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Careers Fairs Decoded: A Parent’s Survival Guide

 Choosing A Uni  | 3 min read  
Written by Alex Malicki on May 12, 2025  
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Remember the last time you wandered into a shopping centre without a list? You left with a novelty toaster, three scented candles, and exactly none of the groceries you needed. Careers fairs? They’re exactly the same. A whirlwind of glossy brochures, enthusiastic sales pitches, free pens - and somehow, you still drive home wondering… did we actually figure anything out today?

But here’s the good news: with a little planning (and a solid game plan that doesn’t involve collecting yet another uni-branded water bottle), you can turn the Gold Coast Careers Festival into a genuinely valuable experience - for both you and your student.

Know What You’re Shopping For (Set Some Goals)

Before you step foot in the exhibition hall, take five minutes to sit down with your student. This isn’t about making life decisions on the spot; it’s about getting a sense of direction. Try asking:

  • Are we exploring university options, career paths, vocational options, or even gap years?

  • Is location a factor - big city campus or somewhere more local and laid-back?

  • Do we want to learn about scholarships, early entry schemes, or alternative pathways?


If your student responds with the classic “I dunno,” remind them this is just about opening doors - not choosing the final one just yet. Think of it like wandering through a house inspection. You’re opening as many doors as possible to see what’s behind them, so when the time comes to choose, you know exactly which one feels like home.

Map Out the Must-See Stalls (Yes, Like a Treasure Hunt)

Most careers fairs will have a map available ahead of time (or at least at the entrance). Grab it. Circle the key stalls you want to visit, based on your earlier chat. Prioritise:

  • Universities offering courses your student is curious about.

  • Booths sharing info on scholarships, financial support, or alternative entry pathways.


And make sure to highlight one very important stop…

Visit the Choosing Your Uni Stand (Start Your Journey Here)

Not sure where to begin? Start with us. Choosing Your Uni is a free, digital platform offering a guided and highly personalised way for students to discover what truly aligns with their interests and priorities.

Here’s why it’s worth stopping by:

  • Unbiased, Independent Advice: We’ve created detailed, independent reviews of every university in the country - so you’re getting real insights, not sales pitches.

  • Powerful Technology: Our digital platform helps your student compare universities, explore career pathways, and narrow down options based on what really matters to them.

  • We’re Australia’s #1 YouTube Channel and Podcast for Uni Advice: Trusted by thousands of families, our content makes the complex simple and the overwhelming feel doable.

  • Support for Parents: We know how much parents want to help but sometimes don’t know where to start. We’ll show you exactly how to guide and support your student through this process.


Swing by for a quick chat, ask us anything, and see how our platform can make this journey less stressful - and maybe even a bit exciting.

Coach Your Student on Asking the Right Questions

The best insights rarely come from glossy brochures - they come from the conversations you have on the day. Encourage your student to ask beyond “What courses do you offer?” Try these:

  • “What kind of student support services do you offer?”

  • “How do students usually find accommodation?”

  • “What do graduates from this course typically go on to do?”

  • “What don’t you like about this uni?” (Yes, really - ask the student ambassadors!)

  • “What kind of extracurricular activities are available - sport, leadership opportunities, student exchange programs, internships, clubs?”


And if your student suddenly forgets how to form sentences, congratulations - you’re now the designated question-asker. Just remember to keep it relaxed and let them jump in when they’re ready. This is their journey, after all.

Take Audio Notes… Because It’ll All Blur Together

Trust us - after the third or fourth conversation, everything starts to sound the same. Save yourself (and your student) from decision fatigue by:

  • Jotting down quick notes on your phone.

  • Recording voice memos - even better, try using the mobile version of ChatGPT to record your thoughts as you go. At the end of the day, simply ask it to compile a neat summary of everything you captured!


A few notes or recordings now will save hours of “Wait, which uni was that again?” later.

Wrap It Up by Talking About Which Doors You’ve Opened - and Which Ones You’ve Closed

Before the day’s excitement fades, grab a coffee and have a casual debrief with your student. Frame the conversation around the doors you explored:

  • “Which doors did we open today that feel worth checking out more later?”

  • “Were there any we opened and quickly closed again?”

  • “Is there anything you want to keep exploring before we decide which door feels right?”


And of course, suggest keeping the momentum going: “Should we jump on Choosing Your Uni and compare a few more options while everything’s still fresh?”

Visit ChoosingYourUni.com for guided, personalised, independent advice

At Choosing Your Uni, we know that helping your student navigate their future can feel overwhelming - but it doesn’t have to be. Our free, independent platform is designed to make the journey easier, offering personalised tools to explore career pathways, compare universities, and discover courses that truly align with your student’s interests and priorities.

When the Careers Festival ends, the real exploration begins. Head to choosingyouruni.com and start uncovering the opportunities that will open doors for your student’s future.

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