Upskill or retrain: Business courses that only take six months

RMIT’s TAFE business courses will help you gain skills that open the door to a rewarding, in-demand career in any industry.

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If you’re looking for a career change or you want to gain transferable skills that could get you employed in any industry, RMIT’s business courses can put you on the right path in as little as six months.

These students turned to RMIT to give them the experience and education necessary for a career change out of the corporate world, or to further their marketing skills in a new area of interest.

Demand for skills in accounting

Data shows 2023 is the year to advance your career in accounting, banking and finance, with the number of employment opportunities for accountants in Australia projected to increase by 9,000 in the next five years.1

When Andrew finished working as a Senior Business Analyst at Telstra in 2019, he looked for business courses as a way to quickly upskill in bookkeeping and be an independent operator.

“I'd heard there was a shortage of bookkeepers so I started the certificate and lined up a 12-month part-time role at the accounting firm so I could get my BAS registration,” said Andrew.

 

Career outcomes of the Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping

The certificate teaches the minimum educational requirements to register as a BAS agent within Australia as prescribed by the Tax Practitioners Board.

“I wanted an assurance of a good income and to have a career shift away from the corporate world so that I could also explore artistic pursuits and spend some time painting. The most valuable parts of the course were the practical units like learning MYOB software, and hearing the teachers’ experiences and insight from working in the industry,” said Andrew.

“I’m now working part-time for a bookkeeper and part-time at the council, and I'm also looking at opportunities where I live to set up my own accounting and bookkeeping practice.”

 

Why RMIT?

“I chose RMIT because of their good reputation and location,” said Andrew.

“I’d done a Master of Professional Accounting there and I’ve also just finished a Graduate Certificate in Project Management, so I’ve had a few good experiences at RMIT.”

The Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping is also a JobTrainer and Free TAFE priority course, meaning you could be eligible for low-fee or free tuition at RMIT.

Demand for skills in marketing and advertising

Careers in marketing and advertising are also expected to have very strong future growth in the coming years, with an estimated growth of 11.4% and skilled workers in demand across all industries.2

Bonnie discovered a passion for marketing while working in the travel industry. She started studying the Certificate IV in Marketing and Communication to further develop practical marketing skills that would help her land an in-demand role in industry.

“I worked at a cruise travel agency and part of my role was to create eDMs and collaborate with the marketing department,” said Bonnie.

“I discovered a love for marketing that inspired me to return to study to increase my skills and knowledge."

With Seek projecting job opportunities to exceed 3,500 positions for marketing coordinators in the next five years, Bonnie’s new skills and experience will stand her in good stead for success upon graduation.3

 

Career outcomes of the Certificate IV in Marketing and Communication

As a graduate of this career-oriented certificate, you can pursue roles in marketing, communication, media, advertising and public relations. Your future job title might be a marketing or communications officer, copywriter or market research assistant.

“Throughout the semester my class has worked with an international company called Hangtime Gear to create a marketing plan for a new product launch. We’ve been applying the knowledge we’ve learned in the course to assist this company with refining their marketing strategy, and I’ve acquired skills in evaluating the marketing mix, providing recommendations for future marketing and how to structure and present these options to the client,” said Bonnie.

“It’s been a great experience and after studying I’d like to work as a marketing executive, utilising my workplace experience and newly acquired skills.” 

 

Why RMIT?

“The TAFE style of learning is very hands-on and practical,” said Bonnie.

“I appreciate the opportunity to learn from teachers at RMIT who are also marketing industry professionals and can give us real-life examples and situations. I think the smaller class sizes allow you to build relationships with your tutors and classmates and get a more personalised learning experience.”

Story: Hilary Jones and Jacob Johnston

 

1 Seek website career advice page for How to become an Accountant. Accessed 26 October 2022. https://www.seek.com.au/career-advice/role/accountant .

2 Australian Government’s Job Outlook website occupations page for Advertising and Marketing Professionals. Accessed 26 October 2022. https://joboutlook.gov.au/occupations/advertising-and-marketing-professionals?occupationCode=2251 .

3 Seek website career advice page for How to become a Marketing Coordinator. Accessed 26 October 2022. https://www.seek.com.au/career-advice/role/marketing-coordinator .

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RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.