Clare commenced a full-time sales role straight out of high school and never looked back. It wasn’t until years later, when she decided to become a stay-at-home mum, did Clare realise her aspiration of gaining a tertiary qualification had seemingly slipped away.
Swinburne Online changed everything! Now in her final year of her Bachelor of Communications with a Major in Public Relations through Swinburne Online, Clare is ready to re-enter the workforce with new-found confidence and land the job of her dreams.
Supportive online community
Clare found being a student challenging at first, but the Swinburne Online community were welcoming, helpful and supportive of her journey, assisting in her study success.
“What I love about studying through Swinburne Online, is that it has given me confidence to ask stupid questions. You’re in this online community, where you always feel supported and everyone is trying to navigate through the course together. I have never felt alone,” Clare says.
“My best advice for new students is to log in to CANVAS every day, and participate in as many discussions as you can. The more you involve yourself, the more motivated you will be. The online community is great, but you have to be willing to participate to truly get the most out of the experience,” she says.
Workforce ready
After separating from her husband, Clare began her quest to re-enter the workforce. She found that not having a tertiary qualification made it more difficult to find a fulfilling job.
During her time with Swinburne Online, Clare has learnt a lot about herself and her passions. Realising the most important aspects of her life were her children and giving back to the community, helped Clare in her decision to pursue a career within the not-for-profit sector.
“This course has helped me look at my own values and goals. Being a single mum, without any support of a partner, I realised I needed a career where I can have a balance between work and life.”
I now have the confidence to go for roles I wouldn’t have dreamed of going for before. I see myself working in the not-for-profit sector in the very near future.
Swinburne Online has allowed Clare to prove to herself, and her children that anything is possible if you put your mind to it. This super mum is looking forward to the next chapter of her life and continuing to be a positive role model for her children.
Thinking about returning to work? Check out our return to work action plan.
