Success stories from graduates of the Wintec School of Business, August 2009
Isobel McAlister - Diploma in Business Administration part time, while working full time
After working for a number of years, Isobel wanted something to take her knowledge of business to a higher level. With many years experience in administration she thought it was about time to make it official.
Isobel enrolled in the Diploma in Business Administration as a part time student. As a full time worker, and mother, the part time study suited her. Often her classes were after work, so could fit in well with her busy schedule. Doing one module per semester meant that Isobel could focus on one subject at a time, while gaining knowledge to help her in her job. Studying this way, it took her 7 years to complete the diploma.
The networking and community spirit that she felt during the diploma was a huge part of the course for Isobel, and made studying all the more enjoyable. Even when the classes seemed overwhelming, “with encouragement and guidance from the tutors, it was amazing what could be achieved.” One of her achievements was winning the Excellence in Business Administration Level 5 award, at the awards evening earlier this year. Isobel is now Personal Assistant to 3 partners at accountancy firm Deloitte. Her role includes providing high quality secretarial, administrative and organisational support, as well as needing to prioritise tasks and be highly organised in her own work. Every day she utilises skills which were reinforced by her study in the School of Business.
For Isobel, completing the diploma was one way to strengthen her employment opportunities, and she would encourage others to do so as well, because if there's “only one corner of the universe you can be certain of improving; that's your own self.”
Tammy Marshall - Certificate in Management
Tammy has always had a passion for business. While working full time as the Store Manager at K.beez, Tammy decided to further her knowledge of the business industry by enrolling in the Certificate in Management. "My job involves staff management, inward/outwards goods, day to day running of the store, accounts management and negotiating deals with reps." Studying the Certificate in Management has given Tammy a number of skills which she uses every day. "I have implemented better communication skills between staff and management. I have now included staff in more decision making than before."
Tammy has managed to juggle work, study and family life. The flexibility of the course meant that she was able to fit her studies around working part time at the store, and looking after her two young children.
"I've always had a passion for owning my own business one day, and learning about how businesses function through Cert Management has made me want to learn more." Because of this, Tammy has decided to take action to further her studies. She is currently enrolled in Wintec's Bachelor of Business Studies degree, which will give her the skills needed to pursue her own business ventures.
Tammy has had a great experience in the School of Business, making good friends, and gaining knowledge on a wide range of business subjects, which is not always easy. "Sometimes you might think it's hard and I know it can be but just persevere, you will have self satisfaction. It's worth it in the end."
Kylie Adams - Diploma in Business Administration
It was while looking for a new job that Kylie decided to return to study. Many of the advertised positions were for Personal Assistants and Administrators and Kylie thought this could be a rewarding experience. She then began looking at study options. “When I saw the Diploma in Business Administration, it had all the papers I needed to achieve my goal of becoming an Executive PA.” Kylie chose to study the diploma as a full time student, so that she could finish the course in a year and then focus on finding herself employment.
After completing her studies, Kylie was offered a job that incorporates many of the skills and disciplines learnt during the diploma. She is currently employed as the HR and Organisational Development Administrator at RD1's head office and her role is varied and challenging. Kylie is involved in the RD1 recruitment process, travel arrangements for staff, system processes and staff contracts. The diploma allowed her to gain knowledge which she uses every day. “I had never done any computer study at all so the computer papers were extremely helpful to me and I use the computer a lot during my day to day job. Also with getting a job in human resources, the HR paper was extremely helpful in learning employment laws and being able to bring some knowledge to the position.”
Kylie has enjoyed the experience of learning at Wintec. The smaller class sizes and the reassurance of the tutors means that there is more opportunity for any queries or questions to be answered, which Kylie feels is important as there is only 1 year in which to learn all the content. Although it felt like the year flew by, Kylie found the course to be well planned and organised, and incorporated all the vital skills she needed to take into the work force to her desired job.
In 2009, Kylie was awarded the RD1 prize as the top graduating Business Administration student at the School of Business awards evening. With her qualification and an award under her belt, the future is definitely looking bright for this young Administrator.
Alex Wilkins - CBAC 3/4 with Legal Secretarial endorsement
Alex's interest in administration was first discovered while she was working for a small law firm in Kerikeri. It was then that she decided to study to become a Legal Secretary.
Alex enrolled in the Certificate in Business Administration and Computing Levels 3 and 4 and after the successful completion of this course, she went on to study further as a legal executive. She felt that the CBAC3 would give her a good starting point for a career in administration, as it incorporates computer, office and communication skills which are needed in a working environment. As she was hoping to gain employment in a law firm, Alex wanted to acquire as many computer skills as possible, as it is an integral part of her role.
Studying full time meant that Alex could concentrate on doing well in the course, and was able to complete quicker than if she had been studying part time. Alex says that she enjoyed the course as she felt she was “learning something useful and practical.”
Alex is currently working as an office junior for a major Hamilton law firm. Her varied role includes the efficient and smooth day to day running of the firm. She carries out tasks from photocopying to clerical work, to deliveries for her company. Ultimately, Alex would like to be a Legal Executive, and is currently studying towards this. She would like to work all over New Zealand and then plans to travel overseas and put her qualification to use abroad.