How VU Polytechnic helped Suzanne find career fulfilment

Following a career in nursing and midwifery, Suzanne took time away from work outside the home to raise her children. When she was ready to re-join the workforce, she thought VU Polytechnic would give her the best chance at gaining meaningful employment.

"Previously I had studied and worked as a registered nurse and midwife, before deciding to raise my children full time.

I chose VU Polytechnic to return to study as it offered me a pathway course – the Diploma of Library and Information Services – that would then give me the best chance to gain employment in the field that I am most interested in: libraries.

VU Polytechnic played a significant part in my success. In addition to offering an ALIA (Australian Library and Information Association) recognised qualification, the student placement was instrumental to my securing employment. My placement with the Maribyrnong Library Service gave me a wide range of experiences across the five library branches.

Following my placement, I applied for a casual library officer position. I was successful and continue to be employed in this role.

The best thing about VU Polytechnic was the structured course and the teaching staff. Each semester, students were given a detailed timetable with the requirements of each subject clearly defined, including assignment due dates. This provided clarity as to what was expected and enabled me to work confidently and strategically through the course.

My goal was to achieve a qualification in an area that I was interested in and then hopefully gain a secure position in the field. VU Polytechnic enabled me to do this in a supportive and enjoyable place."

Course studied

Diploma of Library and Information Services BSB52115 (superseded by Diploma of Library and Information Services BSB50520)