The beauty of online study - ideal for working students

Deb Auckram (pictured above) and Lucy Taylor (below) are at different stages of their careers. Both have found new directions with the business knowledge, tools and insights they’ve learned through online business study while they work.

Lucy enjoys her busy job as a front desk administrator at a medical centre. Studying, she says, has helped build her confidence at work and to develop a positive outlook on the future.

She opted for business after studying and working in early childhood care but found it wasn’t for her. Enrolling in the Fees Free New Zealand Certificate Business Administration and Technology (Level 3) at WITT last year gave Lucy, aged 20, a taste for business. She’s stepped up to the Level 4 qualification this semester and finds the course content seamlessly flows into the skills and tasks she is dealing with on the job.

It was the first time WITT had offered three of its business programmes fully online – and fees free - through Open Polytechnic, with face-to-face tutorials and learning support available at the Bell Street campus. Online students also have access to all student services and facilities, including the library, gym, health clinic and cafes.

“For me personally I like studying online because you can do it any time of the day – you’re not restricted to being in a classroom,” says Lucy. “I work better on my own and in the evenings and I find it so much better.”

She aims to do two to three hours of study a day, to keep on top of the course material and finds that is enough.

Building a business with the latest know-how

Deb has worked for a wide range of businesses in admin roles much of her life - for surveyors, lawyers, scaffolding contractors as well as running a cleaning business. She knows a lot but lacks a formal qualification, so she enrolled in the New Zealand Certificate Business Administration and Technology (Level 3) Certificate last year.

Returning to study later in life has built on her extensive work experience, bringing her up to speed with fast-changing technology.

“Things have changed a lot and they’re continuing to change – everything from data base management to all the software applications,” she says.

She’s continuing with the Level 4 certificate this year, with the added motivation of launching a handcrafted skincare business she’s developed in the past couple of years.

The overlap of study into real world practice has been immediate, from creating a database for her skincare ingredients and suppliers to understanding how to use AI as a useful tool for her business for promotional imagery.

She’s been applying course insights to her business, SLH (Smells Like Home), a range of natural self-care products she makes herself, including candles, wax melts and room sprays. Deb began making a healing, soothing kawakawa balm initially to help herself recover mentally and physically from major surgery. Since then, she’s formulated body and facial balms and creams for her growing business, from blending kawakawa, calendula and plantain.

“The least amount of ingredients [in skincare products] the better. Just like with food. There’s no point eating clean then putting a bunch of chemicals on your skin. Natural products do work best and it’s becoming a bigger market.”

Study has also given her a focus while she’s navigated a run of personal and health challenges, she says.

“I recommend studying, it’s good for your mind and your body to learn something new.” she says. “The world is changing and it’s good to learn new skills.”

Deb is aiming to enrol in the Level 4 Small Business course, which has intakes in June and August this year.

And though she enjoys classroom learning, she’s found the online option allows her the flexibility to juggle study, caring for grandchildren and working on her business. 

Last chance for ‘fees free’ this year

Both Deb and Lucy agree the course focus on good communication skills and customer interactions has been helpful alongside learning about apps and tech.

There are around 8000 clients registered at her clinic, says Lucy, with a wide range of backgrounds and health needs. “The course has prepared me well for dealing with a lot of different people,” she says.

As well as additional learning materials, such as videos, she notes; “It’s so easy to get in touch with the course leader if you need help, and they usually respond the same day.”

Lucy, who hopes her qualifications will be valuable whether job-seeking at home or overseas, says the online learning community she’s part of via the comments section of online modules creates a sense of connection. “Online study not as isolated as people might think.”

WITT has three fees free online business programmes with intakes this August.

"Our goal with these online programmes is to break down barriers to education," says WITT Cross Network Delivery Lead, Mary-Ellen Batchelor.

"As Lucy and Deb’s experiences show, you don’t have to put your life, your career, or your business on hold to get a qualification."

Click here for more information about online business programmes:

https://www.witt.ac.nz/study/administration-and-business-management

Captions: (top) Deb Auckram is developing a skincare business while studying online, and (below) Lucy Taylor finds online study complements her day jab.