The Future is in Professional Education

The Future is in Professional Education

Johanna Rowlands, a marketing student at APM College of Business and Communication is one of a new generation of overachievers taking on busy schedules to prepare for a bright future.

With Gen Y predicted to occupy 50% of the workforce by 2020 and have more than five careers over their lifetime, employers will have plenty of proactive, young professional all-rounders to pick from.

At just 19 years old, Johanna is an efficient multi-tasker juggling study, working at the local bakery, as well as more than two hours of hockey training a day with the NSW Institute of Sport.

'My goal is to hopefully play for the Australian Hockeyroos one day, but I am conscious that most careers don't last forever.
'I chose to study marketing so I will have a qualification that will open many other doors and allow me to specialise down the track. I enrolled part-time study at APM, a Diploma of Marketing, so I could fit my study in around work and hockey training," says Rowlands.

Head of College at APM College of Business and Communication, Jeff Laurie, says Gen Y needs a solid foundation of skills to ensure employment and quick progression from entry level roles.

'Employers are looking for skilled, job ready graduates who can embrace new roles and adapt to the organisation's needs as they arise.
'Aussies love their gap year, but a gap in early career training of two years or more sets off alarm bells to prospective employers. Gen Y can't just rely on experience to get their target job and need to develop further skills through formal training on a regular basis," says Jeff Laurie.

Rowlands is already looking towards further study upon completion of her marketing diploma at the end of this year.
'I would consider APM's flexible online study options in the future. Part-time study has already given me the opportunity to gain skills while I train and work to pay the bills. I have an interest in so many areas of business and would love to continue to study at my own pace," says Rowlands.

APM has introduced online courses in management and marketing. The Diploma of Management via flexible online study is a multi-sector qualification for those who wish to develop knowledge and skills to work as a team leader or for progression in managerial roles, for both small and large organisations. The course covers core business areas of accounts, marketing and HRM.

The Diploma of Marketing via flexible online learning covers base elements of management with a focus on key categories of the marketing discipline – consumer/ business-to-business marketing, sales, distribution, pricing, advertising and promotion.

APM also offers Bachelor degrees in Business and Communication (with majors in Marketing, Event Management, Public Relations, Advertising and Journalism) which have been developed in consultation with leading academics and industry bodies, such as the Australian Marketing Institute and Public Relations Institute of Australia;

'We are beginning to see an even split in demand between online and face-to-face study enrolments. Many educators are stunned by the Flexible Online Learning delivery method - It is extremely popular and suits the lifestyle of the time poor adults who are looking to kick-start or restart their careers. They feel comfortable in the online environment," concludes Jeff Laurie.

Applications for 2011 and 2012 study are being considered, on-campus (Sydney & Brisbane) and Flexible Online Learning courses (which are open to students across Australia).

All Australian students can apply for FEE-HELP or VET FEE-HELP. For more information please call APM College of Business and Communication on 1300 880 610 or visit www.apm.edu.au