Bachelor of Information Technology in Cyber Security and Forensics (Single Major)

I chose to enrol in the Diploma in Information Technology (IT) with Kaplan as I have always been interested in how technology works. Upon graduating from this programme, I knew I had to further my studies to expand my knowledge and decided to enrol at Murdoch University. My Kaplan Diploma granted me exemptions and I could proceed straight to Year 2 of the Degree programme.

Pursuing this Degree has equipped me with niche skills that are necessary to stand out professionally. Some of the lessons applicable to my career include practical cyber security and IT knowledge. Furthermore, I was also taught critical analysis and problem-solving skills and learned how to tackle problems in the real world independently.

I had plenty to learn at the University, and my Degree enabled me to secure my job. In fact, I have recommended Murdoch University to my best friend who will be enrolling in 2023.

Being the Director of 2 companies with almost 1,000 regular clients, it was important that I managed my schedule well. By setting aside different hours for working, studying and spending time with my children, I managed to juggle both work and studies. However, the most challenging period for me was when I was pregnant with my fourth child during my second year of study. I was close to giving up on the course, but thankfully, I pushed on.

On top of the personal satisfaction of this academic achievement, I believe that having a Master’s Degree will not only boost my company’s image but also increase the confidence levels that clients have in my company.

The Master of Professional Accounting has enabled me to gain exemptions for the CPA Australia certification. I am therefore able to achieve another level of education and professional recognition in the Accounting industry. While taking the CPA programme, I found myself being able to advise our clients on matters relating to regulations in Australia and Singapore.

I have seen the value of this Postgraduate Degree and will continue to encourage my staff to further upgrade themselves with Kaplan.

Continuous learning is not just for the younger generation. I believe that everything is possible as long as you put your mind and heart into it. Hence, with a desire to expand my knowledge, improve the standard of my work and elevate my professional marketability, I decided to embark on this Master of Business Administration (MBA) journey despite being in my early fifties. I eventually decided to pursue my MBA with Murdoch University at Kaplan as it is known for its industry-leading experience in teaching. Furthermore, my colleagues and friends have also left good reviews about their education at Murdoch University.

What I have learnt from the MBA programme, such as double-loop learning and applying decision-making fundamentals to difficult situations, has enhanced my recognition of why multinational companies transition into certain areas for growth. The in-depth discussions held among lecturers and students have enabled me to comprehend how to have a paradox mindset. With this skillset, we can relate and make sense collectively as a team, communicate and align our vision, and work together towards a common goal.

The peers that I have interacted with in my study groups have allowed me to understand different dynamics and functional intricacies. Apart from my learnings, my network of peers is my most valued acquisition. I would recommend Murdoch University as its lessons are interesting, and they encourage healthy and respectful debates among students.

While previously working as a Physician Lead in a large medical group, I was determined to diversify my career. Instead of limiting myself to a purely clinical role, I wanted to expand my role into one that involves other facets of the Healthcare industry. Hence, I decided to take on the Master of Business Administration (MBA) at Murdoch University.

Not only did this MBA provide me with knowledge about the commercial aspects of the Medicine and Healthcare industry, but it has also given me the confidence to present well and speak with conviction for a more effective pitch of my ideas. While the MBA is just the beginning of my journey to career progression, it has given me the skills to make the right connections.

After attaining my Master’s Degree, I received job offers from other clinic groups who are recruiting for a Physician Lead and Medical Director position. Eventually, I managed to secure a leadership role in Medical Affairs in a pharmaceutical company, which had been my long-term goal.

I found a new job as a Cyber Security Analyst while pursuing my Bachelor’s Degree programme. Quite interestingly, the fact that I was about to complete my Degree actually helped me negotiate a significant starting salary.

The module, Cyber Forensics and Information Technology, gave me very useful insights into the way Cyber Forensics is practised in the industry. It also provided me with a thorough understanding of commonly used tools.

The module, Information Security Policy and Governance, has enhanced my understanding of policy creation, and how one could identify and manage risks – these are really important for cyber security practitioners to know and start applying.

During my study with Murdoch University, I attended lessons online due to the pandemic. This has helped me to focus on my studies as well as save time as I was able to head home after work for dinner before lessons.

As for the lecturers, they were very helpful and engaging – giving us very useful feedback and advice to improve our understanding and appreciation of the subject matter.

Murdoch University’s Double Master’s Degree offering was too good to miss. With the same duration in a typical single Master’s programme, I could achieve two such Masters Degrees and proficiency in two domains.

The dual programme is meaningful to current working professionals, as gone are the days when one could be content with strong knowledge in one domain. Now, a Double Masters will give us the needed advantage.

The school offers flexible study options and personalised courses, which are important to me as a working adult with commitments. Having the luxury to personalise the courses lets me manage my time better. For instance, knowing I would be working on a data-related project later in the year, I enrolled in a data course beforehand to prepare myself.

Even with virtual learning (due to the pandemic), there is no compromise on the quality of teaching. The lecturers have a vast knowledge of the subjects and the ability to impart relevant academic and personal experience to students. The programme also encourages class engagement.

One of the most invaluable takeaways from this programme is getting to learn from fellow classmates. You will not find a better place to network and learn from others than in the MBA-MIT programme, as the programme is taken by working professionals, many of whom have years of experience.

My dual Masters programme aside, I had previously graduated with a Degree in Digital Business from University College Dublin, another partner University at Kaplan, which enabled me to progress in my professional career.

I decided to further my education with Murdoch University as the University offers a competitive Degree recognised by relevant local and Australian authorities, and because the Degree programme can be completed in my desired time frame. The flexibility of the Degree programme made it more convenient as well.

By studying two disciplines in my Double Major programme, I am making full use of the learning path. You will not only get fresh insights into the disciplines, but also become more marketable to future employers. Having a variety of skill sets under your belt increases the possibilities of finding one’s desired employment, proving to potential employers that you are eager to learn. The Degree would help to pave the way for promotion at work as well.

With the academic support I received throughout each semester, I was able to arrange my classes such that they do not conflict with one another. The convenience of having online classes together with assistance from the lecturers, who are positive and nurturing, help to make the learning journey easier and a joy.

I would recommend Murdoch University as their Degrees are recognised. Additionally, lecturers are friendly, student support is always available, and most importantly, the flexible class schedules are communicated ahead, so that you can organise your time accordingly.

I wanted to add value to myself by learning relevant knowledge and skills, so after researching, I decided to pursue a Double Master’s Degree (Master of Business Administration and Master of Human Resources Management) with Murdoch University as it was the best choice for me.

I think the Postgraduate Degree was necessary to help me get ahead in my career. Without a doubt, it has given me an edge over my colleagues. Having the Degree is a justification to my capabilities as an individual for future career opportunities.

During the programme, I juggled work and studies by managing my time and priorities carefully. This experience helped me in many areas. My time management improved, along with my ability to prioritise. It also instilled in me a greater sense of discipline to finish my tasks within the scheduled time frames, even during difficult periods. One of the most surprising benefits is increased self-confidence, as I can look back and reflect on how I earned my masters because of the effort I had put into achieving that goal despite the many hurdles I had to overcome.

When I finally graduated, it evoked a very fulfilling sense of achievement and I am happy to have pursued the Double Master’s Degree with Murdoch, which provided me with the knowledge and support I needed.

My advice to those who are thinking of pursuing a Postgraduate Degree is this: Everyday we face changes and new demands. As the world becomes more competitive, investing in ourselves will be the best investment and you can do so by securing a Master’s Degree to develop yourself to stay competitive and relevant.