Qualifications can help you get a better job and earn more money. Even if you have hands-on experience, some employers will only offer positions to applicants who have the relevant certificate, diploma or degree.
You can become qualified by studying an accredited short course, going to TAFE or university, doing an apprenticeship, training at work or through online or distance education.
Career changes: do you dream of doing something different?
If you are thinking about a career change, a qualification may be what you need.
You probably already have some of the required skills for your career change, but others may need work. Consider taking a short course if you feel your skills only need an upgrade.
If you are planning a complete career change, for example from florist to web developer, you will need to choose a university or TAFE course.
Want a promotion? Try part time or distance education.
If you already have a job but want to study for a promotion or specific career, part-time or distance education may suit you.
Part-time study allows you more time for work, which may mean you don’t have to get a new job until you are qualified. Part-time university and TAFE classes are usually held in the evening, meaning full-time work is possible.
Online or distance education involves receiving your learning material by mail or via the internet and submitting your work the same way. TAFEs, universities and many private institutions offer distance education courses and online courses.
This means you can study from home and still gain a certificate, diploma, undergraduate or postgraduate degree. This option may suit people already working full time or those with a family who want to study for a career.
Business administration, information technology and management skills are important for many careers and can be studied part-time, online or by distance education.
Career courses at university
If you are already studying at university and have a choice of subjects, try choosing something specific to your career goals. Even if you are studying journalism, you may be able to incorporate an information technology class into your course to complement your existing skills.
Most university courses are focused on careers, although some are broader than others. If you know your career goals, it is better to choose a course that relates directly to what you want to achieve and that will give you the right qualification, rather than studying a broad course.