Whatrudoingnext.com

In a bid to engage directly with high school students in a modern way, the University has created an innovative documentary series which aims to create an authentic and unbiased account of the tribulations of ending school.

whatrudoingnext.com was recently launched and will be promoted to high school students in Southeast Queensland through cinema advertising, school newsletters and other marketing channels over the next few weeks.

USQ Marketing Manager (School Leaver Segment), Margo Baas, conceived the idea and is the Executive Producer of the series.

'A survey at the end of last year found 70 per cent of Australian school leavers still had no idea what they wanted to do,' Ms Baas said.

'What are you doing next? aims to tap into this indecision many Year 12 students feel towards the end of school and help these students explore their options.

'What are you doing next? is a documentary series that will follow three Toowoomba high school students through their decision-making process over the next six months.'

Local students Jeremy Conningan, Sarah Martin and Bonnie Andrews have been selected to take part in a documentary-style video series.

Footage from the students' journeys will be broadcast on the What are you doing next? website throughout the year.

Ms Baas said she developed the documentary series to assist students with career decision making and to explore the resources available at USQ to help with the process.

'As part of this journey we are also keen to assist these students and showcase USQ open days, career counselling services and interesting programs on offer.

'We wanted to develop something that would connect with students and use their technology and their language to show them there is help out there and they are not alone.'

From the ten students who auditioned, Jeremy, Bonnie and Sarah were selected to take part in the series after consultation with their parents and school teachers.

'We chose these three students for their differences and what they can bring to the series.

'They are all still pretty undecided about what they will do next year,' she said.

'It will be good to explore the process of career decision making through the eyes of the student as they go through the end-of-year activities.'

The series will include student experience days, auditions, exams and general end-of-school trials and tribulations.

'The website will give other school leavers a chance to look at what is going on and interact with the stars and other students on the blog forum.'

At the end of the series Ms Baas said she will look into making a documentary as a resource for Guidance Officers and teachers.

Click here to visit the What are you doing next? website and view the first episode.

Media Contact: Jane Urquhart USQ Media +61 7 4631 2559