Graduating Students
For graduating students it is almost time to leave QIBT and go on to Griffith. Therefore it is very important that you have all the correct information for an easy transition. Don’t forget the transition session on the 23rd of September:
12.00-1.30pm
Room 4.06 > Students progressing to Nathan or QCA
Room 4.03 > Students progressing to Gold Coast or Logan
Let’s celebrate with a BBQ in New Farm Park
To celebrate the end of the 2nd semester and graduating students, QIBT is going to hold a free BBQ. It will be held in picturesque New Farm Park, which can be accessed via city cat or bus.
We will enjoy the outdoors, play games, eat food and have conversation.
If you are interested pick up a ‘Free BBQ Voucher’ from Chris Hannigans office on level 5.
Staff Profile: Aaron Ruutz, Academic Coordinator
Aaron Ruutz is the Academic Coordinator for Commerce and Information Technology at QIBT and has been employed with QIBT since July 2007. Before this Aaron was working at Griffith University teaching, researching and working with different business and web related projects. At this time Aaron sidelined in a semi-professional music career performing, producing and managing artists and events. Aaron has completed an Honours Degree in Commerce and is currently studying within the Graduate Certificate in Higher Education program at Griffith University. Highlights for Aaron include being involved in the rollercoaster music industry for ten years and competing in professional muay thai kickboxing (purely a hobby now!). Aaron also enjoys following his beloved Brisbane Broncos and Queensland Maroons.
Past QIBT Student
Mai Umeda, from Japan, is now enjoying life at Griffith University. “It is great to be at Griffith because it feels like I have finally achieved my goal of going to university”. In fact, Mai, has stars in her eyes. “I feel like I am living in my own movie - when am I going to wake up?” She said that, although she is happy at Griffith, it is also a little more difficult. “There is a lot of group work and it is sometimes difficult to participate because of the language differences.” Overall she said that sometimes you feel ‘more shy’ because there is a larger proportion of Aussie students. There also seems to be more focus on individual independent learning and less class time. Mai was a successful student at QIBT and she is making the most of her time at Griffith. She has remained in contact with the staff at QIBT and sometimes guides new students around the campus.
Griffith Club - Grubs
Have you ever tried rock climbing, kayaking or bushwalking? You have the opportunity to do these and many more activities while you study at QIBT. QIBT students can take advantage of all the facilities that Griffith University have on offer. Depending on your interest and background there are many opportunities for you. Have a look at the Griffith website Campus life, for more information.
The oldest club that exists at Griffith University is called GRUBS, which stands for Griffith University Bushwalking Society, check out their website . The Club is still about a group of friends going out and exploring the outdoors together. It is about doing what you want to do with people you want to do it with, using great gear that a student could never afford. It is about meeting new people and exploring new places.
This seems to be a great club for all into outdoor adventure, making friends and having a good time. Joining GRUBS is easy. Your best chance is to turn up to one of the Griffith Uni Market Days at Nathan Campus - They set up near the stairs on the Johnson path under Central Theatres. Market day is every Thursday at Nathan campus. Why not join up?
Ramadan
As many of you are aware, Muslim students at QIBT are observing Ramadan.
Ramadan is a Muslim religious observance that takes place during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It is the Islamic month of fasting in which participating Muslims do not eat or drink anything from dawn until sunset. Fasting is meant to teach the person patience, sacrifice and humility. Ramadan is a time to fast for the sake of God, and to offer even more prayer than usual. In Ramadan Muslims ask forgiveness for past sins, pray for guidance into the future, ask for help in refrain from everyday evils and try to purify themselves through self-restraint and good deeds.
In Australia, Ramadan will start on September 1 and finish on the 30th. The Night of Destiny (Night of Power) will be on September 26, 2008.
Tips on finding a job
Looking for a job can sometimes be stressful and difficult to do if you don’t know where to look or what to do.
Here are some useful tips to help you get started:
WRITE A RESUME
First write a resume outlining your qualifications, previous working experience and contact details. Sample resumes can be found on the internet at http://www.seek.com.au/
WHAT TYPE OF JOB
Think about what type of job you would be prepared to do and when you are available to work for example kitchen hand, waitperson.
CHOOSE A LOCATION
Choose an area or place that you wish to work in which is easy for you to get to. This could be Garden City or South Bank. Start by dropping in to talk to every place you are interested in working at and leave your Resume. You never know you might just be in the right place at the right time.
JOB SEARCHES
Look at job websites such as http://www.careerone.com.au/ or other job sites on the internet. It is also a good idea to contact job agencies which can be found in the white or yellow pages under the heading Job agencies. It can also help to ask your friends and other classmates about any jobs they might know of. Most casual and part-time jobs are not advertised. Door knocking with your Resume is the most effective way to gain employment. Student Services at Griffith University also offers employment services call and make an appointment on ph: 3735 7470.
GETTING AN INTERVIEW
If all this is successful and you get an interview for a job always dress appropriately for the interview. Try to dress up or dress smart casual. This will give an employer a good first impression of you. In the interview be friendly and confident and try to convince them why they should hire you.
Good luck job hunting! If you have any problems finding employment or just want your resume checked come and see us. We are always happy to help you. Remember to be confident in your own ability and don’t give up.
Remember immigration requires that you only participate in a maximum 20 hours per week in semester. This can increase in holiday periods.
Chris Hannigan & Sofi Albert
Welfare Advisor Assistant (Work experience)
Bronwyn’s Stanthorpe Feature
A weekend of Wineries, Cheese and Apples
Recently a few girlfriends and I made a weekend trip over to Stanthorpe, which is located in the Granite Belt. This was our very first visit and all we knew was that it is extremely cold in the winter including snow on the odd occasion. It is about a 3 hour trip south west of Brisbane, as well as the home of some famous wineries.
From the moment we arrived, Stanthorpe surpassed all expectations. Certainly the temperature was definitely cold, but the air was fresh, and the sky was simply breathtaking. At night we could see many millions of stars more than the city. Stanthorpe has lots to offer with a number of national parks, various types of festivals on offer throughout the year. There are many opportunities to taste cheese, olives, apples and delicious wines. With accommodation ranging from backpackers to individual cottages Stanthorpe is a great getaway spot for groups or couples. You will definitely come away with a relaxing Australian country experience.
For more information try visiting:
www.stanthorpeescapes.com.au
www.queenslandholidays.com.au
Oktoberfest
Why not take advantage of Brisbane’s fantastic spring weather and transport yourself to Munch, Germany. Oktoberfest is one of the most popular festivals in Queensland. You can enjoy traditional food and entertainment over two weekends in September. For more information visit the official website .
Where: RNA showgrounds – Gregory Terrace Bowen Hills
When: Sept 19-21 and 26-28
Griffith University will also be embracing all things German on Monday October 6th. There will be food, entertainment and other activities on Griffith’s campuses.
Future Newsletters
Thanks for reading this September edition of the QIBT Newsletter. I hope you consider joining a club or perhaps use the advice about getting a job. Either way this newsletter hopes that you get the most out of your experiences while studying at QIBT.I am more than happy to include news articles from students and staff. Thank you to all that assisted in the creation of this issue.
If you would like to make a contribution to the newsletter then please email Christopher: chris.rayner@qibt.qld.edu.au
Editor: Christopher Rayner
If you do not wish to receive further emails from QIBT, please email Jordan Capp and request to be unsubscribed.