What did you study at the undergraduate level and when did you graduate? What are you studying now? Are you studying and working at the same time?
I studied Bachelor of Laws/Commerce (Accounting) and I am now completing my Practical Legal Training through the College of Law. I was working in administration and as an assistant accountant whilst studying but I am currently having time off. I graduated in October 2018.
What have been the most important stages of your life?
Finishing high school, the first job in hospitality, starting university, completing university, going overseas and obtaining my first job in my field (accounting assistant), changing jobs and changing owners, moving interstate, first partner, moving in with my partner, experiencing new things throughout university, competitions and going interstate from winning particular competitions.
How did you get to your current (or most recent) job position and how long have you been working there?
I was in an assistant accountant/admin/executive assistant position for about 4 years. I obtained this through my experiences and extracurricular activities I applied for a position online and was lucky enough to obtain it. I was a very dedicated employee and was part of a family through it.
What made you decide to progress with further study?
To be able to become a lawyer, I was required to complete extra study to obtain my Practical Legal Training, my experience in a firm and to subsequently become admitted as a lawyer. I also conducted an extra study to become a registered tax agent. All such things I wish to obtain to further myself throughout my career.
How did you choose your particular further study course (compared to others)? / Were you weighing up any alternative degrees or career pathways before choosing this qualification?
I weighed up alternative options of institutions for my PLT, however, it was an easy decision as the College of Law offer their study options online with one week in person - this week being easily accessible for me. Online is a much easier option and was considerably cheaper also compared to most institutions.
What was the process to get accepted into your course? What were the prerequisites?
The prerequisites are that you must complete a Bachelor of Laws at a university or be in your final subjects of the degree with the main core subjects (Priestly's 11) having already been completed. You are also required to be an Australian citizen or likewise to be able to access the fee help options.
What does your study involve? Can you describe a typical day? (if it’s difficult to describe a typical day, tell us about the last thing you worked on?)
A typical day would have included attending lectures and tutorials then going home to complete further study or to prepare for the next days tutorials as the majority of my tutorials would require answers to questions be prepared beforehand. Also, I would be completing minimal amounts towards my assignments to attempt to make a dent slowly.
Will this course be beneficial in your career? Where could you or others in your position go from here? Please explain your answer.
It is a course that is hugely beneficial for anyone to complete as not only is it for those that are dedicated to becoming either an accountant or a lawyer, they also provide incredibly useful skills for obtaining any type of job, for starting your own business, for understanding your finances, for writing, etc.
What do you love the most about your course?
The double degree allowed me to have the mathematical side mixed with the theory that can be subjective or objective in nature. It was the greatest mix for what I wanted. The law degree was incredibly practical and interesting, providing so many skills to be able to compete in competitions. Whilst the accounting degree also provided me with skills to be able to obtain a job as an assistant accountant - which I absolutely adored - and was able to understand taxes.
What are the limitations of your course?
Both those degrees are not the end; you are required to go further and complete more study for the particular careers that someone may want to complete. I also believe there were often issues with the lecturers and the choices of assessments. It was also limited in that the practical side was not always present.
Which three pieces of advice would you give to a current undergraduate student? They don’t necessarily have to be related to your studies, or even to one’s professional life.