Choosing a Diploma or educational path can be an important milestone in your life. You want to go the extra mile to guarantee you are making the best decision for you and the goals that you have set for yourself.
We understand that it can be hard to know what Diploma is right for you when there is so much information out there, some of which can be conflicting. This course guide will help you sort through the choices available so you can make a decision that helps you realise your fullest potential.
Use this complete guide to hone in on the diploma courses and pathways that are perfectly suited to you as an individual. To make life easier, we have gathered all the best tips and tricks and compiled them here to help you figure out what is best for you.
Explore Your Options
The College of Adult Learning offers a wide range of in-depth and effective courses, so looking into the available options is a great place to start. We have listed some of the courses offered, and the key focuses below.
Diploma of Project Management (BSB51415):
Focuses: When you choose to study a Diploma of Project Management, you will learn a wide array of skills and knowledge that will help guide you into that profession. You will learn how to manage time constraints, evaluate costs, maintain communication with stakeholders, manage project scope, and ensure quality is upheld.
Diploma of Building and Construction (CPC50308):
Focuses: As an industry, building and construction are booming, and will continue to grow with the development of technology and infrastructure. When you choose to complete a Diploma of Building and Construction, you learn how to create and execute plans, be strategic, and think laterally. These skills are transferable between industries but will be especially helpful for anyone looking to work in building and construction.
Diploma of Logistics (TLI50219):
Focuses: Logistics can be a tricky field to break into without a qualification. There are important responsibilities that fall to anyone working in logistics. Therefore, it is important to have the educational background to help guide you along the way. By completing a Diploma of Logistics, you will learn how to manage a supply chain, manage suppliers, create positive and effective workplace relationships, develop operational procedures, and more.
Diploma of Business (Leadership) (BSB50120):
Focuses: Businesses are always looking to hire individuals who can prove they are effective communicators, strong leaders, and hard workers. Learning the skills and information needed to meet these requirements can be difficult, but it doesn’t have to be. By undertaking a Diploma of Business, you will learn processes to plan and implement projects, organise and run meetings and conferences, and complete business goals, among many other things. This is a great ‘holistic’ Diploma that can be used in every industry and role.
Diploma of Human Resources Management (BSB50618):
Focuses: Choosing a Diploma of Human Resources Management gives you an abundance of knowledge that you will be able to apply to real-life situations, once you enter into the field. You will learn how to analyse business strategies, determine human resources requirements, develop recruitment and selection process, and so much more.
Diploma of Practice Management (HLT57715):
Focuses:The Diploma of Practice Management will equip you with skills in leadership, compliance, planning and human resources. This qualification is relevant to those in medical practices, dentistry, chiropractors, rehabilitation, and aged care. You will acquire skills in managing budgets, people, procedures and compliance.
All of CAL’s Diplomas are offered through online study, where you can complete your diploma from home, at your own pace. You no longer have to stress about being late to classes or unable to make it because you have to work. Choose your course purely based on your interests and strengths, and the industry you want to excel in.
The opportunities of a Double Diploma
Additionally, if you believe your strengths and interests are prevalent in multiple areas, and that is something that you would like to explore, you have the option to do a double diploma. Combining diplomas will give you a wider scope of knowledge and potential for success, while also fulfilling your career goals.
By doing a double diploma, you save yourself time and money as you have integrated the two pathways, as opposed to completing one and then deciding to undertake another. In the end, you will walk away with an abundance of options and two nationally recognised accreditations.
Consider the useful skills you will gain from doubling your diploma with a Diploma of Leadership & Management (BSB51918), or a Diploma of Business Administration (BSB50415). Both of these diplomas offer skills that can be extremely useful in any role or industry.
Do Your Research
Research is imperative when making pretty much any decision, and choosing the educational path you are going to take is no exception. Without knowing what you are walking into, you won’t be able to properly gauge whether or not it is something that will be a good fit for you.
If you are thinking of undertaking one of CAL’s courses, then one of the first things you should do is gain all the right information through our informative blogs. Here you will find dozens of helpful topics, all of which will help you to make the decision that is right for you.
If you are trying to find out how well you will be supported throughout your time with CAL read about:
Decision-Making aids To help you
Personality quizzes:
Quizzes are a great resource that can help you to determine what your strengths and skills might be. Personality quizzes can help you determine if you are more practical, creative, sensitive or stoic, logical, service-based, introverted or extroverted. All of these qualities could be vital to informing which Diploma, and therefore career-path, you choose to take in life.
Pros and Cons list:
Everyone’s situations and skills are different, so creating an old-fashioned ‘pros and cons’ list for yourself will help you to determine what the best fit might be. This can help to speed up the decision-making process by improving your understanding of yourself and the course you might be thinking of doing. Make one list outlining the pros and cons of the course you are interested in studying. Then, create a separate list that analyses the pros and cons of YOU undertaking this course. Do this for each Diploma that is of interest to you. By the end of the exercise, you will have new insight into what the right decision will be for you.
Checklists:
Creating checklists is a great way to ensure that decisions get made, and tasks get done. Using a checklist to help decide which Diploma is right for you will help to broaden the scope of your analysis. When writing a checklist, look beyond just the course content and consider the bigger picture of the course provider, the testimonials, and what support is available. Items on the checklist may include:
- What is the expected completion time?
- Does the course allow me to work at the same time?
- Is the course online?
- Am I able to work and continue to earn an income while I study?
- Will I be able to spend time with my family while I study?
- Does the course allow me enough time to do the things I enjoy and still complete my course in a good timeframe?
- Will I be supported throughout this process of learning?
- Is it within my budget?
- Can I get course credits for past study or work experience?
Career Mentors:
Finding a person you trust who has been through the process and is knowledgeable about the decisions you are trying to make could be helpful to your process. A mentor will provide you with the guidance to make an informed decision, help you to identify well-formed goals and increase your confidence. You will also benefit from developing a relationship that will see you through other study and career challenges.
Take Your Time… Then Celebrate!
Utilising these resources is one way to guarantee that you have all the information needed to make a wise choice that will help you reach your goals. Whether you do these steps yourself or find an expert to assist you, taking the time to do at least one exercise will pay off in the future.
Choosing the right diploma course is an important decision, and it can often feel like the pressure is on your shoulders to make the right choice. Thankfully, great resources exist to help make that process much easier, so you can make the right choice and get on with celebrating your decision with your friends and family.
If you are struggling to make a decision and need a helping hand, these tips are great: