03 9046 8200

Doxa Cadetship

Doxa’s Cadetship Program offers smart, tech-savvy, entrepreneurial young people for Melbourne businesses

Getting through university and into a job can be tough.  And if a student is new to a city or hasn’t got an established network it can be even tougher.  On top of this there are bills to pay and study to get through.

Doxa’s Cadetship Program supports young people to complete university and gain the skills for an employable future and success in the professional world.

Cadetships are open to young people with challenging life circumstances who have finished high school and are about to go to university. These young people have secured a place at university but are facing significant barriers.

Everyone is different, but this could be financial difficulty, family trauma, being culturally and/or linguistically diverse, being from Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander background, or a refugee and/or migrant background.

Since 1993, around 500 young people have participated in the Doxa Cadetship Program.

It is a program that supports young people through university and is one of the most intensive support programs available to disadvantaged undergraduates within the sector.

Doxa CEO, Steve Clifford, said that: “We have a diverse range of students all in great need.  These young people are experiencing, and have experienced, significant disadvantage in their lives. Many are the first in their family to attend university; most are supplementing studies with part-time work. They simply don’t have the social capital, financial support or professional networks that you and I had.”

“What they do have is the skills, a growth mindset and incredible drive to succeed in business and in life. But they need your help in order to achieve this.

“We are calling out for all Melbourne-based organisations – everyone from a corporate big 4 to small, independent start-ups – to take on a Doxa Cadet this year.”

Corporate partners support the program by providing an annual flexible work placement (up to eight weeks per annum) with staff from sponsor companies participating as Mentors, supporting and guiding their Cadet to navigate the world of work.

This CSR-aligned social investment opportunity offers corporate partners a talented undergraduate as part of their team, skilled volunteering opportunities for existing staff and a chance to change the life of a high achieving young person from a disadvantaged background.

Doxa supports corporate partners by: providing a shortlist of talented applicants relevant to their sector; running professional development workshops and networking opportunities throughout the year; building a learning and development framework; providing mentoring and recruitment support, as well as on-boarding advice.

“We see key trends in areas of study each year and in 2019, our students are predominantly studying Business, Commerce, Health and Finance. They’re smart, tech-savvy, entrepreneurial Gen Z-ers. They want to change the world. Are you ready to be a part of their future? Then partner with us and join us on the journey,” said Clifford.

The Cadetship program is part of Doxa’s portfolio, a series of programs from grade 5 to university that dovetail together and support educational attainment while also offering practical skills and experience to assist in a young person’s journey towards meaningful employment.

To get involved or for more information on the Doxa Cadetship Program, please visit www.doxa.org.au.

About Doxa

Doxa is a Victorian not-for-profit organisation that provides programs for disadvantaged young people so that they can access positive life experiences, education opportunities and employment pathways. Doxa has been around since 1972 and their programs support over 8,000 young Victorians – typically aged eight to 24 years old – each year. Every young person they interact with has a different set of life circumstances.  Doxa’s aim is to ensure that all young people enjoy enriching experiences, educational opportunity and advancement.

For media enquiries on behalf of Doxa, please contact

Progressive PR & Communications
03 9696 6417
Darren Saffin / Jodie Artis
0411 089 209 / 0414 699 186
darren@progressivepr.com.au / jodie@progressivepr.com.au

Read more

Storytelling isn’t fiction

Doxa Future Insights program participant Hue Man Dang

Storytelling plays a fundamental part in the way we communicate, interact and interpret the world. It’s also an increasingly important skill in business. One young person who recognises this is Future Insights program participant Hue Man Dang. Hue Man is passionate about leadership, development and authentic communication. She recently won a coveted place on Anecdote’s “Storytelling For Leaders” course. Over to Hue Man to tell us more..

Hi nice to meet you! My name is Hue Man Dang. I currently go to the University of Melbourne, studying a Bachelor of Science. I am 100% committed to making sure that young people have access to educational material and resources.

Is the narrative of my life really boring? Sometimes I feel like it is.

But perhaps it isn’t – but it is just that I don’t know how to turn it into a compelling story (yet)!

When I first applied for the “Storytelling for Leadership” course, a part of me had no idea what I was getting myself into. I saw the website, looked at the past programs and could not turn away from an opportunity for personal development.

  • Leadership. Check.
  • Opportunity. Check.
  • Learning. Check.

I had only heard about storytelling briefly, but really didn’t know much about it, nonetheless I threw myself in the deep end because I believe that any opportunity no matter how slim, is worth it.

“Thanks to the wonderful Doxa I had the absolutely amazing opportunity of going on adventure into learning more about how I could capitalise on storytelling from a business / social perspective but also personally.”

Notes from the “Storytelling For Leaders” workshop

Storytelling isn’t fiction

When the workshop started, we were first paired up to introduce ourselves, and that introduction at the beginning was what I told my partner. Stock standard because society normally expects you to get to the point about everything, but this workshop wasn’t normal, it was a dive into the area of communication and psychology. Firstly, stories all have the same elements, a time or place marker, an event, people and something that has happened.

“From a business perspective, stories convey a business purpose and help contribute to the message of the company.”

Throughout the day, we covered key ideas such as the importance of being authentic, because storytelling isn’t fiction, it is real stories that happen to real people. When it comes to presentations and proposals you are going to get more out of stories that have context because stories are memorable, and are not just abstract terms in bullet points. If you want to make a good first impression (especially if you want to get that job) then your narrative is important, because if your introduction is predictable then people will switch off because they anticipate it.

“Stories show your values as well, and are a good way to build connection and trust.”

The narrative of my life was the same, but the perception was different

At four in afternoon, the narrative of my life was the same, but the perception was different, so I want to tell you a story to illustrate it.

As a young woman who was born in Vietnam, English was my second language and therefore I always struggled with pronunciation (I still do). During one of my debates in High School, a member of the audience suddenly stood up at the end during the comments section and straight up told me that I needed to practice my words more, though she probably didn’t mean it in spite.

But now it doesn’t matter if I can’t pronounce everything. No. What matters most is the story that I am going to tell.

Reflecting on key takeaways from the session (L) Doxa Cadet Jack Choo (R) Hue Man Dang

Looking to the future

In the future, I hope to use the knowledge that I have learnt today to give back to the community. I am currently working on a project called Brain Nation Hub which supports young people to build on their skills around leadership and growth, and so I will make sure the story that I tell, will be one that is going to help a lot of people in the future.

“I want to take the opportunity to thank Doxa for this incredible experience, without the organisation, I wouldn’t have been able to learn so much of not just about how I can communicate better, but also learn more about who I am, from such an inspiring speaker.”

Thanks for sharing your experience Hue Man Dang! Also a big thanks to Anecdote for offering places at their “Storytelling For Leaders” course to Doxa program participants.

Read more

Top 3 Takeways – ‘Run the World’ Event

The League of Extraordinary Women hosted the Run The World 2017 Conference

“Who run the world? Girls!” Doxa Cadet Michelle Tran channeled some feisty female entrepreneurial spirit when she attended the League of Extraordinary Women’s “Run The World” conference last month. This event brings together a multitude of female business leaders from across a number of sectors and gives insights into their success stories. As Michelle is studying a Bachelor of Commerce & Economics at Monash University, she went along to make connections, get inspired and learn some new tips. Here’s her account of the day and her top 3 takeaways…

To quote one of the most famous female divas of all time, “Who run the world? Girls.”

At the League of Extraordinary Women’s Conference for 2017, this answer was supported and proven by a range of brilliant female entrepreneurs. It was an event where females, and a handful of brave males, from all backgrounds and industries could share their passions for business while building a network of both professional and personal connections.

As a cadet, I was fortunate enough to be given this opportunity to attend the conference and were it not for Doxa, this would not have been made possible. So, for all those who are interested in knowing more about the league and the secrets to a successful business, here are my top three takeaways from the “Run the World” event.

Michelle Tran at Run The World 2017 Conference

Takeaway 1: “You can have it all”

Before the event, I would perceive people who were successful as these super humans who were either born geniuses or were extremely lucky to have accomplished their goals and create a name for themselves in the commercial world. To me, it was such a distant idea that I often would talk myself out of pursuing business ventures before I had even started.

At the conference, however, most of the guest speakers were women who were married and had families. They were women who had day jobs that most would consider normal. It was through hard work and determination that these women could balance building a business with raising young children and maintaining relationships with their partners, friends and family. It made me realise that I did not need any special ability to start a business and pursue my dreams, myself and everyone in the room were already more than capable of doing so already. To summarise with the wise words of Enjo CEO, Barb de Corti,

“you can have it all, but be prepared to work hard!”

Run The World – Melbourne 2017

Takeaway 2: Your turquoise moment

People often describe entrepreneurship as a long, hard and lonely journey. My interest has always been centred around how people have managed to stay true to their goals in the face of such adversity. All the women from the League spoke collectively about one of the most important factors to their success, which can be described as their “turquoise moment.” To put into context, Spell and the Gypsy founder Elizabeth Abegg spoke about how her passion for turquoise jewels prompted her to join her sister’s jewellery making business to transform it into what is now an international clothing brand.

Many of the women speak about how their intense passions allowed them to take the leap and turn their dreams into successful businesses. It was the fact that they stayed true to their ideas and believed that it was something they wanted to share with others which drove them to put in the long and hard hours to make it possible.

Michelle Tran, Doxa Cadet at the conference

Takeaway 3: 5-4-3-2-1 Go!

I find that often when I come across an amazing opportunity, I hesitate. Whether it is applying for a university program or even speaking to someone who I admire, there’s always a moment of pause that tends to result in nothing. It has either prolonged or prevented me from doing new things or meeting awesome people. Therefore, the most important lesson I took from the League event was how to stop this. “The moment you have an instinct to act on a goal, you must move within five seconds or your brain will stop you.”

“From now on, if I ever find myself hesitating to do something that will help me reach my goal, I just count to five and act.”

I have found that the fears I once had were all in my head and what I have gained has far exceeded what I was scared to lose anyway.

Thanks to Michelle Tran for sharing her experiences at the Run The World Conference. We hope you continue feeling inspired!

Read more

Alumni Stories Of Success: Priscilla Pham

Tell us a bit about yourself?

Hello I’m Priscilla Pham, I’ve just completed my Bachelor of Environmental Science (Environmental Management and Sustainability) degree at Deakin University. I’ve left CISaustralia as their Student Ambassador and recently joined NAB Financial Planning as a Client Service Officer where I manage client accounts and support the financial adviser in their work, and Tripod as a Programs Coordinator where I ensure everything runs smoothly before, during and after every program. I completed my Cadetship at BP Australia’s head office in the Supply and Logistics team and the Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) sector as a Waste Management Project Coordinator.

What experiences from the Cadetship program have stayed with you the most?

Honestly everything. Everything that I’d learnt from the Doxa Cadetship Program has supported my personal and professional growth and moulded my way of thinking. Going through the Cadetship and team leader roles in Doxa’s other programs introduced me to a new world of opportunities that I’d never thought I could reach, and it taught me a lot about how opportunities can bring out the best in those who weren’t given a chance.

“The best experiences of all is being a part of a growing family that will love you unconditionally and will always be there to support you.” 

What’s an achievement you are most proud of and why?

Being the person that I needed when I was younger and living my life the way I’d always wanted; by helping people in many ways that I possibly can and trailblazing through random opportunities that I come by. I’ve finally become a role model and positive influence to the current and future generation of youths, and now I can share the experience of overcoming unfortunate obstacles to those who may need that support.

“Everyone deserves a chance to better their lives no matter how difficult the situation may be.”

What’s the best part of your job?

Being thrown into a continuous learning curve. I have no financial background or enterprise education whatsoever and I’m constantly learning on the job, which means everyday is a day full of curiosity and wonder. I love that both my jobs are flexible and allow me to grow in their industries, whether it be through improving their current systems or by taking initiative in my professional development. Most of all I know that I’m helping someone in someway in my roles and that’s all the satisfaction I truly need in my career life.

“Don’t ever forget that you’re worth all the time and energy it takes to be the person you are now and who you strive to be. Life is worth living.”

What advice for success would you give our current and future Cadets?

It’s okay if you still can’t figure out what you want to do, being true to yourself and your passions are important and a great stepping stone for further opportunities that you may discover later in life. It’s a matter of being proactive, of getting out of your comfort zone and taking the initiative to find the opportunities around you and striking while the iron’s hot.

Thanks Priscilla for sharing your story of success with us. We love hearing about what our Alumni are up to post-Cadetship. Please keep continuing to share your employment experiences and successes with us. Email info@doxa.org.au if you’d like to be featured on the Doxa blog!

Read more

Lawyers Weekly – Project 120

Publication

Lawyers Weekly

Program

Cadetship

Summary

Doxa is calling on companies across the state to support and change the lives of high-achieving young Australians from disadvantaged backgrounds by becoming a Cadetship Program partner.

Read full article here

Read more

Australian Anthill Magazine – Project 120

Publication

Australian Anthill Magazine

Program

Cadetship

Summary

Doxa is calling on companies across the state to support and change the lives of high-achieving young Australians from disadvantaged backgrounds by becoming a Cadetship Program partner.

Read full article here

 

Read more

Pharmacy News – Project 120

Publication

Pharmacy News

Program

Cadetship

Summary

Doxa is calling on companies across the state to support and change the lives of high-achieving young Australians from disadvantaged backgrounds by becoming a Cadetship Program partner.

Read full article here

Read more

Being a young board member

untitled-design-10

Young people are awesome powerful agents of change that are sadly often mis and under-represented in society. We’d like to see more young people involved in governance, decision-making and strategy of organisations.  Our Cadet Gabrielle (Gabby) Breheny is a Board member, Chair and HR Director of the I CAN Network and offers some insights into her experience.

Getting involved in I CAN

Hey! My name is Gabby.  I am a 22-year old Cadet studying my fourth year in Psychology at Monash University. I’m also a Board member, Chair and HR Director of the I CAN Network. I CAN is Australia’s first social enterprise founded by people on the Autism spectrum, aiming to drive a ‘rethink’ of Autism in the community through mentoring, educational programs, and advocacy.

Honesty. Integrity. Autonomy.

My journey with I CAN came about through Doxa; by participating in the Cadetship program, I was offered the opportunity to attend a Rotary Youth Leadership Award (RYLA) residential camp at Malmsbury in 2013 and met founder Chris Varney who was a speaker there. I was looking for some volunteer experience and had always been a very passionate Autism advocate, so I didn’t hesitate to put my hand up to help out…and the rest is history.  I currently spend between 10 – 30 hours a week on I CAN projects, meetings and tasks. I enjoy it so much it doesn’t feel like work. I’ve been involved from the start and helped to build the culture in the organisation.

I enjoy it so much it doesn’t feel like work. I’ve been involved from the start and helped to build the culture in the organisation.

My personal values are centred around honesty, integrity and autonomy and I strive to create a positive, passionate culture at I CAN in which these values are honoured and represented.

untitled-design-7

Why be a (young) board member?

I am super passionate about being a board member. Having young people on the Board can really help inject energy, progressive thinking and vigour to an organisation. Another element that is really important for Boards is that they maintain their company’s vision and mission.

I loved the idea of being involved in the progression of a start up from the grassroots and making it into a success story. It can be scary. Being a board member means that you are accountable for the performance of an entire company. But that just means that it has taught me to have an extra level of responsibility and diligence about how I work.

Being involved in the I CAN Network as a Board member has helped me further develop skills such as:

  • public speaking
  • facilitation
  • group leadership
  • strategy

Professional skill-building

I’ve also realised that I’m incredibly passionate about developing people and making them feel like they’re performing at their best at work they they love doing… which all ties into Human Resources. Three years ago, I would never have imagined  saying that I love Human Resources. I’ve developed some amazing personal and professional skills in:

  • presentation
  • recruitment
  • conflict resolution
  • talent management
  • training

untitled-design-8

The most rewarding thing about being a young board member in the not-for-profit space is knowing that your decisions really do have a positive, significant impact on the lives of the people we work with.

The journey so far

Mentoring has also played a key part in my development contributing to my confidence and career direction. In addition to my work placement and mentor at the Australian Taxation Office as part of the Cadetship program, I’ve had the pleasure of being  mentored by quite a few different people in my journey, who have been invaluable. The most rewarding thing about being a young board member in the not-for-profit space is knowing that your decisions really do have a positive, significant impact on the lives of the people we work with.

Recently, a group of us attended Parliament of Victoria’s Inquiry into Services for People with Autism Spectrum Disorder which was a definite highlight in my journey so far.

Thanks to Gabby for your time and words. You can find out more about the Doxa Cadetship program here.

Read more

Catching up with Kim Quinones

untitled-design-2

Doxa Cadets 2016 (L-R): Michael Tran, Emily Dao, Kristy Ng and Kim Quinones

Kim Quinones is one of our wonderful first year Cadets. She’s a certified legend, a Pokemon GO! master and also studying Information Systems at RMIT University.

What’s your favourite TV show and why?

Where do I start? I have a long list of favourite TV Shows! I’m a massive geek and love medieval shows such as Game of Thrones and Vikings and I also love comic / superhero TV shows such as Daredevil and Jessica Jones. At the moment, my favourite TV show, that I just finished watching is definitely Stranger Things!! It’s so good! It’s a bit spooky but it’s amazing! 

stranger-things-1-2-14000-32

Can you tell us about your involvement with Doxa?

I am apart of Doxa’s Cadetship program and I am a first year Cadet. I’m very lucky to have Doxa as my sponsor company, because it is such an honour to work for them. My role at Doxa is as a CRM Coordinator and I mostly make sure that all the right information and data we have about our customer base are entered and stored within Doxa’s database accordingly.

How has Doxa had an impact on you?

Doxa has made such a huge impact in my life. I entered a rough patch in Year 12 and lost my way with what I want to do with my life. I didn’t think that I have any chance at all with having a secured pathway, but because of Doxa it all changed. They have given me a chance to step up and become the person who I really wanted to be. I became someone who is passionate, driven and confident with her future. The thought of my future still scares me but now, I have the confidence to believe in myself and know that I can do it.

Doxa believed in me and I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.

untitled-design-1

Doxa Cadetship Networking Evening 2016 (L-R) Grace Davidson, Kim Quinones, Kristy Ng, Emily Dao and Michael Tran

I’ve also met the most amazing people ever, both at work and in the Cadetship circle. Everyone is just so lovely and makes you feel so supported and cared for. I’m very lucky to have all these people in my life.

Name some of the things in society that matter to you?

To me, I feel like everyone should respect and not judge one another. Society expects so much things from all of us – how we dress, how we look and how we portray ourselves. All my life I’ve hated how I look and how I dressed and felt like everyone is always staring at me because I look bad or that I’m ugly. As I’ve grown up, I’ve realised, you know what who cares what they say?! They’re probably just looking for something to judge because they’re miserable themselves.

I say, no matter who you are and where you come from, everyone is beautiful and amazing inside and out!

iamawesome

What’s your favourite social network and why?

My favourite is both Instagram and Snapchat! I both use them all the time. I love Instagram more though, because I enjoy following different people who expresses themselves using make-up. I admire the art and confidence that they bring and share to the world. Another thing I adore about Instagram is being inspired every day and seeing the world through other people’s pictures… it makes me a dreamer.

untitled-design

 

What are the top 3 things on your bucket list?

  • Drive around and explore Europe
  • Skydiving
  • Go to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, in Orlando, Florida
Read more

Contact Us

Mail:
L2, 315 Elizabeth Street,
Melbourne Vic 3000

Phone:
03 9046 8200

All Rights Reserved