Attracting industry support is no problem for the popular new Bachelor of Commerce (Professional — Financial Planning) program being offered by Griffith next year.
Through the new degree students study over three semesters a year, full-time for the first year, then part-time while working in the industry part-time for the remaining two years.
Program Convenor Dr Mark Brimble said some of Australia’s and the world’s top financial services firms had put their hands up to offer placements for students in the new degree program.
“The program is designed to help meet industry demand and provides companies with access to staff and a risk-free opportunity to see if a student is the right fit before taking them on full-time,” Dr Brimble said.
“The new program also provides students with the opportunity to put theory into practice before they graduate — and get paid well at the same time.
“The industry support for the new program has been overwhelming however opportunities exist if more companies would like to be involved.”
Professional Investment Services (PIS), Suncorp Metway, Citi Smith Barney, Tupicoffs, KPMG, MLC/NAB, HN Financial Partners, Marsh Tincknell, Ernst & Young and CPA Australia are just a few of the companies already offering industry placements.
Citi Smith Barney Financial Planner Troy Raemond said it was great to see financial planning recognised as a profession, as opposed to an industry.
“Griffith is progressive enough to recognise financial planning as a profession and give it the focus and investment of tertiary learning it deserves,” Mr Raemond said.
“Griffith has taken the time to learn what’s important to the profession, and tailored mutually beneficial courses for the student and employer, fast-tracking graduates into a profession where demand for services is outstripping supply.”
Queensland Audit Office (QAO) People and Performance Manager Natalie Molloy said there was definitely a need for degrees which provided opportunities for students to balance study and work and develop relationships with employers.
“There is a need to continually attract new staff, and students are keen and motivated. Griffith’s degree complements our existing internal training and graduate development program where new learners can access and build relationships with QAO,” Ms Molloy said.
“The benefit is you have several years to grow and develop a student in the understanding of the organisation’s culture, processes and systems. QAO is happy and proud to support such a program and look forward to our first intern!”
Members of the community are invited to join the inaugural student cohort of the Bachelor of Commerce (Professional) degree to find out more and hear from industry about the need for qualified professionals in this area at a free information evening on December 11.
The information evening will be held in Windtree Lecture Theatre One (Building LO8) at Griffith’s Logan Campus from 5.30pm — 7.30pm. Bookings are essential and can be made with Jo McConnell on 07 3382 1254 or [email protected]
