Skip to content
unisa logo

“My courses are engaging and are strongly related to real-world cases.”

UniSA Video

Why have you decided to study at this point in your life?

I’d been thinking about going back to uni for a long time, but I’ve always postponed the decision as I thought I couldn't handle a demanding job and study at the same time. However, I never stopped investigating opportunities for personal and professional growth. I’m a strong believer in making time for the things you care about. After assessing my weekly schedule, I realised that I did, in fact, have the time, and studying for a degree is not only possible, but extremely achievable.

What motivated you to advance your career?

I’ve had a long career spanning more than 15 years in hospitality, spent mainly in Italy and South East Asia. After moving to Australia, I continued my career holding managerial roles and was also head of operations for several restaurants and retail chains.

I’m currently head of operations for a national gelato company. More than ever, I feel like I need to fill in the gaps in my knowledge, particularly in the areas of finance, marketing and HR.

My UniSA Online degree has helped me boost my knowledge in a comprehensive range of areas and allowed me and the company to continue to innovate and remain competitive in the market.

“Studying for a degree is not only possible, but extremely achievable.”
Check your eligibility

Was there a particular moment when you decided that you wanted to pursue a university degree?

I can’t identify a specific moment as it was more of a gradual decision. As I progressed through my career, I was put in front of unexpected and complex scenarios every day. It increasingly became apparent that I needed a university degree which could provide me with the skills and tools to continue to grow the business.

How will your degree help you to achieve your career goals?

I believe that the degree is broadening my capabilities as a manager and entrepreneur. My courses are engaging and are strongly related to real-world cases, which means I can transfer my learnings to daily business operations. It’s been extremely valuable.

I’m very lucky to be part of a fast-growing and innovative company, so there may be some international opportunities or new start-up ventures which I could pursue after my degree. I may also consider continuing my studies with a Masters degree in the future to refine my knowledge in a specific field.

“You can create your schedule and study where and when it suits you.”
Check your eligibility

What kind of opportunities does studying 100% online give you?

The flexibility has been fantastic. In the beginning, it took some time to get used to my new schedule, but I’ve found myself enjoying my new routine. You can create your schedule and study where and when it suits you. I dedicate my nights and days off to university study and assignments, which means I don’t have to interfere with the demands of my full-time job and personal commitments.

Did you have any concerns before starting your degree? Was there anything holding you back?

The main deterrent was the fear of not being able to cope with work and study. However, it is doable. You can study at your pace and if you have a very busy period at work, you can study one course at a time without compromising your grades or progression.

If you could give your past self a few words of advice knowing what you do now, what would you say?

I would say two things. First, I should have done it earlier. Second, investing in your development always produces returns. Apart from the obvious financial leverage, studying brings knowledge, enhances professional and personal confidence, and broadens your network. In a few words, it’s never too late to study.

Green globe

100% online
No need to come onto campus

Checklist

Credit for prior work experience
Fast-track your study

Talk icon

Support 7 days a week
Get help when you need it

Read more student stories

270x270-emily-morris-with-degree.jpg

 

Emily's Story

UniSA Online HR graduate Emily landed an HR consultant role in a global firm after finishing her degree.

 

 

Read more

270x270-amy-harrison-with-degree.jpg

 

Amy's Story

UniSA Online Marketing graduate Amy found a new level of confidence in both her professional and personal life after completing her degree.

 

Read more

270x270-jagdeep-deol-with-degree.jpg

 

Jagdeep's Story

After losing his job in the automotive industry, UniSA Online Accounting graduate  Jagdeep is looking forward to building a new career.

 

Read more

270x270-julie-hiscock-with-partner.jpg

 

Julie's Story

UniSA Online Management graduate Julie says putting her self-doubts aside to earn her degree has been one of the best experiences of her life.

 

Read more

270x270-zachary-pring-with-degree.jpg

 

Zachary's Story

UniSA Online Marketing graduate Zachary is using his new skills to help take the family business to another level.

 

 

Read more

Kavita

 

Kavita's Story

UniSA Online construction management student, Kavita Lachmaiya, is cementing her skill set with a degree and forging the path for females in the industry.

 

Read more

Simone Panetta

 

Simone's Story

UniSA Online Management student, Simone Panetta, is broadening his skill set as a manager and entrepreneur.

 

 

Read more

Katie Harris

 

Katie's Story

UniSA Online Communications student, Katie Harris, gained more confidence at work and landed a promotion while studying her degree.

 

Read more

Kelly Kildea

 

Kelly's Story

UniSA Online Public Health student, Kelly Kildea, is inspired to spark change in her community.

 

 

Read more

Rachel Simpson

 

Rachel's Story

As a mother of two young children, UniSA Online Accounting student, Rachel Simpson, is studying to build a better future for her family.

 

Read more

Ellen Bertani

 

Ellen's Story

UniSA Online Psychological Science and Sociology student, Ellen Bertani, says her life and work experience has enhanced her university studies.

 

Read more

Kelly Fox

 

Kelly's Story

UniSA Online Criminal Justice student, Kelly Fox, says changing career has given her a sense of personal and professional fulfilment.

 

Read more

Joan Khoo

 

Joan's Story

UniSA Online IT and Data Analytics student, Joan Khoo, had reached a cross-roads in her career and knew she needed to make a career change.

 

Read more

Micah Chadun

 

Mica's Story

UniSA Online HR student, Mica Chadun, has chosen to study a degree to move up the career ladder.

 

 

Read more

Rebecca Cooke

 

Rebecca's Story

UniSA Online Aged Care student, Rebecca Cooke, believes it’s never too late to make a career change.

 

 

Read more

Shaun Mitchell

 

Shaun's Story

UniSA Online Community Health student, Shaun Mitchell, went from admin to playing a critical part in South Australia’s COVID response team.

 

Read more

Jess Chaudhry

 

Jess' Story

UniSA Online Communication student, Jess Chaudhry, was bored and unmotivated in her admin job. She knew it was time to make a change.

 

Read more

Corey Wade

 

Corey's Story

Digital Media student, Corey Wade, gained the skills and confidence to launch his freelance business while studying with UniSA Online.

 

Read more

Why study with UniSA Online?

ribbon-blue

#1 young university in Australia for industry collaborations

2024 THE Young University Rankings – Industry Income Indicator.

books

85% UniSA Online student satisfaction for learning resources and student support

(Commencing UniSA Online Students, 2020 ComparED (QILT) Student Experience Survey (Undergraduate, Domestic Students). National average for learning resources: 79%)

online-teaching

87% satisfaction for teaching quality and student support

(Commencing UniSA Online Students, 2020 ComparED (QILT) Student Experience Survey (Undergraduate, Domestic Students). National average for teaching quality: 82% National average for student support: 77%)

graduate-cap

UniSA is one of Australia’s largest online universities

Ranked 4th, 2020 Department of Education, Skills and Employment – Commencing Domestic Bachelor Degree Students (External)

australia

Top 10 in Australia for student support

Ranked #8, ComparED (QILT) Student Experience Survey 2021-22, Student Support Indicator (Undergraduate). Public universities.

trophy

Ranked one of the world’s top young universities

Ranked #43, 2024 THE Young University Rankings.