Having been in the workforce since graduating from college in 2001, Lisa Granger was eager to hone her skills.
The nature of what I am learning I can apply directly to my workplace. There are so many aspects of what I am studying that are transferable.
“It’s been a perfect study-and-workplace fit.”
Lisa is part of the first intake of the newly created Associate Degree in Applied Business, launched in January this year.
With the support and encouragement of her employer, Launceston Leisure and Aquatic Centre, Lisa has been able to pursue her studies.
“I went straight out into a traineeship after I finished college and have been working full-time ever since,” she said.
“I’ve been at the Leisure and Aquatic Centre since 2009 as Administration Coordinator and I have gained a lot of my skills and knowledge on the job and I really wanted to do more and further myself through study.
I looked at all the options and the Associate Degree in Applied Business really appealed to me.
“Not only was the content practical for my workplace, but the design and delivery of the program was ideal for me to balance with my full-time role.”
So practical in fact, Lisa has identified certain mobile applications which help improve service delivery for the Leisure and Aquatic Centre's customers.
“I never thought studying would be this practical. The Associate Degree has allowed me to literally put what I’ve been studying into practice."
There has been so much help and assistance from lecturers and support services, and we’ve had invaluable access to industry professionals who had held lectures and hosted workshops.
“I’ve really enjoyed learning again. It is an amazing experience.”
Andrew McCarthy, Manager of Launceston Leisure and Aquatic Centre, said the organisation continued to support employees who pursued tertiary studies.
"Lisa is one of several employees supported by the City of Launceston to embark on tertiary studies with the University of Tasmania,” he said.
“The organisation has a long history of supporting employees who are seeking the opportunity to access higher education to enhance their skills and career prospects.
“With a structured program in place, support is available to employees who demonstrate their personal commitment to an advanced learning experience, for both personal growth and to deliver on an organisational strategy to build talent and increase professional capability."
Find out more about the University of Tasmania's Associate Degrees here.