Tom Russell approaches his education with a step-by-step mindset. Having successfully achieved a Certificate IV in Business, he chose to progress his academic journey by pursuing a Diploma of Business at UOW College
With the support of staff at the College, he is now preparing to further his education and enrol in the second year of the Bachelor of Business at the University of Wollongong.
Discovering passions and goals
But if you’d asked him four years ago what he wanted to do, he wouldn’t have been able to give you a definitive answer.
“I didn’t finish high school,” he says.
“I really didn’t like it, so I left when I was about 16.”
Tom, 21, started working as a law clerk at a legal firm which is where he completed a Certificate IV in Business.
“I realised that my credentials were holding me back, it was harder to get where I wanted to go without qualifications.”
Tom said he had a friend who had studied at UOW College so he decided he’d start there to see what it offered and how it would fit into his overall plans of obtaining an undergraduate degree.
“The College immediately popped into my head and I thought it was probably a better step for me rather than trying to apply for a university place straight away.”
Tom's journey back to the classroom
As he already had a Certificate IV in business, Tom decided to enrol into the Diploma of Business at UOW College and then progress through to the second year of a Bachelor of Business at UOW.
After his secondary school experience, Tom wasn’t sure what to expect going back into the classroom at UOW College but he said it has been much more positive.
“It’s different to school. I find it a lot easier because I’m studying something I am interested in,” he says.
“Specifically, it’s the care and support the tutors and staff provide. If you need help and ask for it, they are very helpful, and that extra support is what has made it such a positive experience.
“I’ve learned a lot about referencing and research skills which you don’t really think about going into a university, and I have them now for when I transition into the Bachelor of Business.
“I have really enjoyed the economics subjects and learning how an economy works and the reasoning behind things, and the marketing subjects have been really interesting too.
Future aspirations and personal growth
“I’m hoping when I finish the Bachelor of Business, I can work in property development.
“Two years ago, I didn’t think I would be preparing to go to university. I’m very proud of what I have achieved.”
Learn more about the Pathways Programs available at UOW College.
Tom Russell
Diploma of Business