Guiding youth success
by Rebecca Gill and Erica Benn
He
advises the State Government on trade relations with China but Alfred Huang,
UniSA consultant and former Adelaide Lord Mayor, is just as passionate about
his student advisory role.
Many secondary students grapple with which study path to take and, sometimes, a voice of reason can make all the difference. That was just what Professor Huang provided when a room full of Prince Alfred College students sat in on a Career Information session in June.
Prof Huang believes that guidance in teenage years are imperative.
"These days, excellent career guidance and career counselling is available at many schools. But I think one should always be flexible and open minded about the future," Prof Huang said.
"When I was young, I didn’t know what to do and for many young people it is the same today. We all need to share our experiences to help young people choose a career. I think someone like me, with a slightly different background, is interesting for students. I enjoy the opportunity to talk and mix with young people and their parents because education is such an important part of our lives."
Prof Huang, who was the first elected Chinese-born mayor of an Australian capital city, encouraged students to let their passions guide their future studies. While advocating the importance of higher education, he also recommended choosing a university degree based on interest and ability, as well as career opportunities, and told students not to become overwhelmed by the expectations of others.