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University College provides a pathway to success

Stacey is learning leadership skills to enhance her professional opportunities.

With a passion for life-long learning and professional development, Ulverstone’s Stacey Connelly is on her way to success through the University College.

Having worked full-time since finishing high school, the 35-year-old never thought university would be part of her life journey, but today it is, thanks to the Associate Degree in Applied Business specialisation in local leadership.

“After completing many diplomas in management and time spent working in the training industry, I gained a passion for life-long learning and professional development,” she said.

The associate degree has provided me with an entry pathway into university. At first, I was excited, proud, and nervous all at the same time. I love a challenge and I see the associate degree as a way to fulfil this.

For the past 18 months, Stacey has worked at the Central Coast Council as a Human Resource Systems Officer.

Stacey is able to complete her study online through the University of Tasmania’s Cradle Coast Campus and thanks to a supportive manager, the juggle between full-time work and university studies is achievable.

“It definitely has its challenges, however with planning I have managed to achieve a really good balance between work, study and homelife,” Stacey said.

“I believe the associate degree can give me the theoretical and practical tools to be successful in my chosen career and to become a valuable asset to my workplace.

The Associate Degree in Applied Business (Specialisation) is for aspiring future leaders and managers in one of four areas: Sport, Recreation and Leisure, Tourism and Events, Local Leadership and Supply Chain Management.

The degree is aimed at people with a strong community focus who are interested in acquiring the business skills necessary to manage the people and resources involved in the local delivery of services to the community. Students gain valuable skills and experience in areas such as good governance, compliance and regulation, managing volunteers, leisure planning and event management.

Now, only being in my third semester, I am already finding University College very rewarding. I am putting the skills I’ve learnt into practice in my workplace, so I can already see the benefits from my study.

“The associate degree provides you with everything you need to succeed, and you are not on your own, there are numerous avenues of support to provide assistance along the way.

“I aspire to become a confident and successful business woman to contribute to the central coast of Tasmania and to develop the skills and knowledge of many others throughout my journey.”

Interested in studying applied business at University College? Learn more.