Ever wondered what employers really want from new graduates - and whether you have the attributes to get the job?

Thirty of Western Australia's leading employers - including multi-nationals, local-based corporations and government agencies - gave their frank views in a survey conducted by the STAR Peer Tutoring Programme.

The employers agreed that they are looking for graduates who have, in addition to their academic qualifications, 'life skills' - skills developed by participating in extra curricular activities that demonstrate leadership, teamwork and transferable skills that can be useful in a variety of on-the-job situations.

Importantly, they want effective communicators - people who can listen, as well as speak and write well - and who have demonstrated their commitment to others by being involved in extra curricular activities.

It's a tough call - and even if you fit the bill - you may find yourself working outside the immediate area of your experience; so adaptability - being able to think on your feet (and laterally) are important attributes.

Students who volunteer as STAR peer tutors can not only develop the skills, but have them formally recognised, while using their knowledge to help students in high schools throughout WA.

STAR offers documented evidence that can boost your CV by verifying that you have used not only your academic knowledge, but that you have been a positive role model for students who may be having difficulties and are wavering in their commitment to study.

As well, the STAR experience gives you the opportunity

• to be part of the STARtrek Science Show that travels to country schools twice a year;
• to be involved in practical contributions to the environment (through participating in the salt-land regeneration project along the Avon river)
  or
• to reach out to students in regional and remote schools through STARnet - using computer-based video-conferencing.

Becoming a peer tutor is a fun, rewarding and exciting opportunity for you. It helps develop those valuable workplace skills, while being part of a stimulating and mutually-beneficial relationship with high school teachers and students alike.

Since its launch in 1994, approximately 500 Murdoch students have volunteered to use their talents as tutors/mentors in a wide variety of subjects and schools.

Currently, peer tutors are assisting approximately 4,000 primary and secondary students in 30 schools across WA - from the Pilbara to Perth - and south to Albany. How do they do that?

The STAR peer tutoring programme was launched with the objective of improving science awareness among high school students, and encouraging more students to consider science as a future career.

While peer tutoring in science is still a key focus, the programme has expanded rapidly into other fields

As well, peer tutors have helped primary students with reading, social studies and mathematics.

But STAR's fundamental aims remain unchanged. To provide school students with: academic support, a positive role model who demonstrates commitment, and practical, first-hand advice that will help high school students make a successful transition to further study.

It's not always easy for new students to make the adjustment to campus life - and a way of studying that can be totally different to the school experience. Remember your first day at uni?

Imparting your first-hand experience in further studies can be an important factor in (younger) student peers raising their aspirations and achieving their full potential.

Student tutors are not trainee teachers, but are valued assistants in the classroom - working as a team with the classroom teacher.

Usually the tutor will work with small groups, assisting with assignments, class work (eg conversational exercises in Asian languages) and, ideally, specific projects or laboratory sessions. But, depending on the need, they may be assigned to work on a one-to-one basis - though always in the classroom under the teacher's supervision - or they may 'share' the class with the teacher, moving from student to student helping with some defined aspect of the lesson.

Peer tutors also participate in school excursions and may help organise field trips to the Murdoch campus, nature sites (lakes, woodlands etc.) and to relevant industries and businesses.

• helped organise and present laboratory session s in physics, biotechnology and biology
• hosted Asian language students on campus visits that include the use of the University' state-of-the-art computer language laboratory
• arranged for the loan of - or access to - equipment not available in schools
• suggested and helped run field trips on wetland ecology and energy studies
• provided a workshop on news gathering and presentation for media students involved with a school radio station, and
• assisted students with a wide range of projects - many of which have won state and national awards
  

• A half-day training session with informal, follow-up feedback sessions.

• Assignment to schools as close as possible to where you live - or schools close to the University's campuses. The assignment is negotiated on the basis of a match between your timetable and the school's timetable in the subjects you wish to tutor in. (Some tutors have elected to return to their old schools).

• You will work with - and under the supervision of - a teacher, with whom you team in helping students - mainly in Years 8 to 12 (though some volunteers have expressly asked to tutor in primary schools).

• Committing two to four hours, once or twice a week, to STAR peer tutoring.
  

Any student studying at Murdoch, who has completed at least one semester. All you need is those two to four hours free each week during semester. An allowance is available to cover all travel costs to your assigned school.

To register or for more information please send an email to STAR