As we all face unprecedented times and get used to lockdown, many people are looking for ways to come out the other end of this situation with new skills. Others are looking at how they can keep busy during this time. If you have been thinking of online learning, now is the time to sign up. In this blog we share some tips on online learning from an existing learner about the challenges and benefits of online learning and how to use time wisely.
eCampus NZ student, Bruno Rawson, was initially looking for a face-to-face, classroom qualification in project management but with no obvious opportunity available, he enrolled with eCampus NZ to complete the New Zealand Diploma in Business (Project Management) (Level 5).
Bruno has been studying fulltime since February and aside from the extra stress of a pandemic, he has been able to continue with his study. Bruno says study has given him something to do, something to keep him focused and it is providing continuity and stability.
“I have my study area in a space with natural light and I have a daily routine where I write a journal and set a schedule to try and keep on top of things for the day. It’s good to have the flexibility of choosing when I want to study,” says Bruno.
Bruno set to improve his career through study and get into the field of project management.
“The field I will be going into will likely be mechanical engineering. I have a strong background in that with a diploma, trade cert, and experience in Japan and Australia, so achieving this project management qualification will help me understand the business and management aspects more. A core part of that is people management and one of the things I really wanted to improve was my soft skills, and how to be a good people manager.”
Bruno says the content in the New Zealand Diploma in Business (Project Management) (Level 5) has been very good to date in providing him valuable information and giving guidance about the role he wants to get in to.
“I’ve been working on two courses since February and in the short amount of time studying, I have learnt a lot of great content. So far it has provided me with a good understanding of the basics of the project management field and management principles.”
“The management paper has been very helpful. It has provided me with some really useful tools, I have a better understanding of New Zealand organisations and management theories and how to deal with people more professionally”.
When Bruno secures a fulltime role, he says he will easily be able to apply his learnings in the workplace.
“I will have project management skills and procedures, lots of quality control processes, a set way of managing projects that takes everything into account and learning the fundamentals of that will help.”
Bruno admits that learning at home can be lonely and this has been exacerbated by the lockdown but he keeps socially connected with others via phone and email. This connection is important in the current situation.
If you want to find out more about online learning call 0800 328 269