Given the impacts of COVID-19, many people may be rethinking their current career path or need to upskill in their chosen field to match the current business climate.

Given the impacts of COVID-19, many people may be rethinking their current career path or need to upskill in their chosen field to match the current business climate.

But if you’ve been out in the workforce and away from study for a few years, or you’re completely new to tertiary study, where do you start?

We spoke with Chamber Sponsors University of Waikato to get some top tips for re-entering study.

This is a two-part series with our education partners. Please click here to view our Q&A with Toi Ohomai. 

How can someone get started with the University of Waikato, to understand what is the best approach for them and their future career?

The University offers a comprehensive range of programmes that can be started in July (B Trimester) for those who are new to University study, want to complete a qualification, or develop their skills further. Some new students maybe eligible for fees free.

Anyone thinking about studying should talk to us. Phone 0800 WAIKATO or send us a message here and one of our friendly team will talk you through your options.

When it comes to upskilling, what kinds of courses do you offer that might be beneficial?

We will be offering online and also blended approaches in all our programmes.  All lecture material will be in video form and students will be able to join tutorials and workshops by Zoom synchronously or watch recordings for an asynchronous experience.

If you are completely new to University, we will be offering a New Start bridging programme during B Trimester.

We offer Graduate Certificates over 16 weeks to those that want to re-skill in areas such as Project Management, Digital Business, Marketing or Supply Chain.

For those who have management experience and a prior qualification we offer the MBM (full time over 12 months), MM (12-18 months), and MBA (part-time after hours; at least 2 years to complete). The MM (Master of Management) is a new programme with specialisations that will take 12-18 months to complete full time.

Also keep an eye out for short courses we may be offering as well. These can usually be taken over a few weekends.

When it comes to retraining, what are some key considerations that may help someone make a decision about what to do and how to go about it?

• It is important to talk to someone early in the process and find courses that will fit into your current commitments.
• Look to build a skill set and knowledge that’s future-focussed and flexible.
• Research which sectors are likely to be showing growth in employment opportunities and where there are skill shortages
• Think about what you might like to do in the future. We can tailor your learning and our staff will be happy to help you through that process.
• The University of Waikato offers work-integrated learning in all of it’s programmes. This is an opportunity for all of our students to gain relevant, workplace experiences that enable them to put what they have learned in our courses into action.

Do you have any particular support services for adult students?

The University offers a wide range of support and wellbeing services for all of our students. You can find these here.

In the B Trimester the Tauranga campus will be open for you to get the right support, including learning spaces, library, 24-hour computer lab and staff to support you.

The Waikato Students’ Union (WSU) offers a range of support and advocacy services. These services range from legal and financial advice to academic issues and hardship support.

The University is offering the Te Ao Marama Scholarship for students who are planning to start their studies with Waikato in July.

What are your plans for Semester 2 given the impacts of COVID-19?

Teaching, learning and research in B Trimester will be conducted (for the most part) at Alert Level 2 and/or 1.

We will be offering online and also blended approaches in all our programmes.  All lecture material will be in video form and students will be able to join tutorials and workshops by Zoom synchronously or watch recordings for an asynchronous experience.

Looking for more business tips and advice? Head to our Latest News section.