Studying to secure an international career
As a business analyst, David had many years of experience working professionally, and thought he’d have no problems finding a job when he moved from Sydney to set up a new home overseas with his partner. Yet, when he arrived in Kuala Lumpur, things didn’t quite go as expected.
My name is David, I am studying a Bachelor of Business Information Systems from Swinburne, through Open Universities Australia, whilst I'm based in KL. I'm actually doing a fly-in fly-out job. I'm currently working as a senior business analyst for a telecommunications company overseas.
Well, I thought that with my vast experience in different types of BI roles that I could just walk into a job. The only way that you can be assessed here for a role is based on your qualifications, and then your experience and for me what I lacked was
the qualification, like I didn't have a degree.
The reason for choosing OUA was because of the online nature of it. I could study whenever I wanted to, and there's a lot of flexibility with that. Some of the students suggested when we did group activities to use Google Hangouts and Google Docs. That was a really good way of communicating, especially when we were all located in different parts of the world.
I hesitated at first thinking about studying at university, partly because I didn't know what was involved in the enrolment process. I didn't know how to go about it, where do I go, who do I talk to. The support from OUA has been excellent. They offer a lot of assistance for study, for me personally, where they provided support was for all my questions. Anything you’re not too sure about, you can chat to someone online, if required they can give you a call if you want to talk to someone. What I did in the end was talking to someone - they gave me all the information that I needed to hear. They then followed up to see how was I going and in the end, I said I want to do this degree. I got a high distinction and a distinction and for the first two units, so that was good.
“The only way that you can be assessed here for a role is based on your qualifications, and then your experience,” says David. “And for me, what I lacked was the qualification.”
With this in mind, David needed to find a way to get qualified that still allowed him the flexibility to keep flying back and forth to Sydney for contract work to maintain a steady income. Open Universities Australia (OUA) offered the ideal solution for David, who is now making headway in completing a Bachelor of Business Information Systems from Swinburne University.
Unexpected extras
It’s fair to say David felt pretty comfortable about the amount he knew about his long-time profession. So, he wasn’t sure how much there was to really gain from further study, other than the official qualification. Yet, once undertaking the course, there were areas where David realised he really needed to learn more – particularly in database design.
“[Previously], I’d be thinking, I’m not too sure what they’re going on about, but I’d nod and ask questions. Now, when I work with those people, I know exactly what their needs are,” says David.
Although David was wary of the idea of online study at first, he now loves the fact he gets to communicate with classmates who are dotted all over the world. Whether talking in a virtual classroom, or collaborating on work through platforms like Google Docs and Google Hangouts, online study is giving them a way to connect from across the globe.
Whether you’ve already got a busy schedule and really need flexibility with your studies, or you’re set on learning at your own pace, online study offers a great solution.
“I find that for me, learning online is a whole lot better,” says David.
With that in mind, David is bound to have his career up and running in Kuala Lumpur in no time, with a qualification that will secure his place as an internationally-employable business professional.
No matter your schedule, online study allows you to learn at your own pace, from wherever you are. If you’re like David and want to get qualified to help strengthen your career, get in touch with Open Universities Australia here, or call them on 1300 513 044, to find out more about the degrees on offer.
This article was originally published by our friends at Open Universities Australia.
Australian Pensioners Insurance Agency Pty Limited ABN 14 099 650 996 is an authorised representative of AAI Limited ABN 48 005 297 807, the product issuer. Limits, exclusions and conditions apply. Read the Product Disclosure Statement before buying this insurance. Go to apia.com.au for a copy. The Target Market Determination is also available. This advice has been prepared without taking into account your particular objectives, financial situations or needs, so you should consider whether it is appropriate for you before acting on it.
The information is intended to be of general nature only. Subject to any rights you may have under any law, we do not accept any legal responsibility for any loss or damage, including loss of business or profits or any other indirect loss, incurred as a result of reliance upon the information. Please make your own enquiries.
Topics
Never miss an update from Apia Good Life – subscribe today for inspiration, stories and offers to keep living life at its best. It's free!
