SCHOOL leavers sweating on their OP results can take heart from the lessons Pittsworth High's Tara Russell learned when she failed to get her desired score.
This time last year, Tara had her sights set on a career with animals, and hoped to study veterinary science at the University of Queensland, but her OP score fell short of the entry requirements.
"I was disappointed as I thought my OP meant there would be no way I could have a career with animals," Tara said.
But Tara soon discovered there was more than one pathway to her dream job and wider career prospects to consider.
"I was eligible for UQ's applied science program majoring in veterinary technology. I learned that after one year in tertiary study my uni grades would be used instead of my OP for entry," she said.
"I found the veterinary technology program beneficial as the courses I undertook opened my mind to new career options I was never aware of."
UQ's Steve Forster said many school leavers found themselves in Tara's situation each year.
"Your hopes of studying a certain program at your university of choice don't have to end if your OP result misses the cut-off," Mr Forster said.
"There are many tertiary preparatory programs and alternative pathways to be considered."
Tara plans to study agricultural science next year, and now hopes to specialise in animal nutrition.
"During my schooling I always had a passion for agriculture and its importance in a world with an ever-growing population," Tara said.
"However, I never imagined I would seek a career in this industry."
Almost 50,000 Year 12 graduates across Queensland have only a few days to wait for their final results as the Queensland Studies Authority (QSA) completes the packing of certificates.
Acting Minister for Education, Training and Employment Ian Walker said Senior Education Profiles containing students' final results would start arriving in the post from Monday (16 December). Students can also access their results online from 9am tomorrow (14 December).
"The class of 2013 has worked extremely hard and on behalf of Minister Langbroek I congratulate them on their efforts," Mr Walker said.
"This year, a record 87 per cent of students were awarded a Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE).
"A total of 731 students received an OP1 ranking for tertiary entrance with 21,074 receiving an OP between 1 and 15."
Mr Walker said that like traditional academic subjects, vocational education and training had an important place in the senior curriculum.
"More than 31,800 students completed a Certificate I, II, III or IV while at school, giving them practical skills and opportunities to move directly into further training and employment," he said.
"It is encouraging to know that Queensland schools continue to offer many different pathways for students to fulfil their aspirations.
"Whether they want to go to university, start an apprenticeship or traineeship, or head directly into the workforce, there is a rewarding career for anybody who puts in the effort to succeed."
The University of Queensland is holding an information session on December 18 for school leavers who may need to look at their options if tomorrow's news fails to meet their expectations.
Tara's advice is that school leavers should keep an open mind and investigate all of the pathways on offer.
"There are many different ways to achieve your dream career," she said.
