What did you study at the undergraduate level and when did you graduate? What are you studying now? Are you studying and working at the same time?
My name is Julien and I am a casual fitness trainer. I studied a Bachelor of Commerce and graduated at the end of 2017. I am currently exploring future development for my career.
What have been the most important stages of your life?
The most important stage of my life is the transition from studying to working life. The concept of becoming financially independent and making all life decisions and choices based on your values is not easy. Also, it is hard to blend into the working environment and culture of some workplaces.
How did you get to your current (or most recent) job position and how long have you been working there?
I got referred from a mate who is an employee. I have been hired for 2 years.
What made you decide to progress with further study?
The competitive environment of the workforce nowadays requires a high standard of skills and qualification from their employees. Hence, further study and qualifications will improve my chances and opportunities to be employed. Also, I strongly believe in individual development never stopping. If you continue to improve yourself each day, you will see the world from a mature and different horizon.
How did you choose your particular further study course (compared to others)? / Were you weighing up any alternative degrees or career pathways before choosing this qualification?
I have always been passionate about business and entrepreneurship. Although I am in the fitness field, I will eventually open a business or create a business opportunity using my academic skills. I was not thinking of any other degrees because I was adamant on what I was going to achieve in the future.
What was the process to get accepted into your course? What were the prerequisites?
There was a prerequisite of an ATAR score of 90 and above. Also, there is also a high level of English standard qualification like IELTS. There is a visa requirement as well for international students. Other than mentioned reasons, there were no other requirements to enter and partake the course.
What does your study involve? Can you describe a typical day? (if it’s difficult to describe a typical day, tell us about the last thing you worked on?)
My studies involved problem-solving case studies using academic concepts and principles. Also, there was a lot of group projects with team members of a class. Furthermore, my studies involve the application of out of the box and critical thinking to create real-life solutions. I was always being encouraged to look for feedback on both sides.
Will this course be beneficial in your career? Where could you or others in your position go from here? Please explain your answer.
It will be beneficial because I will progress into opening up a fitness facility in the future. I could apply my management skills like leadership, human resources and behavioural management to my business prospects. Also, the academic projects also improve my communication and interpersonal skills which is significant to networking.
What do you love the most about your course?
The course requires a high level of problem-solving and critical thinking which I like about. Also, many of the projects were group project which prioritize teamwork and social interaction identical to a workforce. Furthermore, I was given the opportunity to apply my own solutions to challenging problems and learning from my mistakes.
What are the limitations of your course?
The rush due date will diminish the level of critical thinking. There is also sometimes a very restrictive word count for assignments that hinders me from fully expressing my ideas. There are also some questions that are very leading to one side when I am always having the mindset to argue both points of view.
Which three pieces of advice would you give to a current undergraduate student? They don’t necessarily have to be related to your studies, or even to one’s professional life.
Firstly, it is significant to identify your purpose and goals in life and take failure as learning experiences along the way. Also, you have to be courageous enough to venture forward to your dreams.