Mary - Diploma of Beauty Therapy graduate and owner of Glow Retreat

As a student

"I started studying International Business for three years and hated it. I didn’t like university or what I was studying and I was talking to a friend who made me list my attributes. I found that I liked working with my hands and I loved socialising – so becoming a Beauty Therapist seemed like an ideal career choice for me.

"I absolutely loved the beauty therapy course at Southbank Institute. It was very hands on – I loved that it was practical – we did a lot of work in the clinic. It wasn’t boring at all.

"After graduating in 2000, I gained some solid industry experience working for five years at Sunnybank Skin and Body Care. I worked hard and learnt a lot about running a salon. I left there as a Senior Therapist.

"Ten years later, my teachers are memorable to me still. I found them really knowledgeable and I really looked up to them. They were all established in the industry, and they taught me so much. It was quite inspirational to look at my teachers who had their own successful businesses and were teaching us all the skills we needed to do well."

As an Employer

"I always knew that I wanted to open my own salon.

"But I do really think that you need to have a solid footing in the industry, and need to get plenty of work experience under your belt before you open your own business. Now as the successful owner of my beauty therapy business, Glow Retreat Day Spa and Salon, here at South Bank, I am living my dream.

"As an employer, I always call Southbank Institute first to see if there’s any graduates I can take for my own salon. At the moment we have been operating for four years, I have a team of seven therapists, and two of them are graduates from Southbank Institute."

Chris worked in the construction industry after school, and also travelled and worked as a member of a band, before choosing to start at Southbank Institute in 2007 in the Diploma of Building Design. He then changed over to the VGC in Architectural and Digital Illustration, with the guidance of his teacher Mike Gibson, who had spotted his creative talent and passion for digital illustration.

What was your reason for studying and why did you choose Southbank Institute?

"Its location and accessibility, and because it had a reputation of being one of biggest and the best in Queensland. My friend had also studied here and recommended it."

What has been your Southbank Institute highlight to date?

"When I started at Southbank Institute I couldn't use a computer - literally. Over the course of my studies I learnt to master and excel in many programs, especially 3D Studio Max and several other design programs. This has been a huge achievement for me.

"Studying at Southbank Institute was all about finding my passion for digital design. I realised I enjoy and excel in the creative process of communicating a technical drawing in an aesthetically pleasing way. I like to make things look good!"

Why do you think Southbank Institute graduates have an edge in the workforce?

"A lot of the technical skills you learn at Southbank Institute are exactly what you use in the workforce. The resources and facilities are cutting edge, especially the computers and design programs we use for training. It means that graduates are up to date with the latest technology in the industry.

"Also, having access to teachers in a small classroom environment is a big plus for Southbank Institute. Because we work closely with our lecturers, they can recognise your strengths and weaknesses - and give you support and guidance. For me, without this, I may have wasted my time studying down a different path, before finding my passion."

What are you hoping for from your career or further study?

"I am enjoying working as a Graphic Illustrator at CORE in Brisbane, and working on smaller projects as part of my own business, Nexus Studios, from home.

"Next year, I would like to study a Masters in Digital Design at Griffith University. I want to get to the top level, so that my qualifications on paper reflect my skills and experience, and stand me out in a competitive job market. I would like to move towards working in advertising, motion graphics and special effects."

Chris completed the VGC in Architectural and Digital Illustration in 2009. He started work at CORE Architecture in Fortitude Valley in February 2010 as Graphic Illustrator. The company works with clients across residential, commercial, and industrial projects - a broad spectrum of experience.

I never wanted to study straight after high school; I always thought I was going to go straight into basic admin work… that was until I saw the Southbank Institute of Technology listing in the QTAC guide and thought it sounded like exactly what I was after.

What was your reason for studying and why did you choose Southbank Institute?

Southbank Institute of Technology was the only VET provider that offered the Diploma of Management and Diploma of Sport and Recreation course. The focus seemed to be more sport-based [management] rather than just business orientated, and in order to get employment in the sporting industry at more of a management role, I knew this course mix could help get me there.

How do you find the teachers and course structure?

The teachers at Southbank Institute were really qualified and had hands-on experience in the sporting industry, rather than just in business. Their teaching methods are great. The practicality of the subjects in the course became really clear when I went into work placement. The subjects I had covered in class were closely related to the skills that were needed to be in a management role in the sporting organisation and in the sporting field.

What has been your Southbank Institute highlight to date?

The opportunity to network within industry. The teachers push you to make contacts out there in the field. There are no limitations to go out and meet other people and you really learn just how important these networks can be – whether it is for employment, advice or other relationship-building opportunities.

"I chose to study the Diploma of Laboratory Technology at Southbank Institute because I wanted to be a scientist. I had been working in the finance and banking sector for about seven years, and wanted to change my career. I wasn't feeling confident and didn't want to commit to going straight into a university degree. I did some research and found that Southbank Institute offered an articulated pathway into university via the diploma course.

"It was such a practical course - it definitely made it easier for me when I went on to university to have such a strong grounding in lab techniques and confidence in the laboratory.

"I found that when I got to university many of the second year students hadn't had any time in a laboratory.

"I also halved my HECS bill compared to other university students - as I had spent half the time compared to others studying at university, having gained credit from studying the Diploma at Southbank Institute, where I was able to pay my fees up front.

"I am currently completing an Honours degree at Sunshine Coast University which is aligned with the Queensland Institute of Medical Research (QIMR) in Brisbane, specialising in Immunology. This involves working specifically with blood and antibodies.

"I think having the dual qualifications (both bachelors and a diploma) opens up more options for me in the job market - I can choose to use my skills and experience as a lab technician, or I may go on to work in medical research.

"When I arrived at Southbank Institute, I listened to the teachers and the marketing telling me that Southbank Institute graduates stand out ahead of the pack when it comes to having industry-ready, practical experience. And I have found it's true. All of the lecturers and employers I have worked with so far have told me they have been impressed by the level of my lab skills.

"I have no regrets and would encourage other ‘older' students to follow their dreams and make the change. I found studying at Southbank Institute to be a great stepping stone to further study and to start my new career path in the science industry.

"I also found there were a lot of ‘older' (non-school leavers) at Southbank Institute - so you are not alone!"

Melanie completed a Diploma of Laboratory Technology (specialisation in biotechnology and pathology testing) and is due to complete her Honours degree in June 2011. She completed her Bachelor in June 2010.

What was your reason for studying and why did you choose SBIT?

"I decided to study the ‘Advanced Diploma of Management and Diploma of Project Management' because of its very practical and relevant ‘real world' content. The fact that it was offered part-time and in the evening allowed me to fit it around my work commitments. The Institute has a good reputation for its teaching, course content and facilities."

How do you find the teachers and course structure?

"I really enjoyed the lecturers and their approach in both courses! Classes were delivered by lecturers who have worked many years in different sectors - this credibility and ‘real world' experience added another layer of information to the formal side of the lectures.

"The wealth of knowledge, enthusiasm and 'freshness' which they brought to each lecture was infectious. They set a very conducive learning environment."

Why do you think SBIT graduates have an edge when they enter the workforce?

"Southbank Institute of Technology graduates can be found in all sectors of society. The practical and ‘real life' aspect of the courses means that students can literally use their learning in their workplace, the very next day!"

What's been your SBIT highlight so far?

"I enjoyed the stimulation of learning (having last studied formally over 10 years ago). The interaction / sharing of ideas and working on assignments with other class mates was great."

"I have gained a new found interest to return to formal education and perhaps pursue a postgraduate course."

What are you hoping for from your career or further study?

"My dual qualification has given me more confidence and credibility to apply for senior management jobs (…I had the practical experience but now I have the qualifications to support my applications)."

Paul - Advanced Diploma of Management / Diploma of Project Management (Dual Award)