Scotch College

OSCAnet grows and grows

OSCAnet Registrations on Target

At the time of printing, OSCAnet registrations have topped 3,700, on track towards our target of 5,000 by the end of October. Much of this progress is due to James Ross ('98), who has been ringing up Old Boys to get them registered.

This means that we are able to reach out to more Old Boys than ever before with monthly emails, outlining upcoming events and issues relating to OSCA and the site. As more Old Boys are registered, the more chance we all have of being able to find out what our old friends have been up to, or to contact them.

Even if you don't use the Internet, registering means that your old school friends can find you. To register, simply go to www.oscanet.com.au click on the "Register Here" button at the bottom in the middle the screen, fill in the details and click submit. Alternatively, ring Mark O'Connor (OSCAnet Content Coordinator) at the OSCAnet office on (03) 9810 4150 and he can register you over the phone.

OSCAnet Business Directory and Classifieds

Now that we are approaching 4,000 registered members on OSCAnet, we believe that the site is entering a new phase where more Old Boys will use it more regularly. We currently have a few advertisers in the Business Directory, so please support them by giving them a chance to earn your business. Businesses include -

• Personal training, health and fitness
• Landscape gardening
• Car sales
• Architecture services
• Financial services
• Human Resources consulting
• Real Estate
• Nation-wide plant breeding

If you are considering any of these suppliers, ring them and ask for a quote. Also, if you are considering advertising on OSCAnet, go to the Business Directory & Classifieds area and click on "How to advertise with OSCAnet", or contact Rowan Crosbie-Goold (OSCA Alumni Network Manager) on (03) 9810 4302.

OSCAnet Mentoring Program - for all of us

We have had 25 Old Boys through the program so far, and all have thoroughly recommended the service. OSCA has committed to providing the service free of charge until the end of the year, when we are considering adding a small fee to cover running costs.

The Mentoring Program is designed to help those of us who have come to one of the many crossroads we all face in our careers. It is these times that we need to reach out and seek advice or support from others who can help. This is part of what the Old Scotch network is about. It is not about nepotism, but it is about offering expertise and wise counsel to those who lack direction and need some help to get their working lives on track.

Examples of where the Program can help might include the following -

• Not sure of how to apply for jobs beyond tertiary studies
• Not getting to, or beyond first round of interviews
• Seeking a career change
• Not clear on long term career direction
• Not aware of all options in the job market
• Have target companies or firms in mind, but not sure how to approach them
• Lacking a confidential mentor to assist with challenging career issues
• Lacking ability to "sell" yourself in job interviews

These are just a few examples of the types of situations that the silent majority of us face at different times in our working lives. These are also examples of where the Mentoring Program is designed to be able to help.

It's free, it's confidential, and it's there for all of us. To find out more, look under the Careers tab on OSCAnet www.oscanet.com.au or contact Rowan Crosbie-Goold (OSCA Alumni Network Manager) at the OSCA office on (03) 9810 4302.