I have myself considered that issue. However, as I already mentioned, I did spend nearly 15 minutes each for rep from each big 4. They have highlighted the flexibility of their programs and etc. I have not just talked to recruiters but also to each cadet as well. My friends were worried that they will not be able to have their usual party days but those cadets were excellent in clarifying such issues.
Whether Big 4 is overrated or not, they seem to be my places. There is absolutely no denying that BIG 4 provide more opportunities for travelling, expansion, more variety in terms of employment type, promotion, benefits and etc.
I think this feeling of confinement comes from being in a small private environment. I have been too stuck in my small private school that I really want to expand into the largest firm if it is possible. I always felt that I couldn't expand further beyond the opportunities they provided me.
Besides programs from Big 4 and mid-tier firms are essentially same if not very similar. Then why not go for a big one?
You are right btw, Uni is like 2 HSCs, even from my own experience with Cosmology. But so what? HSC isn't hard. 2 HSCs is certainly not hard with nearly 4 months holiday and less attendance measure. I am juggling between my uni and HSC study too this year and I am doing fine. I reckon part time uni would be 1 HSC maybe if not less. In addition to that, I wouldn't mind busy life because that's what I always have anyway.
As Seremify said, Cadetship is a FULL employment regardless of where you go. If you think mid-tier is more lenient and requires less participation, think again. I can bet that it's basically same wherever you go.
I personally reckon you can still enjoy Uni life, freedom and youth to the maximum if you juggle both work and study appropriatlely. You might even feel more satisfied and accomplished if you do succeed in both. 2 years of juggling is all it takes...
LOL thanks for the quote.
What you guys all raise are very valid points- some people thrive under the pressure and challenge of the balancing act and end up becoming much better people as a result, whilst others find it incredibly difficult and burn out. I told a few people on the night it's all about finding the right and comfortable balance.
I'm not a very academic person, but I managed to maintain decent grades throughout this process and my simple discplined strategy was:
1. Work hard Monday to Friday, and always go to uni classes/tutorials. That way even if you end up missing the homework (which you shouldn't!), absorbing even a small amount of content from lectures will help you later on in the exams, and at least you'll get CP marks. The other benefit is that you get to focus on your career/work development during the week without worrying about missing out on your uni homework. (CP = class participation/attendance marks)
2. Enjoy Friday nights and Saturdays. No ifs or buts.
3. Every Sunday, go to gym in morning and do uni homework in the arvo.
This simple disciplined approach sounds a bit boring, but I kept everything very well balanced and never felt stressed by it all. If you think that the above plan sounds reasonable/achievable for you, then I don't think a cadetship will be too stressful.
Also keep in mind that;
a) Some firms (including some of the Big4) offer 7.5hrs leave per week which means you only need to work FOUR days (since 1 day = 7.5hrs)! This is better than when I did the cadetship and only got 4hrs a week which was more than enough.
b) As a cadet doing part time study, that's 2 subjects a semester NOT 4. Each subject only requires 3 hours attendance at uni; and classes can be morning, noon or night. You have 2 exams, usually first year subjects (remember? It's the first year which gets stretched out), and you get 6 days or so (depending on firm) per semester which you can take off in addition to your 7.5hrs per week. Definitely more than enough especially if you did the above plan of regularly doing homework which means you can use one of those study days as an extra holiday after the exams
c) Opportunity cost/alternatives- if you weren't doing a cadetship, would you be working part time/casually somewhere and be called on at irregular and inconvenient times anyway? Might as well get a good routine going, with some good experience and open up extra opportunities.
Anyway that's just my 2c on how I coped with everything. Not everyone does it the way I did, but it worked for me. Hope this helps you guys figure out if you think it's do-able.
(EDIT: Forgot to mention in response to the person saying the cadets on the night talked about attending uni at night and being tired- keep in mind that most of us were on the original program which only gave us 4hours off per week which meant we left work at 2 or 3pm twice a week to attend evening classes. With 7.5hrs off, you get a whole day off which means you can attend normal classes during daylight hours... or you can be flex and spread the leave over multiple days)
