1. Why did you pursue a postgraduate degree?  

I had completed my undergraduate degree in Commerce and Media where I am currently working as an Education Support Officer. I was looking for a challenge that would push my knowledge while supporting my role in the industry.  

Although it was a completely different degree, concept, and academic language from my undergraduate, I decided to take the Graduate Diploma in Psychology. I believed that it would help support my career and the advice that I give as an Education Support Officer – especially from a scientific perspective.   

2. How did your postgraduate studies differ from your undergraduate? 

The Graduate Diploma (GD), especially the Graduate Diploma in Psychology, has a different format compared to my undergraduate degree. I was doing one subject per session in the GD, which I enjoyed because it gave me time to focus on one topic each week.  

The scientific writing was also a big change. While that may not necessarily be postgraduate level specific, it was a big difference for me. 

Lastly, I was balancing full time work with my studies. I had a lot more free time during my undergraduate degree (that in hindsight, I should’ve taken more advantage of) but with postgrad, I had to manage my time well to make sure I got everything done. 

3. How did you structure or balance work, study, and life?  

I really flourish under structure. It was important for me to have a structured timetable of study, work and down time. 

I had a to-do list every week that I would create on a Monday morning. I made sure that I would stick to that structure throughout my degree; it involved mapping out specific activities and specific times - it truly was an organised process.  

4. Do you apply the knowledge that you gained from your postgraduate degree to your work and/or life?  

Yeah, absolutely! There are some simple things that I just didn't think about before my studies that I now use in my day-to-day life. One thing that made a lasting impression on me was active listening, a concept that I learnt about in my first few subjects. I apply it into both my everyday and professional life where it's been pivotal for my job. I make sure to actively listen to my students and address their questions in the best way possible to meet their needs.   

Furthermore, the scientific writing taught me to be more critical and succinct, which gave me a strong basis for quantitative data that I was presenting in the workplace.  

5. What are your final tips for studying a postgraduate degree?  

A postgrad degree gives you a lot of materials. It was important for me to take advantage of all the resources provided. There is a world of knowledge out there, it’s up to you to read it, understand it and apply it.