you’re not ready right before an exam, take a deep breath and be realistic; if you don’t know your stuff by now, a few more hours of late-night study isn’t going to change that. It’s better to get some rest and recharge your brain to make the most of what you do know rather than lose sleep over what you don’t.

Final thoughts…

While everyone has their own study style that works for them, incorporating some of these strategies can help reduce stress and keep your studies under control. Even if you’re a caffeine warrior who needs no sleep, making a study plan, mixing up your study methods, and staying healthy are great places to start when exam time rolls around.

Exams can be stressful, especially for our diploma students on the 8 month fast track program, but with these tips and the extensive student support we offer here at SIBT you’ll be able to go into those exams more confident than ever.

If you are ever feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our student support staff, because SIBT is here for you every step of the way.

GOOD LUCK!

Making the Most of Summer in Sydney

With restrictions easing and things slowly getting back to normal in Sydney, it’s finally time to discover everything this great city has to offer. From a beach day at Manly, to the bars by The Rocks, or a game of cricket in Centennial Park, Greater Sydney has so much going on you’d be hard-pressed to find yourself bored. All these choices can be overwhelming, so don’t worry; we’ve put together a shortlist of activities to help you make the most of a summer in Sydney!

The Sensational CBD

Keeping it close to home, there’s always loads of things to do in downtown Sydney. Just up the road from SIBT’s campus in the heart of the CBD is the Westfield shopping centre, home to countless shops and hallways to get lost in. If you’re looking for something a bit more unique, you can’t miss The Rocks. Here, you’ll find not only more bars and restaurants than you can count, but on the weekends you’ll also find the iconic Rocks Market, a vibrant collection of stalls and booths selling foods and local crafts you won’t find anywhere else.

With Australia Day just around the corner, we can’t forget about one of the hottest events of the summer: Australia Day at the Sydney Opera House. On the evening of January 26^th you’ll find our nation’s most iconic landmark glistening with laser shows, stage lights, and fireworks as we come together to mark the day with spectacular musical performances by top Aussie talent; and plenty of food and drink! If you can’t make it to the Opera House, the party continues across Circular Quay in The Rocks, with more live music and entertainment, pubs, and special events throughout the day. If there’s one day you can’t afford to miss in downtown Sydney, its Oz Day!

Even on a normal day, you’ll still find plenty to do in the CBD. After just a 10-minute walk from SIBT you can take on the challenge of an escape room at Escape Hunt Sydney, working together with your mates to solve one of many exciting, themed mysteries. But if you want to take it easy, why not go for a movie at one of the outdoor cinemas near the CBD? Down by Darling Harbour you can take a seat on the water for a screening at the Mov’in Boat Floating Cinema, or if you’re more of a land-lover, you can head over to the Westpac OpenAir cinema by the Royal Botanic Garden and enjoy a movie with a view of the Harbour and Opera House. Or how about a picnic at Hyde Park? Right across the street from SIBT lies Australia’s oldest public parkland, with acres of exotic and native trees, monuments, and water features, making it the perfect spot to take a break and relax.

Greater Sydney

Action Stations!

Moving out into Greater Sydney opens up a range of new and exciting opportunities. If you’re not afraid of heights and are up for a challenge, TreeTops Adventure Parks are a great way to get your adrenaline pumping. With flying foxes, Tarzan swings, tightropes, and more, you can swing through the trees and put yourself to the test at over 10 metres off the ground!

Climbing back down, why not make the most of Centennial Park? With plenty of fields and open space, it’s the perfect spot to bring your mates for a game of footy, cricket, a walk in the park, or even brunch. If you head west into Penrith, you’ll find loads more activities from ice skating, to go-karting, to wakeboarding! Or, if none of those do the trick, you can give skydiving a shot at iFLY Downunder indoor skydiving.

Take it Easy

Of course, we can’t forget the beach! Summer in Sydney would hardly be complete without a swim at on our pristine beaches. With warm sand and sun, and plenty of waves, taking it easy with a surf or sunbathe on one of Sydney’s many beaches is a great way to relax and take in the natural beauty. But if you’re looking for something a bit closer to home, the Cook + Phillip Park Pool, just across Hyde Park from SIBT, is the perfect place to cool off.

Last, but certainly not least, we have the hikes and nature walks through all the national parks in Greater Sydney. From bushwalking through the mangroves of Ku-ring-gai Chase, to the rainforest and beaches of Royal National Park, there are enough trails around Sydney to keep you walking for days. Perfect for hiking, cycling, or surfing, Sydney’s national parks offer refuge from the hustle and bustle of Australia’s most vibrant city.

Final Thoughts…

With so much to do in both the CBD and Greater Sydney, you’d have to try to be bored this summer. From shopping, drinks, and movies downtown, to the beaches, bushwalks, and go-kart tracks of the suburbs, Sydney’s got everything to let you make the most of these next few weeks before Uni starts.

But don’t worry, there’s no rush to do everything! Because with SIBT’s central location in the heart of the CBD, Sydney is at your fingertips. So, whether it’s a short walk to the Westfield, or a train ride to Penrith, you can make the most of your time at university and experience everything Sydney has to offer with SIBT.

Life With a Diploma: Where Can it Take You?

Everyone knows that completing a diploma or university degree is a great way to get ahead and take your career to the next level, but what exactly do you do with your diploma once you’re done? SIBT graduates can use their diplomas for anything from Uni entry to job applications, and with the variety of courses we offer, from Arts to IT and more, they can end up in any number of careers. So, with so many doors open to you at the end of your study, what can you do with a diploma?

Progression into University

By far the most popular choice for an SIBT graduate is to take advantage of the guaranteed entry to a bachelor’s degree at Western Sydney University, Sydney City Campus, that our diplomas offer you – something that 90% of our over 25,000 alumni have done.

Not only does this let you continue straight into second year of Uni study, but it also lets you continue study in the heart of Sydney’s CBD with all the mates you made during your diploma courses! This way you can complete your bachelor’s degree in just 3 years, enjoying all the excitement that downtown Sydney has to offer, but still have the flexibility to enter the workforce if Uni isn’t for you. Speaking of, what career options can a diploma offer you?

Diploma of Business Administration

Once you’ve completed your Diploma of Business Admin, you’re ready to take on a corporate career. This could mean becoming an Office Manager, taking responsibility for the day-to-day operations that keep the company running smoothly. The exact responsibilities may vary, but they always involve maintaining an organized and efficient support system; perhaps managing customer service engagement, admin officers under your supervision, and more.

If you progress to Uni and finish your Bachelor of Business, a position as a Financial Planner could be just what you’re looking for. In this role, you would be responsible for organising finances, predicting investment returns, and creating plans to reach specific financial goals.

Diploma of IT

The IT field has been booming in recent years, and it doesn’t look like it’ll be slowing down soon. This is great because it means there are plenty of positions for a Diploma of IT graduate to take up. One such role is an ICT Systems Administrator, where you work to ensure a company’s database management and operating systems are working at maximum efficiency. This involves designing, configuring, and maintaining database structure and architecture, while performing constant maintenance, monitoring, and troubleshooting to keep things running smoothly.

Another role with high demand is that of an ICT Support Officer, where you’re responsible for assisting with the installation, upkeep, diagnosis, and repair of both computer hardware and software. Both of these roles require extensive knowledge of computer systems and software, which your Diploma of IT will help you gain.

Diploma of Media and Communication

The skills you acquire during your Diploma of Media and Communication study can take you into a variety of industries, from advertising and PR to journalism and publishing. For instance, you could take up a position as a Digital Marketer, using various methods like social media marketing, search engine optimisation, and other campaigns to help drive consumers towards your company and increase sales.

You might also find work as a Public Relations Officer, working to manage the reputation and image of your clients or company. In this role you would be planning events and publicity campaigns to boost the image of a business or organization, while working to build strong cross-organisational networks to help support your efforts.

Diploma of Arts

Having completed a Diploma of Arts at SIBT, you can then move on to a Bachelor of Social Science degree at Western Sydney Uni, Sydney City Campus, and major in criminology. This opens doors to exciting careers in law enforcement, criminal investigations, and social research.

You could become a Community Corrections Officer helping to make a difference in people’s lives by working intensively with offenders after they are released from custody on parole, challenging your skills in assessing and influencing behavioural change. You might also become a social researcher, studying human behaviour and institutions from past and present to develop a more detailed picture of humanity.

Diploma of Engineering

With a Diploma of Engineering, you’re qualified to tackle roles as a technician in a variety of fields. You could take a position as a service/maintenance technician in anything from the oil and gas industry, to construction, or even the defence industry. However, with guaranteed entry to the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) program at the Western Sydney University Sydney City Campus, you can continue to specialise in either mechanical, civil, or electrical engineering.

As a mechanical engineer you can find employment in nearly any industry designing, building, and testing things like mechanical hearts, ground-breaking new vehicles, and more. Or, as a consulting civil engineer, you could get to work designing structures in any number of environments, from skyscrapers to dams and tunnels. Should you specialise in electrical engineering, you’ll find work designing and creating the power systems and equipment to power the modern world. With so many opportunities available, the SIBT Diploma of Engineering can take you almost anywhere!

Final thoughts…

With employment opportunities in law enforcement, ICT systems, a range of technical industries, and more, life with a diploma is full of exciting opportunities. No matter what challenges these positions throw at you, you’ll be prepared to tackle them with the collaborative, critical thinking, and communication skills you learn during your Diploma study, and any Uni study beyond.

If you’re really keen to get going in one of these options, then graduating in just 8 to 12 months with an SIBT Diploma is the perfect way to show you’re qualified and start getting your hands dirty in your new career. If you’d rather keep going for the full degree, no worries! You can continue on a guaranteed pathway into Uni with the flexibility to still enter the workforce qualified if university isn’t for you.