Business, Administration and Management Courses

Frequently Asked Questions about Business, Administration and Management

What is a Certificate IV in Marketing?

The Certificate IV in Marketing & Communications is your pathway to a career in traditional and digital marketing. You will learn about customer insights, social media strategy, audience profiling, and multimedia communication, and how to apply these in the workplace.

How long does a diploma in project management take?

The length of studying a diploma in project management online is approximately 12 months with full-time study. The duration of your project management diploma is also dependent on how many hours you put in each week to study. However, at CAL all students are offered a generous 24-month self-paced enrolment period to complete their project management qualifications online.

Your future in Business, Administration and Management

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About Business, Administration and Management

Is Business Operations a Good Career Choice?

Why your administration skills are so valuable for operations management Finding a career pathway beyond administration is something many consider at one time or another. Those who take the initiative to convert and upgrade their skills to be valuable in a new role are the most successful at making the transition. It can seem as though the options are somewhat limited for those in an administration role. However, this is frankly not the case. There are many pathways for someone with a background in administration. One pathway many choose is an administration operations career and the potential to progress into the role of operations manager. What is an operations administrator? The role of an operations manager is broad and varied across all industries. Some duties may vary depending on the field, but the overall tasks remain the same. In a day-to-day scenario, operations managers are involved in the administrative and organisational support of a business. Their job is to ensure that operations are running efficiently, allowing the other areas of the business to perform at peak potential. A business operations administrators job description will include things like: Planning, delegating and coordinating the operations of staff Formulating policies to be followed by staff Assisting with roles in human resources Overseeing the day-to-day operations of their team Finding and allocating business resources The role is diverse and wouldn’t be considered a purely “administration” role but instead pulls from all departments from admin to management, personnel, purchasing, human resources and more. What is the Difference Between Operations and Administration? What skills does an operations administrator or manager need? Understandably there are many skills needed for a role like this. The good news is that if you have an administration background, you will likely have some form of these skills, even if they are at a foundation level. Some of the most valuable skills are: Critical Thinking In a busy and fast-paced environment, you need to identify weaknesses and strengths in all situations. You need to be able to do this quickly but effectively to ensure that problems are solved in a way that won’t disrupt productivity. The ability to think on your feet can be learned over time as confidence and industry knowledge is developed. Time Management The role of operations administrator or manager needs to be across your schedule as well as the schedules of your team. You need to manage your time wisely and know how to help your team best manage their time. You will need to be effective at time management in areas like setting and running meetings, delegating tasks, and ensuring punctuality. Interpersonal communication You will need to communicate with a wide range of people, and being able to adjust the way you communicate to suit each person is imperative. Short courses with role-playing scenarios are helpful to develop your interpersonal skills. Finding a mentor in this area is also a smart career move. Management of Financial Resources It’s possible that in a role like this, you will need to manage some of the financial resources of your company by setting budgets, managing expenses and negotiating supplier contracts. You will need to understand how your company manages and receives money and where money needs to be spent. An understanding of how to interpret financial accounts will be required at higher management positions. Management of Personnel Resources A vital role of your job may be motivating people to be the best they can be at their job. You’ll be helping direct staff in their careers and develop skills to better the way they do their job. Depending on whether your organisation has someone in the role of a human resource, you may be required to hold performance reviews and be a mediator when needed. Do you need to get a diploma to work in operations? If you think some of the skills you have may need improving or are concerned that you may not have all the skills required, completing a qualification will give you the extra knowledge and confidence you need to give yourself a leg up. The Diploma of Business (Operations) (BSB50120) may be precisely what you need. A new course to the College of Adult Learning, this diploma offers you a wide range of business-related subjects to help you into a business operations career. Some of the units on offer include, but are not limited to: Business resources Lead communication in the workplace Manage meetings Develop critical thinking in others Business operational plans Get the right advice Deciding on a career pathway for yourself can be challenging when you can’t see a clear direction forward. If you’ve come from an administration background, you may do well to move into the world of operations and operations management. The great news is you will probably have a solid foundation of skills and knowledge to build upon that will see you in good stead and help you move into the world of business operations. A perfect place to start is with the right advice from career professionals. Talk to one of our learning consultants about the Diploma of Business (Operations) (BSB50120) today.

Diploma of Business Administration vs. Diploma of Business (Operations): Which Qualification Is Best for Me?

What is the Diploma of Business (Operations)? CAL’s newest course offering is the Diploma of Business (Operations) (BSB50120) has replaced our previous Diploma of Business Administration (BSB50415). This change was implemented to provide students with a modern qualification with a strong focus on highly employable skills in business. The new operations offering is an exciting opportunity for those looking for a rewarding career in business operations and those looking to change career directions. Guided by the knowledge of industry professionals, this new qualification will give students a range of relevant skills to set them up for long term career success in the business operations industry. Another reason for the upgrade is due to the changing nature of work. While roles in administration will always be an essential function of business, the introduction of new technology, automation and artificial intelligence means that these new technologies can now carry out some roles traditionally done by administrative professionals. However, the duties of operations professionals are traditionally more management focused, keeping this industry safe from the impact of automation. What is the Difference Between Operations and Administration? Who qualifies as an operations manager? Operations Managers are qualified professionals who possess a combination of both theoretical and practical skills. They ensure the successful overall and day to day running of a business by managing both people and business processes. A career as an operations manager is well suited to people who are comfortable working with other people and can exhibit strong leadership skills. However, it is important that they also have technical knowledge, useful skills and strong attention to detail. What does an operations manager do? Roles in operations as highly varied, meaning you have the opportunity to work on a variety of areas and responsibilities for the business. The specifics of the role is mainly dependent on whether the business is goods or services based. Duties of an operations manager may include: Running the day to day operations of the business Managing and implementing budgets Implementing and enforcing work health and safety policies Planning and implementing a business-wide change, such as the installation of a new software program Managing recruitment and training of staff Following processes and implementing efficiencies Developing operations strategies Managing the business’ payroll Organising accounts and bookkeeping Salary Guide: Administration vs. Operations One of the most significant benefits of a business career specialising in operations vs. administration is the salary opportunities. On average, operations managers earn approximately 70% more per annum than their administrative counterparts. The most common salary for an Operations Manager in Australia is between $100,000 and $120,000 (SEEK). For those working as an Administration Manager, salaries range from $65,000 to 75,000 (SEEK). Career opportunities in operations Working in operations is an excellent and rewarding choice, thanks to the many career opportunities on offer. From entry-level through to senior management positions, the roles on offer are plentiful, and the industry is tipped to grow in the coming years (SEEK). When beginning your career, most people undertake a relevant qualification such as the Diploma of Business (Operations) (BSB50120) is a well-rounded course that encompasses relevant skills such as managing operations, budgets and people. It will also provide knowledge in particular areas such as sustainability, payroll management and recruitment processes. The new

What is the Difference Between Operations and Administration?

Almost half a million Australians are employed in the administrative and support services sector. Their average age is 41, and they represent 3.5% of the entire workforce. Many have an eye to the future and are considering moving into the field of business operations. The difference between operations and administration is slight, but administration focuses on a specific area of running a business, which are the supporting administrative tasks in budgeting, spreadsheet and document creation, office projects and tasks, customer service responsibilities, filing, running administrative software systems and more. Professionals in operations have ‘umbrella management’ where they look after and are closely involved with the administrative functions of a business, but are also involved in bringing other department’s activities to align with business goals, both short and long-term. This means being across the activities of finance, sales, customer service or front-facing departments, marketing and others. In many ways, it’s a natural career progression since both roles require similar competencies. An operations manager with a background in administration will rely upon management, communication, and leadership experience. They need to bring to the operations role an ability to think ‘outside the square’ to solve both technical and broader problems. It was found in a recent global survey that 77% of CEOs were focused on operational efficiencies as the main driver of future revenue growth. Click To Tweet What do you do in business operations? A business operations manager’s workplace can be just about anywhere, from office buildings to hospitals to warehouses or restaurants. Creating cost-effective solutions and ensuring that production and distribution processes are as smooth as possible are day-to-day responsibilities. However, operations managers also need to keep an eye on the bigger picture, such as implementing and managing quality assurance programs and overseeing organisational change, such as implementing new computer systems. Other tasks include setting budgets, recruiting and managing staff, ensuring OHS policies are adhered to, and constantly analysing all processes. In a nutshell, efficiency and product management are at the core of a successful operations managers’ job description. Of course, excellent communication skills are needed to deal with and manage staff in multiple locations and divisions. Critically, the right qualifications will help open the door to this varied and exciting career. How do I get into business operations? A recent global survey found 77% of CEOs were focused on operational efficiencies as the main driver of future revenue growth. Therefore, the operations manager in charge of ensuring these efficiencies is highly valued, in demand, and likely to attract a good salary. The question is, where to start on a career path to operational management? Certainly, broadening your workplace experience helps, as an operations manager can also be known as a ‘jack of all trades’. An administration background is very advantageous, but equally so is knowledge relating to how different departments within a business work. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of as many departments or divisions as possible is important in driving efficiencies. Core management skills are increasingly necessary as a global marketplace becomes more complex. The modern-day operations manager must balance both technical and business-specific factors when performing their role. Exposure to different aspects of a business will serve well in this kind of role. How can business operations benefit my career? A diverse business background is an ideal platform for a career in operations management. Once you have a role in business operations, you will gain valuable skills to prepare you to continue climbing the career ladder if that is what you want. Exposure to different aspects of a business will help you understand the processes and find solutions to make the business productive and cost-competitive. These skills are interchangeable across organisations and sectors. From health care to manufacturing to hospitality and tourism, all companies and sectors seek managers with solid business experience. If you are interested in starting a business of your own, then a background in business operations will prepare you with realistic expectations of the work involved. A solid skillset of administrative and operational skills will give you a leg up for business success. What are the best industries for operations managers? While we’ve established that virtually any business can benefit from good operations, some are even better suited, particularly due to changes demanded by the COVID-19 pandemic. Five of these industries are: eCommerce The sudden impact of the pandemic on eCommerce was staggering in its’ scale. Smart business owners quickly transitioned from shop front to online models, creating a need for experts to develop solutions for everything from software and production and staff to logistics. Education The multi-faceted nature of balancing the needs of students, teachers/lecturers, supplies and even landscaping is the perfect fit for an operations managers’ adaptable and problem-solving approach. Retail Retail is the perfect environment for someone with good operations management skills. Responsibilities include production source management, ensuring supply chains are working and keeping the customer happy. Health care Health care workplaces can feature thousands of staff, complex health delivery models and large scale supply chains where the smallest efficiencies can save millions of dollars. For many, this is an operations managers’ dream job. Hospitality Driving efficiencies in the cut-throat hospitality industry can mean the difference between success and failure. A good operations manager will seamlessly integrate suppliers with stock levels and staff with software to ensure everyone can do their job quickly and efficiently, leading to high levels of customer satisfaction. How to make a start in business operations Of course, planning your career transition is key to its’ success. Here are a few ways to start: Put your hand up for operations scenarios in your current role, which might catch the eye of anybody recruiting for an operations manager, either within or outside your current workplace. In your next performance review, highlight what extra value you bring to your administration role, whether it’s an ability to problem-solve or a track record of willingness to expand your skills. Use your networks, and make your ambitions known. Most importantly, ensure you get the right qualifications, so a potential employer understands the seriousness with which you’re considering a career change. Completing a

How To Get A Job From A Business Diploma

Every single day across Australia, about 2.3 million businesses are engaging in the marketplace. Almost 900,000 of these employ at least one person, apart from the owner. All these businesses are trying to carve a niche and make a profit in a competitive market. Most of these businesses will also require a manager with business qualifications to succeed. It doesn’t matter if you’ve invented the best widget ever, you’ll get nowhere without the qualifications to market and sell your goods or services. Business diploma outcomes The long-term value of the Diploma of Business (Leadership) (BSB50120) means that you don’t need to set aside four years (part-time) and an average of nearly $50,000 to complete a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree to succeed in the marketplace. Online diplomas in Business, Business Administration, and Leadership Management can be undertaken in less time than an MBA, for a fraction of the price. You can complete the diploma at your own pace, but most importantly, you’ll be job-ready from the moment you graduate, with the bonus of the list of jobs you qualify for will be virtually endless. What doors will a Diploma open for me? The demand for graduates with business-related diplomas is high. For example, hundreds of retail store manager jobs are vacant in Australia at any given time. The average salary is $57,000, and a business diploma or business operations/administration diploma is a great starting point. A personal assistant can expect an average annual salary of $69,000, which is a smart way to see a solid return on the qualification investment. Careers such as business development manager attract salaries over $100,000, well above the average wage. By completing your Diploma of Business (Leadership) (BSB50120), either before or after you commence work in a related field, you open the door to hundreds of career opportunities. By studying online, you can be qualified after just 12 months, while getting all the support you need. All of these benefits are available at less than a tenth the average price of an MBA, and you’re job-ready far earlier. Match Your Strengths to the Right Diploma

The Advantages of Studying Business Administration

This blog highlights why people with a business administration qualification are in such high demand. If you’re looking to become more employable and further your career, business administration may just be the right course for you. What is business administration? Business administration is a post-secondary adult training course. It gets students ready for careers in management-style roles. Adult education courses in business administration teach you how to look after and supervise business operations. This includes adult training in accounting, project management and marketing. It also includes using technology, and teaches some essential ICT skills and programs. One of the most popular adult education courses in this area is the Diploma of Business Administration Online (BSB50415). The advantages of business administration online   Have a wide variety of career options Because adult learning in business administration teaches you how to run a business, you can apply these skills into almost any company or organisation. Don’t let the word “business” give you the wrong impression. Business administration skills are vital for both for-profit and not-for-profit organisations, and working in the government sector. You could even start your own business and become your own boss. Business administration courses also teach vital leadership skills and how to organise a team. Again, these are skills that you can use in many workplaces in a range of industries. People who study business administration can go on to become managers or human resources professionals in industries like health and construction, to name just a few. Heath and construction industries are among those industries with the strongest growth forecast in Australia. Learn transferable skills Just as adult education courses in business administration give you the skills to work in any industry, they also allow you to switch industries with more ease. This is because business administration skills are transferable skills, meaning they can be applied across industries. If you feel like you might want to try a few different careers in your life, or would simply like to keep your options open, gaining business administration skills could allow you to side-step into another industry in the future. Land a job with career progression By doing adult training in business administration online, you set yourself up for a successful career with plenty of room for growth. Some blue-collar courses and careers limit you in how much you can earn and achieve. By contrast, business administration courses set you up for ongoing career progression. With business administration skills, you become a professional who will continually progress into higher-grade work with higher salaries. For example, by doing a Diploma of Business Administration Online (BSB50415), you could get a job in the accounting department of an organisation, and then you can gradually work your way up the ranks into managerial roles. Alternatively, you can use your diploma as a stepping stone into further study, which is another way to progress your career. Boost your earnings Adult learning in business administration is great if you want a career that is going to pay well. In general, managers have lower unemployment rates across all industries and have a stable projection for future growth. This means that the demand for managers isn’t likely to dry up over the next few years. Managers also earn more than their counterparts in the same industry. For example, human resources managers earn an extra $1000 per week more than a typical payroll clerk. Study at your own pace Studying business administration online comes with huge benefits. You can study at your own pace, when and where it suits you. This flexibility allows you to continue working, or supporting your family, while you complete your qualification. With a generous completion period of 24 months per diploma, you can fit your studies around your life, not vice versa. Similarly, by studying adult education courses online, you don’t need to attend classes or tutorials. You don’t have to disrupt your usual schedule or stop doing the other important things in your life. You also don’t have strict deadlines for assignments, but instead, you have the flexibility to complete course outcomes at your own pace. The entire BSB training package has undergone a review and overhaul from PWC and AISC. In October 2020, the new Diploma of Business (Operations) (BSB50120) course was announced, superseding and expanding on the older Diploma of Business Administration (BSB50415). The Diploma of Business (Operations) (BSB50120) focuses on the operations of a business, particularly key transferable skills in business administration, finance and communication, to create a more holistic and future-focused business qualification. Learn more about the Diploma of Business (Operations) (BSB50120) here.  

business manager leading team

How to Transition from Administration to Business Management

Many people in administration or finance roles can reach a point where they are looking for more from their career, such as a transition to business management. Small businesses are the backbone of the Australian economy, and many people aspire to run their own business. Business management skills are essential to success in most professions and businesses. The benefits and motivation for progressing from office administration or finance into management include: Challenge – added responsibility offers added challenge in your position, making work more engaging and enjoyable Increased salary – management positions will offer better salary opportunities in most industries Job satisfaction – when you are challenged, engaged and well paid then you are more likely to be satisfied and content in your career Career advancement – careers in business management will give scope for career opportunities within any organisation. The management skill-set can also transition across industries easily. 5 Tips to assist you in transitioning 1. Networking Everyone you meet is part of a potential business network therefore networking can have unlimited benefits for your career. Attend networking events run by local councils or organisations like Rotary to establish an avenue to build business relationships. For women, there are excellent female networking organisations like Business Chicks which run regular networking events. Through networking, volunteering or friendship groups you may find a business mentor to bounce ideas off, discuss management issues or help guide your career in the right direction. You might have more than one mentor as different people have different experiences and opinions to offer.   2. Business books/podcasts Read relevant business books and search online for podcasts that are relevant to the type of management skills you will need. Listen to experienced business people tell their stories of what worked or failed for them in business. Use tips from their business management journey to help you transition successfully to management. Every failure in business is an opportunity to learn, so make sure you listen to those that will communicate their ups and downs in business. For example, Mark Bouris ‘Mentored’ series or Janine Ellis ‘Superwomen we ain’t” (iTunes) are two very experienced and successful business people who have informative free podcasts.   3. LinkedIn LinkedIn has become an effective, professional way to follow companies and people in your industry. Job opportunities are often advertised through LinkedIn first and recruiters now actively approach potential candidates through search criteria. Tips: Keep your LinkedIn profile up to date with relevant keywords Take advantage of the daily business news on LinkedIn and make regular comments. Join relevant ‘groups’ in management or industry areas, then follow and participate in online discussions   4. Volunteering An effective way to develop skills and networking while you transition to management is volunteering outside of work at your local kindergarten, school, community centre or sporting club. Joining a committee or managing a sporting team can help develop the people and management skills required in a new management role. Meeting and working with people in this volunteer capacity will also help improve your communication skills. Key volunteer roles should be included on your CV as relevant experience.   5. Upgrade qualifications Arguably the most important way to transition to business management is to look at undertaking a qualification in business management such as an online Diploma of Leadership & Management (BSB50420) or a Diploma of Business (Leadership) (BSB50120). Both courses are relevant and beneficial for a transition of an administrative career into management or for running your own business. These qualifications provide a grounding in emotional intelligence, effective workplace relationships, leading and managing teams, and other key business skills such as recruitment, managing performance and employee relations. If you have limited experience in business and management this would be a beneficial way to gain the necessary training and skills to fast track your management career.   What are you waiting for? Act now, and you will be one step closer to your dream management job and a more fulfilling career. The entire BSB training package has undergone a review and overhaul from PWC and AISC. In October 2020, the new Diploma of Business (Operations) (BSB50120) course was announced, superseding and expanding on the older Diploma of Business Administration (BSB50415). The Diploma of Business (Operations) (BSB50120) focuses on the operations of a business, particularly key transferable skills in business administration, finance and communication, to create a more holistic and future-focused business qualification. Learn more about the Diploma of Business (Operations) (BSB50120) here.  

Why Choose A Business Admin Career?

Administration is a department that is essential for every business. Unfortunately, it is a role that has a history of being an overlooked and undervalued career choice. Given the importance of administration for every organisation and business in today’s commercial world, it’s heartening to see trends that indicate this misconception has started to change. Administration’s new earning potential The latest SEEK Top 20 Australia’s highest-paying jobs shine a spotlight on the bright future ahead for administration with a 13.64% increase in average salary over the last five years. The highest paying jobs are Personal Assistant/Executive Assistant roles with an average of $72,061 per year. Contracts Administration earns $66,595 per year and Office Management a steady $66,122 per year. Specialist employment agency Robert Half reports that executive assistants find the best salaries in Sydney at $85,000, followed by Melbourne at $75,000. Also, job vacancies for administration are at a record high leaving scope for a committed candidate to take the pick of the best jobs on offer. The best salaries for executive assistant roles are Sydney at $85,000, followed by Melbourne at $75,000. Click To Tweet How to advance your career Most careers in administration begin with office assistant roles and advance to office manager, personal assistant, administrative assistant or officer. Depending on your skill and interest base you can move from here to roles with added responsibility and larger salaries, including: Executive Assistant Office Manager Administrative Officer Practice Manager Finance Manager Hays Job Report predicts demand for hybrid workers, like personal assistants who can work across departments, such as both marketing and executive. Receptionists that can also do multiple duties like PA and other secretarial tasks are highly valued. At the higher end of the earning capacity, Executive Assistants who are willing to develop board meeting secretarial capacity will find many promotion opportunities. Increasing use of administration technology Any administration role involves the proficient use of computers and more commonly, also an array of people and resource management software. Areas of business being innovated by software administration include diary, records, event, and project management tools. Some popular applications used are: Slack Dropbox Evernote ScheduleOnce MailTracker MailChimp Career administrators are expected to be across these trends, be able to make recommendations and roll out use among users. You can find yourself training others in how to use a wider range of technology than ever before. Website and social media management is another area that offices are asking administration to handle. For this reason, it’s a great idea to understand how to produce and implement a social media and technology use agreement for an office. When you find the line between administration and marketing beginning to blur and you are being asked to write the monthly company newsletter, and manage Mailchimp, then it might be an optimal time to ask for a pay rise. Gaining career confidence A Diploma of Business Administration (BSB50415) will give you the practical knowledge to be able to handle all administration tasks that your employer and senior managers may expect you to be across from the beginning. A qualification will also give you the confidence to take on more responsibility than you might have been willing to tackle without one. Showing what you are capable of, as often as possible is a proven way to advance your career into promotion opportunities. Another common administration career pathway is into human resources by gaining a Diploma of Human Resource Management (BSB50320) . Human resources duties include administrating payroll, hiring new staff, resolving staff complaints and organising staff events. Keys to an administration career Administration is a role that can give a lifetime of value and job satisfaction. Thankfully now it is also a role that can bring economic certainty and higher earning potential. Experience and formal qualifications are the keys to long-term career success in your chosen administration pathway. The entire BSB training package has undergone a review and overhaul from PWC and AISC. In October 2020, the new Diploma of Business (Operations) (BSB50120) course was announced, superseding and expanding on the older Diploma of Business Administration (BSB50415). The Diploma of Business (Operations) (BSB50120) focuses on the operations of a business, particularly key transferable skills in business administration, finance and communication, to create a more holistic and future-focused business qualification. Learn more about the Diploma of Business (Operations) (BSB50120) here.

2018 Trends in Business Administration Jobs

The 2018 trends for Business Administration Jobs are looking bright. There are business administration jobs available in every sector of business, making it easy to secure a position in a field you are interested in, for example, Healthcare, Finance, Recruitment or Communications. What businesses need business administration? On Seek, there are currently 9150 business administration jobs available across Australia today. A job candidate searching for a position in business administration will find a wide variety of positions available to meet most needs, be that full-time, part-time, city, rural, entry-level jobs or roles for experienced administrators. Today’s workplaces rely heavily on key administration roles. Tomorrow’s workplaces need tech-savvy and innovative administrators to align processes to the company’s goals and champion sustainable and scalable initiatives. There are many places to find quality employment in a field of work that aligns with your interests and talent allowing you to hone and develop new skills to keep up with the technology revolution. The workplace sectors with the most business administration jobs are: Business Sector No of jobs Administration and Office Support 2480 Information and Communications Technology 998 Construction 654 Real Estate and Property 615 Accounting 506 Sales 429 Banking and Finance 386 Human Resources and Recruitment 335 Healthcare and Medical 301   Salary opportunities in business administration jobs SEEK reported that the average advertised salary was $56,432, and job ads for administration and office support roles were rising by 12% year-on-year. The Hays Salary Report shows that there is scope for a good level entry salary and ongoing career advancement, while Payscale shows that experience correlates to a steady average salary growth. Office Support Positions Average Salary Administrative Assistant – Entry-level (Less than 5 years’ experience) $46,000 Administrative Assistant – Mid-career (5-10 years’ experience) $49,000 Office Manager $57,200 Executive Assistant $68,300   In addition, there are over 3,000 business administration management roles on Seek advertising salaries above $80,000 with attractive superannuation benefits. A snapshot of business administration trends in Australia The South Australian Government has produced a careers skills website which shows a snapshot of Australia’s business and administration industry (www.skills.sa.gov.au). Quick facts include: 98,900 people living in SA are employed in the business and administration industry. This represents 12.3% of the State’s workforce. More than two-thirds of the workforce are employed full-time. One-third of the workforce has diploma, advanced diploma or university degree qualifications or higher. Women make up around two-thirds of the business and administration workforce. The age spread of people working in the industry is older than the average age of the South Australian workforce. To work in the business administration industry, you need to be organised and have good attention to detail. Computer skills are essential, and you must be able to communicate well with others, particularly in writing. Wages depend on qualifications, experience and level of responsibility. A reception assistant earns between $600 and $800 per week. Jobs that require a higher level of expertise and experience will attract higher earnings, such as a human resource manager, which attracts $2,000 per week or more. Typical occupations include – Advertising and marketing professional, call (or contact) centre personnel, director or manager, conveyancer and legal professional, court and legal officer, data analyst, executive assistant/secretary, general clerk, human resource officer, management and organisation analyst, office administrator/manager, project officer, public relations officer, purchasing and supply logistics officer, receptionists/switchboard operator, records officer, safety inspector or regulatory officer. High-level administration management occupations are general manager, facilities manager, corporate secretary, advertising and sales manager, CEO, managing director and small business owners Business administration qualifications in Australia Studies in Australia, is an online advisory guide for international students who want to study in Australia. They cite business administration and management as one of the most popular fields of study among international students and recommend that a business qualification allows entry into a wide range of careers. Studies in Australia recommend an Australian business qualification that encourages graduates to think globally about Eastern and Western perspectives of business and management. With many employers seeking traits such as global perspective, independent thinking and leadership skills, choosing a high-level and respected qualification is important in a growing, competitive marketplace. Secure your career advantage today This year is seeing the growth trends in business administration continue to climb. With more jobs and more candidates seeking work, a competitive advantage is becoming an important asset. The best career asset now is a qualification in business administration. The entire BSB training package has undergone a review and overhaul from PWC and AISC. In October 2020, the new Diploma of Business (Operations) (BSB50120) course was announced, superseding and expanding on the older Diploma of Business Administration (BSB50415). The Diploma of Business (Operations) (BSB50120) focuses on the operations of a business, particularly key transferable skills in business administration, finance and communication, to create a more holistic and future-focused business qualification. Learn more about the Diploma of Business (Operations) (BSB50120) here.  

Smartest Business Management Technology Trends of 2018

Your guide to understanding what’s technology is new for Business Management and how to keep up Business Management in 2018 can seem overwhelmed in tech jargon. Perhaps you feel as if you are struggling to keep up with the business of business management. The sheer amount of business administration knowledge required to be successful can often keep you from looking ahead and assessing what’s new and exciting. Until it’s too late. Education and lifelong learning are more essential than ever. It is vital for business managers, business owners and senior administrators to understand which trends are hot and which are not. Here’s a summary of what’s new in business technology in 2018 – and what it means for you. FOUR SMARTEST TECHNOLOGY TRENDS IN 2018 1. The Rise and Rise of Augmented and Artificial Intelligence Or to put it simply, Man plus Machine. Business News Daily reports that ‘2018 will see the end of the experimental phase’ of Artificial Intelligence. AI is being used to augment performance across business, perform repeatable redundant tasks and process large amounts of data. Forbes writer Ian Altman says, ‘this is not to avoid human interaction, but to enrich it.’ In 2017, these brand names took AI to new levels: Pizza Hut replaced waiters with robots to take orders and process payments Walmart used automation to replace 7,000 accounting and invoicing employees iPhone maker Foxconn replaced 60,000 employees with robots Wendy’s replaced their lowest paid employees with robots Microsoft is using AI in half a billion devices running Windows 10 Amazon’s AI friendly platform allows developers to work with AI specific frameworks and services Google Maps uses real-time customer data from our phones 2. Blockchain means Business Blockchain seems to be the biggest business management buzz of 2018. It is the main technology behind Bitcoin and other crypto-currencies and championed by many thought leaders as being in the infancy stages of development and potential, much like dial-up modem technology was at the beginning of the Internet. Workzone Software expert Andrew McDermott describes blockchain as ‘It’s a completely different way of processing information and Bitcoin is just the tip of the iceberg. In its essence, blockchain is a unique way to process transactions or records. Like a shared document that can be recorded and remembered several different ways. Blockchain is emerging in healthcare as well as financial tech. And no matter the fate of Bitcoin as a currency, blockchain will be here to stay.’ Some current examples of blockchain innovation are: Accenture and Deloitte are building blockchain practise areas and investing in key alliances IBM is in a blockchain collaboration with Nestle, Walmart, Costco, and others to improve global food supply chain safety Bitcoin is being used in high-end sales such as real estate transactions and accepted in many places across Europe for low-end retail sales UK Ministry of Defence is using blockchain technology to increase security measures 3. Get Savvy about Cyber-Attacks There are changes in the way business is implementing IT and managing IT spending. Experts are seeing a shift away from large-scale IT solutions to Microservices, where smaller applications make it easier for businesses to scale and decrease risk while increasing efficiency With cyber-attacks and ransom-ware on the rise, the new business mentality is one of detection and response rather than prevention. No longer is it a matter of IF it will happen, but WHEN. A combination of on-premise and SaaS/Cloud solutions are being implemented in new Hybrid-Security models. The Internet of Things is a growing area of cyber-attacks. In 2017, Gartner reported that there are now 8 billion connected things with 20 billion expected by 2020. Leaving devices unprotected gives hackers ample opportunity to find a way into your data and systems. In 2018 you need to ensure your IT providers are enforcing security protocols across your business and organisation. 4. Rethinking Banking Your mobile device is fast becoming your wallet. This trend is being driven by Millennials and Gen-Z consumers who want to bank when and where they want. Digital banking will grow to over 2 billion users by 2020 and a technology-first mindset will replace traditional banking even more. USA data shows that 80% of customers use online banking and 50% do so on mobile devices. Customers will demand that your business provide instant payment and banking solutions, or they will go elsewhere. Be smart and upskill your knowledge for 2018 and beyond A career in business management or business administration is enhanced by keeping up with what is new and trending in technology. CEOs, upper management, and business owners are looking to hire qualified diploma graduates who have relevant knowledge and expertise in these areas now. Find our more about the courses we offer today

5 reasons to choose a Diploma of Business Administration over an MBA

Making the decision to gain a qualification and return to study is an important life milestone. You want to make sure that you are choosing the right qualification for your needs. At first, an MBA (Masters of Business Administration) sounds like an impressive acronym, and it is the qualification that you have probably heard about the most. Yet, undertaking an MBA does have a few downsides. A Diploma of Business Administration (BSB50415) is a nationally accredited qualification in Australia, that is also highly respected in Asia Pacific and worldwide. Diploma or MBA? A Diploma of Business Administration will provide you with a thorough understanding of a particular aspect or area, in this case, business administration. It is based on practical and immediately applicable skills. An MBA builds upon existing qualifications and senior management work experience, but with a broader theoretical focus across many areas of management. Completing a Diploma is quicker, and better for your bank account An MBA can be a daunting undertaking in time and financial resources. The average cost of an MBA is around the $60,000 to $120,000 mark. In 2020, the cost of an MBA actually rose by 7.82% compared to 2019. In comparison, a Diploma of Business Administration exists under the $5,000 mark. The Diploma of Business Administration (BSB50415) at College for Adult Learning is offered at an extremely affordable price of $2,995. Most MBA courses are two years full-time, or four years minimum part-time. On the other hand, a Diploma in Business Administration studied online can be completed in as little as 12 months. You could be hanging your Diploma qualification on the wall in a year, and enjoying the increase in salary. CAL offers a team of expert learning coaches to help you to work through the program. You can book in coaching calls to fit around your lifestyle, and receive practical, pragmatic advice on how to improve. Comparing In 2020, the cost of an MBA actually rose by 7.82% compared to 2019. Click To Tweet A Diploma of Business Administration gives you a better pathway Your diploma will provide a direct pathway into your business management career, and give you the knowledge to flourish in any administration role. CAL graduates find that once they secure the role they want, they advance faster than others in similar roles, even those who are locked into studying the longer MBA program. An MBA may even over-qualify you for the roles you want and leave you stranded between being over-qualified and under-experienced. What’s even better is the Double Diploma program that CAL offers, allowing you to pair your Business Administration diploma with another useful diploma like the Diploma of Leadership & Management (BSB50420). Employers value current real world knowledge and practical skills over theoretical knowledge CAL’s Diploma of Business Administration contains tutorials and case studies that have actual real world scenarios for the most current and relevant learning. CAL sources a deep knowledge base from industry leaders across multiple disciplines, so you will find yourself being able to ‘walk the walk, and talk the talk,’ with confidence and clarity. Get an edge to afford an MBA in the future The salary increase you receive from having a Diploma can allow you to save and plan for doing an MBA in the future if you need to. Your Diploma will also open doors into roles that give you the work experience you need to complete your MBA faster, saving you more money in the long run. Our students often find that the Diploma unlocks latent ambitions and hidden leadership qualities that are highly valued in the workplace. A Diploma has a perfect blend of core and elective tutorials An MBA is a longer course than a Diploma because you are required to study areas that may not interest you, like economics and accounting. With a CAL Diploma, your core tutorials are guaranteed to contain new and developing theory and practice, specific to everything needed for your career in business administration.  You can mix and match elective tutorials to your interests rather than being locked down into areas you already know, or areas that are not relevant to your ideal career. Having a wider choice and control over your learning empowers you to stay engaged with your study and retain information better. Overall, an MBA is an aspirational qualification that requires a heavy commitment of resources for a delayed return. A Diploma of Business Administration is a respected way to gain a practical and valued qualification that opens doors and accelerates your business career. Choose wisely and start today. The entire BSB training package has undergone a review and overhaul from PWC and AISC. In October 2020, the new Diploma of Business (Operations) (BSB50120) course was announced, superseding and expanding on the older Diploma of Business Administration (BSB50415). The Diploma of Business (Operations) (BSB50120) focuses on the operations of a business, particularly key transferable skills in business administration, finance and communication, to create a more holistic and future-focused business qualification. Learn more about the Diploma of Business (Operations) (BSB50120) here.  

Top 10 Qualities to succeed in Business Administration

Are you wondering if you would you be good at business administration? Take this quick survey and find out… If your superhero tastes are more Pepper Pott than Iron Man, or you prefer Dr Watson over Inspector Holmes, then you understand how important it is to succeed in Business Administration. How to get Actual Job Outcomes from Business and Leadership & Management Diplomas Top 10 Qualities to succeed in Business Administration Take this easy ten question survey to determine where you sit on the Business Administration success scale. Please answer these 10 questions using the following scale: 1 Never 2 Sometimes 3 Often 4 Consistently 5 Absolutely You aspire to do quality work all day, every day (not just once a day)1 2 3 4 5 A good system brings a tear to your eye and joy to your heart1 2 3 4 5 You like to be organised (even your desk draw is tidy kind of organised)1 2 3 4 5 More often than not, you see how to improve on inefficiency1 2 3 4 5 You place high importance on professionalism in the workplace1 2 3 4 5 One of your life mottos is, ‘There is no I in Team!’1 2 3 4 5 You are a motivated self-starter (lazy is strictly for Sundays)1 2 3 4 5 You like to stand out from the crowd (think workplace role-model)1 2 3 4 5 ‘Calm under pressure’ is your middle name1 2 3 4 5 You seek a fulfilling and rewarding career path1 2 3 4 5 Now, tally your score and match your result below: 40-50 You’re the best of the bunch Congratulations you have all the qualities to succeed in Business Administration. And it’s time to enrol in the Diploma! You have exactly what it takes to reap the rewards and succeed in business administration. All you need now is the right qualification, like an online business administration diploma from College for Adult Learning. You might even have enough Recognition of Prior Learning credits to complete your diploma in record time. Start now and you will be on your way to a successful career in a respected vocation with great potential for advancement. 25-39 You are our pick for one to watch What a fantastic result. You have the potential to diligently do what it takes to be a successful business administrator. With the right mentors and guidance you will develop the necessary skills and gain the experience you need. A qualification in Business Administration will give you the confidence you need to stand out from the crowd and secure the job you want. Start today and be qualified within 8-12 months. 10-24 You’re a late bloomer, but keep growing! Take heart, your strengths probably lend themselves to another profession. Perhaps Project Management or Logistics is more your style. However, if a career in Business Administration is still your dream, we suggest you do some volunteer office work, build your skills and self-esteem, and consider starting a business administration qualification in 6-12 months. Goodluck! Download our FREE 'Your Career in Records and Information Management' Guide Find the latest information in our eBook about a career in records and information management, including current job opportunities, skills you need, salary information and more. DOWNLOAD MY FREE GUIDE   So if you can see yourself as a professional business administrator, then get in touch with your course advisor who will go through your experience with you and let you know the exact qualification that you’ll need to further your career. The entire BSB training package has undergone a review and overhaul from PWC and AISC. In October 2020, the new Diploma of Business (Operations) (BSB50120) course was announced, superseding and expanding on the older Diploma of Business Administration (BSB50415). The Diploma of Business (Operations) (BSB50120) focuses on the operations of a business, particularly key transferable skills in business administration, finance and communication, to create a more holistic and future-focused business qualification. Learn more about the Diploma of Business (Operations) (BSB50120) here.  

New Business Administration

The New Style Business Administration in Australia

  If you thought Business Administration in Australia was an old-fashioned vocation, you need to take a closer look at the new style in Business Administration Diploma offered by accredited providers like College for Adult Learning. Modern roles in the Australian workplace continue to evolve at a rapid rate. Business Administration in Australia is one of those roles. Administration in the 2000s is no longer the second cousin to human resources or finance but rightly acknowledged as an essential core foundational aspect of any successful organisation. Today, organisations looking to succeed in competitive markets demand that they recruit smart, accredited and business-savvy individuals into key administration roles. A modern business administrator must have these ten essential skills To succeed in business administration in Australia, you must be willing to learn on the job and grow your skill sets. However, you must also have a firm foundation of knowledge to begin with. A modern business administrator must: be knowledgeable about many aspects of an organisation easily adapt to changing scenarios understand how to be a team player lead and manage junior roles by example have well-rounded and personable communication skills be professional and comfortable in high-level executive situations efficiently produce important management related work work calmly to many demanding deadlines know how to use a range of software programs and tools co-ordinate and often facilitate meetings and projects   Changing Business Administration pathways The promotion opportunities for Business Administration roles are better and brighter than ever. Your role on reception, or as an assistant, is often the first contact touch point for new and existing clients. While the goal for career advancement is natural, you need to be willing to start at the start and embrace the opportunity to move forward from there. Be assured, an administration pathway that begins as a receptionist or admin assistant can soon become a promotion to a personal assistant or office manager for the right person. From there, many opportunities exist to expand upon your role and make yourself an indispensable asset to your workplace. Having a qualification such as a Bachelor in Business Administration helps you to become the right person for the best positions, faster. Of course, the salary incentives that result from your degree ensure that your choice to invest in your future is a sound one. An investment in vocational qualifications is always quickly recovered and is often the best one you will make in your lifetime. Closing the generation gap – Why Millennials and Gen X shine as administrators Australia’s senior executives and business managers understand that having competent and out-of-the-box thinking Millennials on their teams enhances the overall success of their organisation in today’s fast paced environments. Millennials (born 1982 to 2004) often come under scrutiny as being the laziest generation ever. Other, more open-minded employers point out that what some call lazy is simply this generation’s ability to harness technology and create efficiency in different ways to before. What is clear is that an Australian Business Administration qualification gives any Millennial instant standing and credibility in the job application process and assists you to stand out in the crowd. The same applies to Gen X’s (born 1965-1984) re-entering the workplace or looking for a career refresh. Forward thinking and hardworking Gen X’s who are willing to upskill to a Diploma of Business Administration, find their years of experience combined with latest cutting-edge knowledge, to be a quickly valued commodity in the job market. Obtaining a Bachelor in Business Administration is a prudent way to fast track your career makeover. No matter what your age, the current job market for business administration in Australia is seeing a united conversation and methodology across all the generations who hold modern diplomas. For more information on the latest Bachelor in Business Administration in Australia, visit https://collegeforadultlearning.edu.au/courses/diploma-business-administration/ Or to download a course brochure, simply fill in the below form    

7 Job Interview Tips To Improve Confidence

Job interviews can be a stressful time for everyone. Having to be on your ‘A game’, coupled with the added pressure of wanting the position can often make the process feel overwhelming or daunting. The good news is by following these smart job interview hacks you’ll easily increase your confidence and set yourself up for the best opportunity to secure the role. Even if you are still studying for a qualification, it’s a smart idea to be preparing for job interview success now. 1. Always arrive early. Always! You’d be surprised by how many people find themselves rushing to get to their interview. Being late not only reflects badly on you as a candidate but puts you in a negative state of mind during the interview. Work out how long you need to get there, add on some extra arrive early time and then for good measure, add on some more. Research parking or public transport options well ahead of time. The night before is a great time to prepare, and you’ll also sleep better when you feel well prepared.   2. Dress to impress It’s true that different industries require different standards of dress. However, it’s always preferable to overdress rather than under-dress. A good rule of thumb is to dress a little more formally than what employees would wear daily. TRY THIS: Corporate office with dress shirt and pants? Add a tie and jacket. Creative workspace full of crazy prints? Try black pants and a block-coloured shirt. 3. Focus on the small details It can be easy to forget about finer details, but they’re just as important. You don’t want to be runner-up because you paid less attention to your appearance. Think about details such as chipped nail polish, novelty key rings, the state of your handbag/wallet, your phone case and shining your shoes. Consider everything that may be on display to an interviewer and what it says about you.   4. Create a strong mindset Focus on your strengths and why you are a great choice for this job. Make sure to mention your existing qualifications, any courses you are doing, and past successes relevant to the role. TRY THIS: Sit quietly for one minute and breathe deeply both during the inhale and exhale. As you breathe deeply, focus on three key reasons you are a great choice for this job. This practice will slow down your heart rate as well as your speech, and make you feel more at ease. Do this the night before and on your way to the interview. 5. Preparation boosts potential The more prepared you are, the more likely you are to perform to your potential. Research the position thoroughly, so you have a rounded idea of what the interviewers are looking for in an ideal candidate. Read the company website and download any annual reports. Make notes about when they started and why, what are their services, key members of management, etc. Have a mock interview with a friend or a family member if possible, to get you used to the interview format and to prepare for commonly asked questions. 6. Build rapport from the beginning It’s easy to get tied down in the formalities of the interview process, but don’t forget that your interviewer is also just a person so they may be feeling pressured and nervous too. Try asking your interviewer a friendly question while walking to the meeting room. Don’t be afraid to ask questions during the interview. Remember, an interview is your chance to learn more about the role and to decide if it’s something you’re interested in doing. Thinking of it this way and remembering that they’re trying to impress you too can help with easing your nerves. 7. Friendly and professional follow up Always send a professional email following the interview to thank the interviewer for their time. Explain that you enjoyed meeting them and learning more about the role and reiterate your interest in the position. If you haven’t heard from them in the agreed time frame, call to follow up on the status of your application. Your interest shows that you are proactive and organised. Implementing these smart job interview hacks will instantly set you up for success in your next interview. If you are currently studying online, make sure to ask your learning mentor for help in preparing your resume and for any interview skills advice relevant to your diploma or qualification.

The Soft Skills You Need to Stand Out From the Crowd

It’s more important than ever to be able to differentiate yourself from others and be able to highlight strengths that will get you noticed – either within your current role or in your application on an HR Manager’s desk. A great way to make yourself stand out is by gaining and exhibiting soft skills. But just what are they, and how do you learn soft skills?   What are soft skills? Soft skills are the intangible assets that make you stand out in interviews, at work and social events.  Soft skills make you stand out from the crowd but don’t come with a piece of paper to back them up. Important soft skills range from attributes like leadership and teamwork through to problem solving and decisiveness.   The ability to demonstrate soft skills will push you to the top of any prospective employer’s pile of candidates. Click To Tweet   The ability to demonstrate a range of important soft skills will push you to the top of any prospective employer’s pile of candidates. While your qualification is a tangible demonstration of your academic ability and training, soft skills don’t come with a certificate, and it’s up to you to demonstrate them to any people you may want to impress. What's your Management Trajectory? Are you wondering how far away you are from your next promotion? Take our quiz to assess your management career pathway. GO TO QUIZ   How to learn soft skills Feel stressed that you can’t think of any soft skills to round out your resume? Don’t worry, with a nationally recognised qualification from CAL you’re already well on your way to mastery of several key important soft skills.   Self-Discipline and Motivation Perhaps one of the most challenging aspects of any education program is the switch to a more self-driven learning process and is especially the case when completing online courses or undertaking study that may seem new and confronting. At the end of the day, you are accountable only to yourself and must find both the motivation to take action and the discipline to see it through. Being able to demonstrate that you have the self-discipline to diligently guide yourself through an entire course, seek help when you needed it and work to meet deadlines makes you an asset in the eyes of any future employer. Furthermore, the fact that you identified a need for change in your life and did something about it by enrolling in a CAL course demonstrates a motivation to get the best out of yourself.  the self-discipline to diligently guide yourself through an entire course, seek help and work to meet deadlines makes you an asset in the eyes of any future employer Click To Tweet   Time Management Good time management is a skill that can be honed over time. As an adult student, your studies will often need to be juggled between caring for a family and working your existing job. Being able to meet deadlines requires time management skills, as juggling to fit in those important family moments. Completing your CAL course is a demonstration that you can divide your time efficiently and effectively to achieve your goals, an attribute critical to the success of any workplace. Problem-solving Completing any form of education, especially at these levels, requires the ability to work your way through the tasks set for you. As you work your way through a course, academic challenges will be plentiful. Any CAL graduate can confidently say in an interview that they were able to tackle the difficult tasks involved in their course head on.   Your problem-solving skills need not only stem from your coursework. Identifying issues with any of the other areas we’ve outlined above and coming up with solutions to deal with them is also a form of problem-solving. At the completion of your course, you can prove to any employer that you have experience working through and overcoming difficulties.   What are soft skills that can be developed elsewhere? When it comes to selling yourself on the job market, the more soft skills you have, the better. Here are three simple ways you can incorporate three more important soft skills into your resume and stand out from the crowd even more.   When it comes to selling yourself on the job market, the more soft skills you have, the better. Click To Tweet   Teamwork Showing you can be an able team member is important for entering the workforce. Join committees, form a book club or maybe play a team sport, even if it’s just C-grade mixed netball on a Wednesday night with your friends. Anything that shows you know how to cooperate with others will make you look good and show you’re a proactive person.   Leadership Demonstrating the ability to handle the pressure and responsibility of being a leader is a fantastic asset. Seek out leadership roles in your current workplace or volunteer to run events at your kids’ schools or for a local charity. Creativity Many employers will look for employees who can think on their feet and find creative solutions to problems. You can show off your creative side by starting your own blog, podcast or YouTube channel, or perhaps by investing a little more time in expanding your painting, graphic design or photography hobby.     The importance of Soft Skills You can see that gaining soft skills to stand out from the crowd doesn’t need to be hard. Having fun and enjoying what you do is another underrated soft skill that can keep life in perspective as you study and negotiate the job market.   More Course Information HiddenSource URL HiddenDate YYYY dash MM dash DD Name* Name Email* Phone*Course of Interest*Select a courseDiploma of Building & Construction (Management)Diploma of Project Management (specialising in Construction)Diploma of Project ManagementDiploma of Quality AuditingDiploma of Business (Compliance)Diploma of Work Health & SafetyDiploma of LogisticsDiploma of Business (Procurement)Diploma of Human Resource ManagementDiploma of Human Resource Management + Pathway PackageDiploma of Business (Organisational Development)Diploma of Business (Leadership)Diploma of BusinessDiploma of Business (Business Development)Diploma of Marketing and CommunicationDiploma of Social Media MarketingDiploma of Leadership & ManagementDiploma of Business (Operations)Diploma of Business (Records and Information Management)Diploma of Business (Records and Information Management) (Specialising in Health Administration)Diploma of Practice ManagementCertificate IV in Project ManagementCertificate IV in Building & Construction (Building)Certificate IV in Building & Construction (Site Management)Certificate IV in Building Project Support (Contract Administrator)Certificate IV in Building Project Support (Estimator)Certificate IV in Work Health & SafetyCertificate IV in Human Resource ManagementCertificate IV in Marketing and CommunicationCertificate IV in Entrepreneurship and New BusinessCertificate IV in Leadership & ManagementCertificate IV in Health AdministrationAdvanced Diploma of Human Resource ManagementAdvanced Diploma of BusinessAdvanced Diploma of Leadership & ManagementEmailThis field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

How Upskilling Can Increase Your Career Prospects

If you have reached a roadblock in your career, you may be wondering how to increase your career prospects. There are different ways you can do this; one of the best is to upskill. There are many benefits of upskilling yourself and it can be a lot easier than you think. Read on to discover the benefits of upskilling yourself. Increase Your Career Prospects Some industries offer employees the chance to easily progress to higher positions, others are more difficult. The easiest way to keep your career from plateauing is to be open to adult learning. Upskilling will help you gain the skills for more interesting and challenging roles. Employees who constantly upskill form a good impression with their employers. It shows employers that you are committed to your work and eager to move forward in your field. Upskilling helps to create the stepping stones to get you into higher paid leadership roles. Discover New Passions Adult learning allows you to continuously be a part of the learning environment, which can be a great way to discover new interests. It is normal to enter your work environment and forget that there is a world outside of what you do. This is a simple method to increase your job satisfaction and well-being. One of the benefits of upskilling yourself is that you are being exposed to new ideas within your industry. You may find that there is a completely different way you’d like to approach your current role, or you might discover a similar stream that aligns better with your goals and interests. For example, many finance professionals transition into human resources. A common pathway is to study a Diploma of Human Resources so that you have a qualification to show potential employers as well as your current skills. Increase Your Earning Potential If you are hoping to be offered higher pay or have had your eye on a different role, then upskilling is a must. One of the many benefits of upskilling is that it can increase your career prospects in regards to salary. Employers recognise individuals who go the extra mile to increase their skillset and will keep you in mind when selecting someone for a promotion. Upskilling also helps to gain transferable skills. This will allow you to couple your current skills with your new abilities to increase your career prospects. For example, industries such as finance and accounting require a similar work ethic. Employers will highly regard individuals with a well-rounded education. Keep Your Knowledge Current A common problem in many industries is the constant rate of change as technology continues to progress. For many students, a large amount of their knowledge will become outdated by the time they complete their course If you have been in a particular industry for a number of years, you may find that your skills and knowledge are not up to date with your field. For example, studying a Diploma of Human Resources now would be completely different to studying a Diploma ten years ago. Knowledge and learning techniques change frequently, so it is important to continue adult learning in your field. Many companies assist their employees in learning new procedures and skills, but it can be infrequent or forgotten if they do not see it as a priority. It is your responsibility to make sure you are aware of what trends and culture changes are happening in your industry. Being aware of new programs and software being using by other professionals in your field will help make your job easier in the long-term. Meet Other Professionals You can increase your career prospects with adult learning. Learning environments allow you to meet new people with a shared interest. Building professional relationships can help you in the future to learn about new opportunities in your field. Moving onto new positions can also be made easier if you have access to a strong network of professionals. Recommendations from other professionals can go a long way in making your application stand out. It can also be a great talking point in interviews to know someone affiliated with your potential employer. Networking is an excellent experience to further push your career goals. Meeting with like-minded industry professionals will often inspire you to progress further and there is the opportunity to learn from other people’s experiences. If you are interested in upskilling, enquire into courses at the College for Adult Learning. You will receive a flexible and learning environment which will help get you onto the path to success in your chosen field.  

Trends in Construction Management Jobs - Australia 2017

2017 Australian Trends in Construction Management jobs Construction Management trends in 2017 are positive and plentiful. Construction Management is a growing sector in Australia in 2017 as the population grows and interest rates remain low. Overall consumer sentiment is positive, and technology continues to improve building methods and quality of life for all. 2017 Prospects for Construction Management Jobs Construction Managers are responsible for timely and quality project coordination of built facilities from planning through to completion. Careers exist in civil engineering and infrastructure, industrial, commercial and residential buildings. Across Australia, there is a nationwide boom in industries related to building and project management. Due to the skill shortage in Construction Management jobs and related jobs, many companies are regularly outsourcing work to third-party businesses and hiring entire project teams when necessary. The construction industry is the third largest employing industry in Australia at around 9% of the country’s workforce. The start of 2017 sees almost 10,000 Project Management jobs and over 9,000 Construction Management jobs available Australia wide on Seek. Site managers, civil construction managers and project managers are in high demand. Construction Management opportunities in Australia Most states are seeing a skill shortage that flags opportunity in the building and construction workforce. A skill shortage also creates salary opportunities as employers realise they need to offer attractive employment packages to secure the right people. Victoria, NSW and Queensland offer 74% of Australia’s construction employment and the construction market remains buoyant overall. Victoria has the highest population growth, and residential construction remains high, as does demand for trained professionals to fulfil jobs. Commercial building in infrastructure, aged care, education and healthcare remain high. NSW sees both commercial and residential construction growth. A large ageing population sees a rise in healthcare, aged care and retail developments. Queensland’s residential high-rise boom is over, and many of those involved in construction management jobs have moved to NSW, leaving a skill shortage in the north for constructing affordable and detached residential housing. Brisbane City Council is aiming to see 220,00 new homes built over the next ten years. Civil infrastructure jobs are also on the rise. Many opportunities still exist in mining construction and defence projects in North Queensland and Northern Territory. South Australia is expecting solid projects in commercial construction with many permanent opportunities increasing. ACT continues to see high-rise residential and mixed-use construction growth with a short supply of construction and project managers. In WA, civil projects are underway in road and rail systems with temporary assignments available. Millennials and women will change the construction industry The Master Builders is actively tackling the issue of ageing workers and a lack of younger workers in the building and construction sector. With many of Australia’s current construction professionals due to retire in the next ten years, there is a huge opportunity for millennials to enter the construction sector now and upskill as fast as possible to fast track their construction management career path. High demand, changing mindsets, and equal opportunities are reasons why women are now welcomed and succeeding in this previously male dominated industry. More women are gaining qualifications in project management and construction management and making traction into management positions as demand continues for qualified professionals across all Australian states. Other 2017 Construction Management Jobs Facts The current salary range is $80,000 – $160,000 with an average salary of $115,000 The percentage of males and females working full time and part time are: Male Full Time: 86.3% Male Part Time: 8.2% Female Full Time: 4.7% Female Part Time: 0.8% Related jobs and titles include Site Manager Site Supervisor Project Manager Construction Project Manager Construction Management is a career plentiful with opportunity and career satisfaction. Start your construction management career pathway today with a Diploma in Building and Construction Management.   Sources: Builders Academy Australia, Hays, Seek

Are There Any Job Opportunities in Logistics?

Are there any job opportunities in logistics? What does the future have in store for Australians in this sector? Having a secure job and future is a great feeling! But how many of us can say that? Well, there’s been much reporting in the media recently of the Australian economy faltering with a $7 billion budget deficit forecast for 2018-19, resources prices plummeting and wage increases stagnating. But, it’s not all doom and gloom with jobs and opportunities in logistics due to greatly benefit from a number of Free Trade Agreements recently being signed. The most recent and notable being the Chinese-Australia Free Trade Agreement or ChAFTA which is set to increase logistics jobs significantly. Also, if you’ve got the right advice on approaching the current job market, you’re in a great position! What is it? In November last year, the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement was completed and signed. Once it commences, 85% of Australian goods exported to China will be tariff free, rising to 93% within four years and up to 95% when in full force. So, due to decreased importing and exporting taxes there will be increased opportunities to deal with China’s large and growing economy. According to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade background paper the agreement will enhance and protect Australia’s competitiveness with our largest trading partner and also attract growth-enhancing investment. The agreement will lay the foundations for an increase in trade in goods, growth in investment between the two countries and a rise in trade of services and knowledge based industries. What’s it worth? China’s economy is currently the world’s second largest, worth over $10 trillion and is growing at 7.7 per cent annually. Currently Australia trades $159.6 billion annually and is our largest trading partner. With the reduction of trade barriers between the two trading partners Australian importers and exporters will have access to China’s 1.36 billion people and their booming economy. The World Bank predicts that before 2030 China has the capability to become the world’s largest economy with solid growth rates and high consumption. For example, beef consumption in China is projected to rise by 236%, dairy consumption by 74% and sheep and goat meat by 72%. As our largest trading partner and with an ever larger growing population, China will rely heavily on Australia to supply them with fresh fruit and vegetables as well as dairy and meat. How will it affect Logistics? Senior lecturer of International Business Dr Jane Qiu at the Australian School of Business at UNSW said “One of the few sectors that will gain for both countries is logistic providers, transportation. So people in this industry will be happy, especially the cold chain providers required for meat products, dairy and wine. For cold chain providers it will be very good news,” With the FTA, this will improve access to the growing Chinese market. With increased trade between the two countries, the logistics infrastructure must grow to accommodate the vast amounts of goods being traded. Obviously this means that there will have to be increased investment in Australia’s roads, ports and rail to sufficiently deal with the logistics of moving these goods and services between the two countries which will create many job opportunities in logistics. Outcomes of this agreement will flow on to the agricultural sector as China’s growing population will require increased food production. Resources will have less constricting taxes applied and be able to trade more freely cross-country. Manufacturing will have greater access to value chain opportunities. All this means that there will be more investment in new jobs and the capacity to deliver the benefits. What do I need to do? With over 6,000 jobs posted online only last month, logistics professionals are more in demand than ever and there are many job opportunities available. To break into the industry though, you’ll need to be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to tackle these challenging and rewarding careers. For this reason, the majority of today’s workforce are choosing VET qualifications to upskill and earn more. With CAL’s newly developed and most popular qualification, the Diploma of Logistics will provide you with all the skills you’ll need to hit the ground running. Jobs that you could be doing after completing the Diploma of Logistics include: Logistics manager Logistics clerk Supply chain manager Road transport manager Distribution centre manager Inventory manager Stock clerk Feel free to get in touch with one of our career advisors today to talk about the opportunities in logistics and how we can help you get there!

7 Steps to Writing a Winning and Professional CV

In the last article I wrote on ‘Selling Yourself Short: De-Valuing your CV’, I looked at the problems mature age workers, seem to have with selling their collective skills, knowledge and experience in their CV. This is particularly prevalent when trying to move from one job type or career band to another, where the individual is unable to clearly demonstrate the relevance of past skills and knowledge to the new/different context. Get a CV that stands out from the rest The CV is often the only important piece of information about you that a prospective employer gets to see. So today I thought I would write a more prescriptive article on how to put the CV together using 7 quite simple steps to a successful CV. As I said last time you need to confidently sell yourself, your skills and experience in your CV and you need to link your past experience, skills and knowledge to new and different contexts so that an employer can actually see the skills & knowledge transference – you must spell it out for them and leave nothing to chance (or interpretation). Remember, an employer is looking for someone who can do the job and do it well. You must be able to demonstrate this – unfortunately, to really do this well, it often means you need to customise your CV (as well as your cover letter) for every job you apply for. One technique to do this is as follows: STEP 1 – Think about the Format Design a format that makes your CV easy to read (i.e. clear font/size/colour) with headings that stand out and lots of dot points. Make sure you include your name and contact details front and centre on the first page with a summary in the header/footer of each page of the document. The formatting of the CV tells the reader quite a bit about your computer skills and abilities so, depending on the job, you need to keep this firmly in mind and, if you’re not confident then outsource it. STEP 2 – Introductory Statement Make a defining statement that tells the reader who you are, what you’re good at and/or passionate about and what you aspire to – preferably in relation to the job on the table (and this may change with every application you submit). If you are linking previously acquired skills/knowledge to a new career or job opportunity then do so here for example if you were previously in sales and want to move to HRM then say something like: In my previous sales positions, I undertook a range of HR responsibilities including managing performance etc. and, this experience together with my recent study (i.e. completing the Diploma of HRM)  have even more aware of the critical importance of employees  to successful organisations. STEP 3 – Education & Training Summarise your formal education and training (or technical skills).  If you hold any post school qualifications then list them. There is no hard and fast rule for how you present your qualifications but, it is usually from the highest to the lowest, however, if you want to highlight a qualification for this job then start with that. If you have no post-school qualifications then cut the heading out and list instead (or as well) all the training and/or technical skills you have. For example you might list Advanced skills in Microsoft Office – Word, Excel, Power point; WordPress and so on. If you are applying for a job where a software tool will be used i.e. a CMS or finance package then it’s helpful to list those you’ve had experience with. Use a new line (dot point) for each new skill/tool. Computer, email, web design and social media skills are all important skills to list – not just as I’ve done here but also list the tools and/or platforms you use and your skill rating (i.e. competent/ advanced). It’s important that you come up with some technical skills (even if you have impressive qualifications) as these give you some credibility that you can actually do something of immediate value without help. So cast your mind back to that short course you did years ago and list it here – if you are really struggling here then, if you hold a driver’s license you can add it here. Do not put your year 12 details here (only school leavers need to consider this). STEP 4 – Key Skills Summary Now this is where you can really start to sell yourself and also demonstrate how you can successfully translate skills from previous contexts to new jobs/careers. This is the section that most people struggle with. In this important section you need to list all the things you are good at (and that relate to the job) for example you might be: Highly motivated An experienced people person Excellent multi-tasker Depending on the job and level, I would expect to see a targeted summary of skills over half to one page in total. I suggest you begin by brainstorming all the things you do well in both a work and social context. If you can only generate a half page or less then enlist help from people who know you. Once you get this right it can be tinkered with as required. So, begin by pulling together about an A4 page of dot point skill description. From this list gather together a small grouping of 5 – 6 key skills that you think describe you. These core skill sets will form the basis of all your job applications.  Then, go back to the job advert/description and pull out the key points i.e. what you think the job is asking for. Once you have these listed, go back to your ‘big’ list of skills and put together a list that best matches the job you are applying for. For example you might have a number of job specific skills such as: ✓  Professional writing skills, able to write policies and procedures ✓  Good general knowledge of HR regulations, codes and legislation ✓  Highly experienced sales executive achieving all financial team and individual targets year on year ✓  Skilled user of complex CMS including designing of email templates and implementing campaigns If the job is HR related then you might select the first two dot points, whereas if it is in sales then you’d leave these out as they are irrelevant to the job and just go with the sales-related skill sets. It is critical that you take the time to get this section right and, that you address it again for every job you apply for. Your skill-sets need to subtlety mirror those required for the job. This is where you sell your transferable skills! STEP 5 — Career History This section is often neglected in the CV or, it is overdone with way too much detail. Your career history needs to be chronological with no obvious gaps commencing with the most recent position first. For each job/position list: Job Title Dates position was held i.e. Jan 2014 – ongoing Company Name Then include a summary paragraph( 3 – 4 lines only) highlighting the key parts or notable points of the role and/or the company. List a dot point summary of the key responsibilities of the role i.e.: Motivating and engaging team members to work effectively and efficiently Consistently achieve set KPI’s If the position and the new job warrant it you may want to list ‘Key achievements’. Here you can highlight any awards or citations won while in the role or any ‘special’ or unusual achievements, or if you want to brag about something then put it here. Repeat this formula for each of the previous jobs you’ve held. STEP 6 – Personal Statement This is optional and gives a potential employer a bit of an insight into you as a person. It often depends on the job and here you might want to say something about your personal interests and/or passions i.e. Play the violin Amateur marathon runner Sing in Church Choir Alternatively, you might like to list the various groups or charities you’re involved with but, don’t overdo it. Make sure that what you highlight is not contentious nor adds any concerns to the employer. For example you probably wouldn’t list ‘hang gliding’ as this may be viewed as high risk and a potential liability. Nor would you list membership of a political party for example. STEP 7 – Referees The final point to make here is about your referees. I can’t believe the number of CV’s I see with a whole list of referees and contact details listed! You should never supply referee details with an initial CV/job application. Instead a sentence that notes that referees will be supplied upon request is all that is required here. NB it is poor protocol to pass out your referees to all and sundry in job applications. Your referee’s time is valuable and their contact details should be privileged. Treat them like the gems they are. Normal job protocol says that you only give out contact details for referees only after you have notified them of the company name and contact person and the job title. That way you are preparing your referee for a call and providing them with the pertinent details of same. It’s just good business manners. So there you have it. The ‘trick’ if you like in writing a winning and professional CV is really taking the time to do it well, to read the job advert and respond directly to it. Of course this means you need to tweak or perhaps quite substantially re-write some sections of your CV for each new job you find but, if you follow my advice you’ll find you won’t have to do it for long. Your attention to the details of selling your skill-sets as they relate to each specific job that comes along will pay off and you’ll find yourself in a new job in no time!

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Kerri Waddell
Head Coach: HR, Business, Administration and Management

Kerri is a Learning and Development (L&D) professional with 21 years of experience in the field. She has a holistic understanding of the L&D function. She has a broad range of skills, knowledge and capabilities related to organisational training and assessment delivery, training needs analysis, training program development, training procedures development, L&D planning and reporting, staff development, leadership/management, performance management, HR functions and project management.

Kerri’s personal educational philosophy is to make a positive difference to the professional and personal lives of people through learning. She likes to assist people to be the best they can be by helping them to believe in their own abilities. She is truly passionate about helping people to learn, grow and achieve!

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Lee Hartwell

It covered all topics. Talent management, operations, leadership and metrics. Great overview issues in work place discussion. Great output.

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Very practical and useful information that is directly related to the workplace.

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