Students > Student Stories
“Our lecturers are always engaged with the industry in which they are teaching. I came here because I knew it was the best that I can possibly get."
– Emily Elsworth, Bachelor of Design Arts, LCI Melbourne
STORIES
IN FOCUS
Jun chose an independent provider because he wanted a more supportive learning environment and strong industry connections.
Jun Evrim, Interior Design Major
LCI Melbourne
Celeste K
Master of Arts
Alphacrucis (AC) University College
“I’m working full time and serving in my church, but I also wanted to study. I couldn’t find any other university that accommodated where I was currently, so I was drawn to Alphacrucis’ online options because it fit my lifestyle. Studying online has this misconception that you’re excluded and separated from people. My experience was the opposite- I felt very cared for and included. My lecturer’s personal responses and attention made me feel as significant and important as everybody else.”
Working in Melbourne’s legal system as a social worker in family violence, Celeste had one goal when she entered into a Master of Arts at Alphacrucis: to be better equipped to live out the Gospel in every aspect of her life.
Art
Alex Iosjpe
Diploma of Counselling and Psychotherapy
ACAP University College
“I believe that personalised support for students with disabilities can make all the difference. The level of support and flexibility at ACAP is exceptional, which allows students of all backgrounds to thrive.”
Alex studied a Diploma of Counselling and Psychotherapy at ACAP graduating in 2011 and is now employed as an Academic Skills Advisor, supporting students with disabilities.
Alex says his own experience overcoming difficult life circumstances has helped him understand students’ struggles and barriers to success and given him tools to support them to be their best academic selves.
Counselling and Psychotherapy
Josh Kay
ICMS Bachelor of Business (Sports Management)
International College of Management, Sydney
ICMS Bachelor of Business (Sports Management) alumnus Josh Kay‘s path to becoming the Head of Partnerships at Rugby Australia, after a stint with the Waratahs, is proof that ICMS alumni can succeed in their chosen industries through industry connections, passion and dedication. After graduating in 2015, Josh worked at the Waratahs before making his move to Rugby Australia.
Now he’s working with big brands such as Cadbury, Asics, Santos, Destination NSW and Land Rover, and jetting off to high profile matches – including France in 2023 for the Rugby World Cup – all through combining his passion for rugby with his business background.
Business
Samson Hailu
Bachelor of Music
SAE University College
With a lifelong passion for music, 30-year-old Samson Hailu decided to enrol in a Diploma of Music at SAE University College in Melbourne. He enjoyed it so much, he has continued his studies and is now in his second trimester of a Bachelor of Music degree. He hopes to start his own music business providing opportunities for people with disabilities.
“Having visited a couple of higher education providers, I felt SAE Melbourne could offer me more support with my education and accessibility. I’ve really enjoyed the practical elements of my course – as creatives we don’t like doing the academic parts so much!”
Music
Beatrice Waran
Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy
ACAP University College
Beatrice graduated from ACAP University College’s Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy course in 2023. She is now working as a counsellor at a women’s multicultural service, bringing her unique understanding to women of all ages, backgrounds and nationalities, including young migrants and refugees.
Beatrice said undertaking the trauma units of study in the ACAP course helped her make sense of her own traumatic life experiences as a refugee, while giving her a “huge appreciation” for the counselling field.
Counselling and Psychotherapy
Emma Pawlowski
Master of Business Administration
Australian Institute of Business
With 15 years of experience in banking, Emma found herself at a career crossroads, uncertain about her next step. It was at this pivotal moment that she turned to the Australian Institute of Business (AIB) MBA, inspired by a friend who was also studying the program. Realising that an MBA could also be achievable for her served as a catalyst for what would become a major career pivot.
At the start of her MBA journey, Emma transitioned into health insurance, a shift that enabled her to leverage the skills she had gained from her career in banking. It was the MBA, however, that gave her the tools and confidence to thrive in this new industry.
“The MBA really helped open my horizons as to the broader fundamentals of business and how they all interlink. Through that, I was really able to extend my role in health insurance, which then led to a new opportunity at the company I’m at now, as a General Manager with a really broad portfolio.”