If you want an example of how an Otago Diploma for Graduates can allow you to have one academic qualification and use it to smoothly leap into something quite different, just take Hilary Hickling whose Theology degree proved she had the study skills to take on a DipGrad in Finance.
As a high school student in Marlborough, Hilary enjoyed working with numbers and problem solving. Yet other interests led her to gain a BA in Theology via distance learning while travelling and living in Spain.
I wanted to up-skill myself to pursue a corporate career. A DipGrad seemed an obvious choice. Having a degree meant I had already 'proved' I could study, so I could fast track straight to the relevant papers.
“Then my husband and I moved to Dunedin so he could study Physiotherapy at Otago. I worked in an administration position in a print shop for two years, but we talked a lot about opportunities to try something new and expand my career potential.
“I wanted to up-skill myself to pursue a corporate career. A DipGrad seemed an obvious choice. Having a degree meant I had already 'proved' I could study, so I could fast track straight to the relevant papers.
“The DipGrad Programme Director Dr Willem Labuschagne has been very accessible throughout the process. I was overwhelmed by the paper options initially, but a few meetings with him quickly helped me identify the direction of my course.
“A DipGrad is an awesome option if you are looking to try something different. The opportunities and support at Otago are incredible. It is such a beautiful university and one that is growing and developing. It is a very exciting place to be.
“I'm currently in talks with Otago's Internship Coordinator trying to set up an internship with a Dunedin business over the summer break. I would love to find a finance or advisory role with a company here in Dunedin.”