While attending an economics class as part of the Diploma of Business at UOW College, Blaire Bachelor found what she really wanted to pursue as a career.
It was something she would never have considered if she had not taken the opportunity to study through UOW College.
“I ended up taking a class in Responsible Business as part of the Diploma of Business and learned about environmental ethics and sustainability,” she says, ‘and thought, ‘this is what I want to work in.’
When speaking to her teacher at the time, "he informed me that I could continue my studies at UOW in a Bachelor of Business majoring in Sustainable Business."
She happily embraced this option and progressed into the second year of her Bachelor of Business degree after completing her studies at UOW College.
University was not always an option
After completing her HSC, Blaire thought university was not an option as she did not get the ATAR she needed.
“When I didn’t get the ATAR I needed, I decided to take time off and work. I ended up in a full-time job which pretty much took over my whole life.
After four years of working, she decided it was not what she wanted to do and applied to study at UOW as a mature age student. To her surprise, Blaire received an offer letter that packaged a UOW College and a University of Wollongong course.
“I had never heard of UOW College before,” she says.
“The offer explained that as long as I successfully complete the Diploma of Business, I was guaranteed entry into the second year of a Bachelor of Business at UOW.”
Confidence and future aspirations
Blaire says her time at UOW College has given her a lot more confidence to extend herself into her study and continue her studies in a Bachelor of Business at the University of Wollongong.
“I feel much more prepared for university now. I think if I had been accepted into UOW straight away, I really would have struggled,” she says.
“It’s not that the work at the College is any easier, but I felt a protective hand around me at the College, showing me that this is the way to do it.
“I remember in high school that we were told university is nothing like high school and I got a little bit scared thinking about returning to education as a mature age student.
“But the support at the College was fantastic. I wish I had known about the College a few years ago.
“Work was a safe space, but now that I know what university is like, I feel that later down the track I can even try something brand new and learn something different.
“And the College has been such a key base foundation in the idea of doing that.
“The College was the first step and that is what I am thankful for, and I am proud that I got my Diploma of Business at UOW College.”
Learn more about the Pathways Programs available at UOW College.
Blaire Bachelor
Diploma of Business
Bachelor of Business