Organisational Functions & Dynamics
This was my first subject. I found it very difficult to begin with, because I never finished year 12, had never done University studies and hadn't done any studying for the past 24 years! Referencing was my biggest struggle. I had to create an advertisement, do an essay and individual reports.
Managing in a Complex World
This subject was tough. I was warned it was the hardest subject in the Grad Cert and that was correct information. I would highly recommend this be undertaken on its own, i.e. don't do another subject at the same time. I had to do two essays and a group report. Even though this was the toughest, I found I learnt a lot.
Foundations of Organisational Leadership (elective)
I really enjoyed this subject. We did a group report, a PowerPoint and an essay.
Don't be afraid to ask for help. You will need to know how to reference - There is a referencing course (about 3 hours) that you can do on campus at Swinburne, alternatively if you are interstate, you can ask to get the PowerPoint of it after the event. Also, take the time to learn what the difference of all the Essays mean and familiarise yourself with the format of how Reports are laid out.
Good luck everyone, you can do it!
Thanks Mel, this is great information that will be useful when choosing units over the next 2 years but didn't you have to do Sustainable Marketing Practices as a core unit???
ReplyDeleteHi Tanya - that one is an elective. There are 3 core subjects and one elective subject.
DeleteThank you! I'm booked in to do two units this semester (Comms Mgmt and Managing in a Complex World) and two next semester. Is that too ambitious?
ReplyDeleteHi Ree, I would probably say you are very ambitious! Managing in a Complex World is a tough one - I would recommend you do that on its own. In fact, a lot of tutors recommend you do them all on their own, but I guess it depends on your ability, available time you have for study and how hard the subject might be. Good luck whatever you do Ree :)
DeleteThanks Melinda! Your a very helpful & supportive class mate to have, this also being my 1st ever uni experience assignments & 'academic' writing is what I'm most nervous about. A few of my friends have completed loads of uni & I do have their help & support too but its great to have some inside knowledge into this course specifically!
ReplyDeleteThanks for being so lovely! You are very lucky to have friends who are well-versed in University studies.
DeleteThanks Melinda,
DeleteThis is my first year back at study, so thanks for the thumbs up on doing only one subject. I will be in touch with Swinburne first thing tomorrow to change back to one subject. Comm seems a great subject to start with as it will provide a great basis for communication when I move on to other subjects... and its a bit like keeping ones head above water trying to stay in touch with all these forms of social media.
Cheers, Suzie
No problem Suzie, I'm sure you're making the right decision. Good luck!
DeleteYes great blog post Melinda! Very informative. One unit per semester is perfect for me as I work full-time and have a very lively 4 year old, anything more than that would eat into my time with him. MICW, however, went above and beyond what I expected and I wasn't given prior warning on just how difficult it was going to be! Like you though I learned so much from that unit, and saw a big improvement in my writing and of course trying to get the prefect reference list!
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ReplyDeleteHi Melinda,
ReplyDeleteI agree with other class mates; great post! I, like you are completing my last subject to complete the grad cert. I have felt a bit out of my depth with this subject; but think I am finally gaining ground now. :)
Hi Anita, it's been difficult for me too, but finally getting a hold of social media. Good luck in your last subject! Bet you are stoked to be on the home run!
DeleteThanks Melinda, great blog and information. I am one of those that this is my first subject and yes it has been a long time since I did year 12.
ReplyDeleteHi Lee, I'm sure you'll be overwhelmed to begin with, but we're all here to help :) I am looking forward to working on our Group assignment.
DeleteHi Melinda, thank you for an insightful Blog. I received advice from Swinburne to only take on one subject at a time especially when I work min. 12 hour days and have my own business. This is the first time I have studied since high school, like you I didn't finish year 12, so this experience is new for me. Its going to be challenging but I am ready to engage and learn as much as I can.
ReplyDeleteHi Michelle, you do work long days! You need a Personal Assistant! I too work long days, typically 10 to 12 hours. Good luck in your studies.
DeleteHey Melinda
ReplyDeleteWhat an awesone blog you have here. Great work! Also thanks for sharing your story with us. It's very encouraging indeed for those of us who are just returning to studies, be it part time or full time, it has it's challenges!
Well done and good luck with your final subject and onward studies!!
Thanks Christine - good luck to you too :)
DeleteThanks for tips Melinda! Organisational Functions and Dynamics was my first subject and I struggled with REFERENCING!!!I was told that I doing Bibliography and not Referencing, luckily I survived! Good luck on this subject and future subjects as well.
ReplyDeleteHi Jermie, yes it does take a bit to understand Referencing, doesn't it? Good luck with all your studies.
DeleteHi Aaron, I didn't want to make you worried. I think it's the hardest subject of the lot - just think about it carefully, I'm sure you'll make the right choice that works for you.
ReplyDeleteHi Melinda,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the insightful information above. Speaking of all things to do with this course, Project Group 3 are launching our website, it's all about travel, and would love it if you have a chance to look at it and give us your feedback.. we launch on Sunday...will upload the link to it soon!!