Hear from the Industry Skills Accelerator learners

Michelle Odayan is a Scientific Affairs and Education Manager at 3M and undertook the Practical Foundations of Microbiology micro-credential in early 2023.

After an early career in clinical nursing and additional studies in infection control, Michelle joined applied science company 3M in 2017. Her current role sees her focus on the operating room and device reprocessing, a field which requires a comprehensive understanding of the latest sterilisation safety and quality assurance. Taking on the role inspired Michelle to expand and refresh her knowledge by signing up for the micro-credential.

"I believe continuous learning to advance your knowledge is important in today’s rapidly changing industries," Michelle says on why she decided to complete the micro-credential.

Since completing the micro-credential, Michelle has applied her refreshed knowledge in the field and passed her learnings on to colleagues.

"I was able to understand the methodology behind microbiology and the key elements of improving safety within the pharmaceutical environment," says Michelle.

"I was also able to apply this understanding and insight to another quality improvement project within the healthcare sector."

"My experience was nothing but positive and I left with invaluable tools and resources that I have been able to directly apply to my workplace."

Being able to complete the course completely online was a highlight for Michelle, allowing her to balance her home life and study with ease. She also enjoyed the engaging delivery and quality of the micro-credential, which differed from traditional short courses she had completed by promoting a collaborative learning environment.

What would be Michelle’s message to anyone considering enrolling into a micro-credential?

"I would encourage anyone to make the commitment to themselves to update their knowledge and complete a micro-credential if available to them. My experience was overwhelmingly positive, and I left with invaluable tools, priceless skills and resources that have empowered me to make a direct and transformative impact to my workplace." 

Ayeh Bani Saeid is a Masters Pharmacy Student at the University of Technology Sydney and recently undertook the micro-credential Practical Foundations of Microbiology.

Having completed a Bachelors Degree in Organic Chemistry, Ayeh is continuing her scientific research path by gaining her Masters degree in Pharmacy. In early 2023, Ayeh enrolled to prepare for her ongoing studies in the field.

Since completing the micro-credential, Ayeh has gained a broader understanding and acquired the latest knowledge in pharmacy and pharmaceutical research.

"Undertaking the micro-credential has instilled me with a great deal of confidence. I feel more competent and self-assured in my field of study."

"I felt the need to refresh and update my knowledge to stay current in this field and this program proved to be the perfect solution, offering me a wealth of benefits and valuable experiences," says Ayeh.

"The micro-credential was exceptionally informative. It provided me with a comprehensive overview of the key concepts, principles, and advancements in the field."

What really stood out to Ayeh was how enjoyable the micro-credential was. She felt that the course content and materials were presented in different engaging and interesting ways, with a combination of interactive lectures, practical exercises, and case studies.

The course resources have also proven helpful since completing the micro-credential, with Ayeh referring back to them regularly.

"The program provided me with everything I needed to embark on my research career and has significantly aided my ability to navigate through my research endeavours with confidence and clarity."

William Li is an early-career chemist based in Western Sydney, who took the Practical Foundations of Microbiology micro-credential in early 2023.

William has spent much of his early career in a quality control laboratory position within the pharmaceuticals industry, focusing on sample preparation and instrumental analysis.

This year, he decided to pursue a micro-credential to further his studies of biochemistry. William was impressed with how easy it was to take on a micro-credential with a convenient class timetable and delivery structure. The course gave him a deeper understanding of the processes involved in a microbiological lab which was something he was only briefly exposed to in his early career.

“The course gave me valuable biochemistry knowledge and important lab experience that has now expanded my career opportunities.”

The micro-credential has provided William with the skills, knowledge and confidence to explore new avenues, such as quality assurance or regulatory, which makes him excited for the future ahead.

Carl Gagnon is Scientific Insights Manager at PharmaCare, a family-owned and operated health and wellness business responsible for market-leading brands such as Nature’s Way, EASEaCOLD, Redwin, Brut and Bioglan.

Early in 2023, Carl wanted to refresh his knowledge and expand his practical understanding of chemistry. He decided to undertake the Practical Foundations of Organic Chemistry micro-credential because it allowed him to easily take up the course alongside his full-time work.

“The course gave me a new understanding of chemical interactions and compatibility. The teaching resources and assessments were relevant to my job. I particularly enjoyed the teachings on extraction techniques as herbal medicines are quite complex,” said Carl about the relevance of the course.

"The course gave me a new understanding of chemical interactions and compatibility. The teaching resources and assessments were relevant to my job."

Overall, Carl feels the course has helped him further his chemistry knowledge and allowed him to directly apply these learnings in the field, allowing him to grow and expand in his current role.

Jordan Flood is an apprentice designer based in Western Sydney. In pursuit of career development, Jordan decided it was time to expand his knowledge and skills and was immediately drawn to the Essentials of Metal Additive Manufacturing micro-credential.

The course helped Jordan build on the foundational knowledge gained in university and develop his overall skills further. It also allowed him to see the different paths into manufacturing and other 3D printing ventures.

When asked about the impact of the course, Jordan said “Overall the course has allowed me to hone my skills and better express my ideas to pursue greater opportunities in the future”.

Erle Pereira is a Management Consultant who undertook the Fundamentals of Intellectual Property for Industry micro-credential in 2023.

With a strong technology background, Erle helps enterprises undergo digital transformation. The course has helped to build his business skills and knowledge.

"A large part of my work involves shaping business plans. The practical skills I gained in the course not only complemented my existing skillset but could easily be applied to my business. The depth of knowledge and experience that went into the creation of the course was evident" says Erle.

"I would certainly recommend this course to other business owners or management consultants".

What would be Erle’s message to anyone considering enrolling into a micro-credential?

"The modern world is changing, and we need to change with it. I would certainly recommend this course to other business owners or management consultants".

Sonam Chauhan is an Integration Leader at Winc and undertook two micro-credentials, Introductory Data Science and AI for Supply Chain Management and Foundations of Intelligent Supply Chain Management, in 2023.

Sonam’s impressive 23-year career has taken him all over the world. He began his career in India with a degree in Electronic Engineering, but quickly pursued exciting career opportunities that saw him move to the United States and then to Australia to work for one of Australia’s largest workplace supplies company, Winc.

Sonam leads the company’s integration team responsible for developing technical solutions to connect Winc’s supply chains with an extensive network of companies. He plays the dual role of integration architect and software developer, for which he received an extensive amount of on-the-job training. However, Sonam always felt he lacked the foundational knowledge that would allow him to truly excel in his job.

Sonam decided to take two micro-credentials to quickly fill the gaps in his supply chain knowledge.

"The micro-credentials boosted my skills, career, and ambition."

“The 2 courses gave me a solid foundational understanding of the purpose of my role. During the course, I had many ‘ah ha’ moments as I connected the day-to-day activities with a new understanding of the bigger picture. This ultimately allowed me to develop more innovative solutions” says Sonam.

He saw how the course knowledge could be applied immediately, but also how it could benefit his career in future, noting “A university course is like a staircase and a micro-credential is like a quick leg up in your career”.

Evening and weekend classes made it easy for Sonam to fit into his life. He enjoyed the small, diverse cohort of students from a mixed backgrounds including industry, consulting, and academia – it made for engaging discourse. Even after the course, students continue to share ideas and build their techniques through a private LinkedIn group.

What would be Sonam’s message to anyone considering enrolling into a micro-credential?

“My advice is that it’s a solid opportunity to improve your skills and better contribute to society. You’ll be taught by the best in the field and I highly encourage you to boost your career with a micro-credential”.