Your time starts now. If you've been keen on doing further study for a while now, but you find yourself repeatedly deferring the decision to study, perhaps it's time to take a step back. Reassess your priorities. And look differently at what a little decisive action could mean for your career.
Think about how much better your current position might be if you'd started that course this time last year. And how much better it could be just a year or two from now, once you graduate.
There's never going to be a perfect time to take on more work. Life is always going to be busy. But different life stages constantly demand reassessment of your priorities, and the decision to do postgrad study is just one of them.
In this case, however, the positive long-term outcomes will almost undoubtedly outweigh the short-term negatives of a little more work and a little less free time!
New knowledge. More opportunity. Greater confidence. Extra kudos. And increased economic power. Good reasons to seize the moment, yes?
Set some goals
Directions. Looking for a change of career? Or the boost you need to move up the ladder? If you need help deciding, our clever search tools could make things clearer for you.
Career search
Career search will give you a broad list of careers and QUT course options. Whittle it down from there.
More info: QUT Career Search
Study area search
Study area search is useful if you already have a fairly clear idea about the industry or study area you want to move ahead in.
Of course, experienced QUT staff can assist if you'd rather speak to a real person. Call QUT Information Services during business hours on 07 3138 2000 or email study@qut.edu.au
More info: QUT Course Finder
Do your homework
What's the minimum qualification I need to get ahead in my chosen profession?
No longer is Postgraduate study a three year, full time commitment. QUT Postgraduate study can be broken down into bite-sized pieces, so you can opt in and out, at the level that suits you. Graduate Certificates can be completed in as little as one semester, with Honours and Masters courses taking between two and six semesters to complete.
What pace suits me in getting the qualification I want?
QUT postgrad studies are generally designed to minimise interference with business hours, and many QUT students choose to study part time, so they can continue working and earning money while they study. Do just one subject at a time if you like.
Others prefer to dedicate themselves to full-time study. Some employers allow staff career breaks for up to 12 months, which is enough time for many students to qualify for their Masters.
In credit?
You may not even need to start from scratch. QUT recognises that people's experience and existing qualifications may already have prepared them for further education.
Visit the advanced standing precedent list to find out the amount of credit you could receive from your prior study.
I know where I want to be, but can I squeeze Postgraduate study into my life?
No one's denying it. The commitment to postgraduate study can be a daunting prospect. Contact hours, travel time, study and assessment requirements are all key considerations when committing to making your next career move really count.
Can I afford to do postgraduate study?
The Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) is a suite of loans for Australian citizens and holders of permanent humanitarian visas. Eligible postgraduate students may apply for FEE-HELP to pay for their tuition fees.
QUT also has a range of academic and sporting scholarships on offer. Find out more about wide range of scholarships QUT has on offer for postgraduate students.
More info: QUT Postgraduate Scholarships Program
More info: Find out more about fees
Get yourself a game plan
Set some goals? Locked in your choice of course? Now create a plan of attack.
Set some dates. Now comes the easy part. Decide on a start date. If next semester is too soon, look at the semester after that. Perhaps you'd like to be underway before your next birthday, or before another major milestone. Try and keep it within the next 12 months, to make sure you stay on track.
Tell everyone. Once you commit to a date, tell your family and friends, so you can count on their support and encouragement. Tell your employer too. Many companies offer a day's study leave per semester, and sometimes even assist with study fees.
Apply. Feeling confident? Ready to apply? Click here to make one career move you'll never regret.
