Student Q&A: Shalimar Abago

Please note: Upskilled is no longer offering the Management (Learning) course. Please contact our team on 1300 009 924 to discuss other course options.

Shalimar Abago completed the BSB80615 - Graduate Diploma of Management (Learning) with Upskilled. His efforts for the course paid off as during his studies, he was promoted to the position of Learning and Development consultant for the organisation he works for. Already having a bachelor's degree in human resources management, Shalimar quickly recognised that the diploma qualification complemented well with his university degree.

In this Q&A, he shares his reasons on why he wanted to study the course, how it has helped him achieve his career goals and who would benefit from studying the qualification. 

Can you tell us why you decided to study the BSB80615 - Graduate Diploma of Management (Learning)?

As a learning and development professional, I know that I will be needing a highly specialised set of knowledge and skills to be able to lead and implement organisational learning and capability development strategies; programs that support the achievement of the overall business objectives. 

Upon doing my research, the program offered at Upskilled aligned with my goals and my role as a learning professional. It offered so much variety in terms of units, providing me with the knowledge and skills needed to design and execute programs, adding value to the organisation and its people.

You have an educational background in HR. How does this qualification complement your bachelor's degree?

My Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Development Management has given me the foundational knowledge and skills I needed to jumpstart my career in the field of learning and development. Having it under my belt along with my Postgraduate Diploma in Management (Learning) has solidified and will greatly help me deliver evidence and result-based learning programs that are based on proven theories and reliable sources. 

Learning is very contextual and dynamic, and so to help organisations transform with the current trends and best practices, it's critical to understand how learning has transformed over the years. Taking up this course complements my bachelor’s degree as it allows me to contextualise my foundational knowledge with the current and effective trends in organisational learning.

How can this course help with your career goals?

I got promoted to Learning and Development consultant at the company that I work for whilst completing this qualification. Being able to apply all the knowledge and skills I've learned from the course has helped us achieve great results from a People and Culture strategy perspective. 

I also know that the knowledge, skills and values taken from the course will greatly help me in my mission in building organisations where people are highly invested and engaged in their personal and professional development, serving as a catalyst for business growth and sustained competitive advantage.

What skills and knowledge did you develop from the course? 

I've developed a significant level of confidence in terms of designing and implementing large scale learning and development initiatives that require more strategic, critical thinking and more ownership from my part. 

The course has helped me enhance my skills in applied research, improving learning practices and creating learning policies and procedures that are critical to the success of the learning and development initiative of the organisation. 

More importantly, it has made me more humble in realising that there is so much more to learn. I've developed a growth mindset in realising that outcomes are a byproduct of the hard work and effort you put in.

How did your trainer support you throughout your studies?

Gideon has been an amazing trainer. His support and guidance helped me tremendously in completing this qualification. His timely feedback and responses when I needed more clarity and direction has helped me deliver what is required for the program. 

His approach to giving feedback in a supportive yet challenging way has given me so much confidence and for that I am profoundly grateful. Upskilled is incredibly lucky to have him on board. 

Why did you choose to study with Upskilled?

The program aligned with what I was looking to achieve from a learning perspective. The ability to study online fit perfectly with my busy and very demanding work and personal life. The flexibility of the program allowed me to learn and work on my assessments without taking away so much of my personal time. The program structure and delivery made it possible for me to balance my work, life, and further studies. 

Before taking up the course, I did my research and found that Upskilled received some good feedback from other students. I also found it reassuring that I had a consultation beforehand to ensure that it was the right program for me. In addition, Student Support were extremely understanding and helpful, especially during these challenging times.  

Who do you think would benefit from studying the BSB80615 - Graduate Diploma of Management (Learning)? 

Professionals who are looking to improve their knowledge and skills in the field of organisational learning and capability development would greatly benefit from studying this course. Those who are responsible for designing and implementing learning programs to support the achievement of business outcomes will learn so much. 

Learning professionals who may just be starting or those looking to further their career would greatly benefit from this qualification as it offers both foundational and highly specialised set of knowledge and skills that are critical to producing strategic and effective learning and development solutions. 

Finally, I can confidently say that studying with Upskilled has been one of the best decisions I've ever made but do not just take my word for it. Try it for yourself!

Grow you skills as a manager with Upskilled 

If you're keen to develop your skills as a manager and have a genuine interest in creating a positive impact within an organisation, consider studying the BSB80615 - Graduate Diploma of Management (Learning) with Upskilled.

In 12 months, you will cover topics like planning and implementing a mentoring program, leading and influencing change and more. Best of all, this course is delivered online, helping you study around the clock when it comes to your work and personal commitments.

To express your interest for this course, get in touch with the Upskilled team on 1300 009 924.