Students in academic gowns at Valedictory

Professional Edge

Invest in your professional development

St John’s College prides itself on providing students with the support needed to invest in their professional development beyond the classroom to prepare themselves for long-term success.

Students at a Warden's Dinner

The Professional Development Program

As the world continues to change and evolve, students need to future-proof themselves.

Even after students leave St John’s, they have access to our academic and careers advising team.

St John’s aims to provide an environment in which students can achieve their full potential and continue to excel beyond College.

The Professional Development program includes post-graduate advising, resources to guide scholarship applications, careers workshops and consultations, networking opportunities and more.

Jobs & Internships

With nearly 3,000 Old Johnians around the globe, and countless partners within the community, we are frequently contacted by employers interested in hiring our students.

John's students are notified of upcoming openings, job opportunities, and internships regularly through our internal communications channels.

Students interested in flexible work experience opportunities may consider Forage and similar programs.

Thomas Oliver Academic Success Dinner
Speaker at an Academic Dinner

Guest Speaker Series

Not all learning happens in the classroom.

Throughout the year, well-known academics, professionals, business leaders, politicians, authors, and other exceptional guests visit campus to speak about topics such as climate change, gender issues, popular culture, and everything in between.

The aim of these visits is to provide students access to thought-provoking ideas in an effort to expand their world view and encourage new ways of thinking.

Speakers are invited to campus upon the request of students and suggestions by staff, alumni, and community members. They are selected because they reflect the College’s values and enrich students’ overall education.

Employability Workshops

Students at an Academic Dinner

St John’s College provides essential support in developing careers and employability skills.

Most St John’s students complete at least one work placement during their time at College and many are employed casually, complete internships, and/or take on part-time or contract roles at various times.

Our career specialists offer support and guidance regardless of the industry or type of employment experience sought. 

During the semester, weekly workshops are held on a wide variety of topics related to the job search and application process. Some of the most popular sessions address:

  • Resume and cover letter writing
  • Developing a LinkedIn profile
  • Interview preparation and mock interviews
  • Networking 101

Employability Resources

Students have access to Employability Workshops and online resources as well as personalised guidance.

In addition to the Employability Workshops run by the Careers and Employability Team at St John’s, students have access to an online library of resources, including how‑to guides, step‑by‑step instructions, demonstration videos, and more.

Weekly drop‑in consultation hours allow students to get feedback on their resumes, explore career options, or discuss any area of interest. Students can also book individual appointments with the Dean of Careers and Admissions for personalised guidance and support.

Tomas Oliver Academic Success Dinner
Thomas Oliver High Tea

Postgraduate Application Assistance

Old Johnians frequently provide guidance to recent leavers looking to apply to postgraduate programs.

Old Johnians, St John’s College Alumni, frequently pursue post-graduate studies and go on to become leaders in their professional fields and return to John's to provide guidance and support to recent leavers.

Postgraduate Scholarship Support

Graduates can also consult with staff about scholarship opportunities. Many John’s alumni have studied at world‑leading institutions such as Oxford, Harvard, Cambridge, INSEAD, and MIT, receiving prestigious awards including Rhodes, Ramsay, Liveris, Fulbright, and Monash Scholarships.

For more information, visit the UQ Graduate School Scholarships page or contact the Dean of Studies to arrange a consultation.

Acknowledgement of Country

St John's College acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we live and learn, the Turrbal and Jagera peoples, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. We acknowledge their ongoing spiritual and cultural connections to land, community and to Maiwar, the Brisbane River, on which our College now stands. We appreciate and value the interconnection of all First Nations people who visit this place.

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