Division of Business
Honours
Honours
2004 Senior Human Resource Officer, Adelaide University
2003 Bachelor of Honours (Management)
2002 Bachelor of Management (Employment Relations)
I chose to undertake my Honours degree after encouragement from many of my family and friends who had undertaken Honours or a similar program. As a mature aged student I was already studying in a field that I was interested in and so the Honours posed a further challenge. In addition I considered an Honours degree would give additional weight to any future employment opportunities.
My experience with the Honours program was very positive overall. Although the year was quite intense, my work experience and previous knowledge of Honours programs prepared me in regard to time management and planning ahead.
One of the most difficult aspects was learning to write a thesis and put this into the context of my topic area. Support and assistance from my family, friends and supervisor helped a lot and I learned to approach and write up research objectively whilst integrating several different bodies of knowledge. I found that most research ends up with more questions than answers!
The Honours has given me an indirect benefit for my current position and also left the door open if I would like to come back and pursue a PhD. As I am working in a university environment, I feel a degree with Honours is well-recognised and respected.
I learnt very different skills from those demanded in the undergraduate. In particular the self-directed nature of study promoted independent thought and experience in managing projects. These are skills that are transferable to the workplace.
I am exactly where I want to be right now. After completing my Honours I gained my current position as Senior Human Resource Officer at Adelaide University. I work as part of the consulting group offering advice on employment issues and participating in strategic initiatives within the University. Much of my work is project-based and involves researching and writing reports, policies and guidelines.
I am considering returning to complete a PhD at some stage (most likely in the very distant future) and having my Honours has kept this open as an option - and one that I feel better prepared to embark should I choose to do so.
