During 2021, I embarked on a mission to further my skills and completed two certificates with the Governance Institute of Australia. Certificate's in Governance Practice and Governance and Risk Management.
The Certificate in Governance Practice and Governance and Risk Management provided me with the essential knowledge in governance and risk management responsibilities. Designed and taught by renowned practitioners with the Governance Institute of Australia , I was able to gain a clear introduction to specialist topic areas and the important issues related to governance and risk management principles, frameworks and approaches.
Whist initially hesitant to commit to undertaking the course and juggling my daily work load, I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was - and I loved it and thrived on it! So why was it an easy process?
With the onslaught of Covid, many business's have been forced to adjust their business model to online. This meant my course could be easily undertaken in my own time, subject by subject with an exam completed at the end.
Having a great support network with colleagues in the corporate sector as well as being able to call upon my mentors was a great asset. Absorbing all the knowledge and being able to bounce off questions was invaluable.
Don't ever underestimate the value of continued learning
Upon the the completion of my accredited certificates, I was able to secure engagement with new clients who required administrative support with their corporate governance obligations.
I was also working on an extremely complex company restructure, and could put my learning outcomes into practice immediately.
You may be looking at other alternatives to taking on a full degree, which when undertaken part time can take 6 years. Short courses, Certificate or Diploma courses can be achieved in 1 year. (Short courses can be as little as 1/2 or 1 day)
“Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.” “Education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel.” “Self-education is, I firmly believe, the only kind of education there is.” “Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty.
Your Investment
When reviewing courses, you may hesitate when you see the final cost. Cost's for full certificate or diploma courses can be expensive, however a great way to manage these costs can be by undertaking your course subject by subject.
This enables you to spread the costs out as little as ~$500 a subject and gives you an opportunity to step your toe in and gain an insight into the course.
There is also value in becoming a member of an Institute, as they will often have free webinars and resources. Affiliate memberships are extremely affordable and well worth it.
Undertaking accredited courses with reputable organisations such as Governance Institute of Australia or the Institute of Company Directors for example, is extremely important as their credentials are recognised globally and are highly reputable.
Never underestimate the value of continued learning
If you are harbouring a quiet interest in solidifying your experience with a formal qualification, don't hold back on investing in your future.
I absolutely loved the stimulation continued learning provided me and I am looking forward to scanning through more courses for my next challenge in 2022.
Intellectual growth should commence at birth and cease only at death
- Albert Einstein
