Nicole Dempster - winner of a City of Darebin study grant
Course: Diploma of Accounting
Awarded the 2009 City of Darebin study grant
“Leaving half way through year 12 for the birth of my first child, I was determined to go back to school one day to complete my VCE. Eight years later, when both kids were at school, I enrolled in the VCAL (Victorian Certificate in Adult Learning) at NMIT. I wanted to be a Sports Fitness Instructor, but after completing the VCAL I realised I had more academic ability than I’d credited myself and decided to do accounting.
Whilst I enjoy the accounting course at NMIT, it’s been hard juggling family commitments and study. The course has opened my eyes at how diverse the accounting industry is. I’ve been learning accounting from so many different perspectives, like tax, law, management etc. I particularly enjoy tax and would like to specialise and become a tax agent. I’ve also met lots of wonderful people, and made new friendships.
Getting this study grant has given me a sense of accomplishment. It’s something for me, recognition of my hard work and effort. My family is really proud of me and I have the highest qualifications in my extended family.
With the prize money I’ve bought various computer equipment, books and stationery. I now have access to the internet and have linked my computer to the TV monitor in the kitchen enabling me to cook and work at the same time.”
ANZ Study Grant winners
Winners of study grants funded by the ANZ Banking Group received their awards on April 7, 2009
City of Darebin Council study grant winners
The City of Darebin Council awards three study grants to students living in the City of Darebin area. Awards were made at a ceremony on April 7, 2009.
Joanne Costi - winner of an ANZ Banking Group study grant
Course: Advanced Diploma in Accounting
Awarded the 2009 ANZ Banking Group study grant.
“I loved accounting when I studied it in year 12 but also had a passion for cooking. I first enrolled in Hospitality at NMIT but soon became tired of studying and working in that industry and changed to Accounting. I’m enjoying the course because it’s more hands on and the teachers give you lots of assistance, like High School – they care.
I plan to go onto University and study part-time and get my degree in Accounting. I currently have two part-time bookkeeping jobs and a full-time job lined up with Sterling Partners Accountants in second semester. My goal is to work as an accountant for a few years, travel overseas for a holiday and eventually have my own accounting practice.
Winning this study grant has been a real boost for my career and the money will help pay for my education.”
Ming Ang - winner of a City of Darebin study grant
Diploma of Accounting
Awarded the 2009 City of Darebin study grant
“I was a qualified accountant in China working in finance with an Insurance company before coming to Australia in 2005. I enrolled in the Certificate III & IV in Financial Services NMIT in 2008 and am currently studying in the Diploma of Accounting.
What’s different about the Australian qualification? There are a lot of new subjects I haven’t done before and I have to learn about Australian business and tax laws. I’m enjoying the course and want to get a job when I finish my advanced diploma and study part-time at uni. Eventually I want to work as a qualified accountant in a Bank or an accounting firm.
I’m really honoured and excited about winning the study grant because I have studied very hard and am very eager to learn.”
Chris Melfi - winner of an ANZ Banking Group study grant
Course: Diploma of Accounting
Awarded the 2009 ANZ Banking Group study grant
“After completing year 12 in 2001 I commenced an apprenticeship in Bricklaying. I didn’t feel it was for me so I left and worked a short stint in sales for and seven years in the security industry. I was looking for a career change and a friend of mine recommended the accounting course at NMIT.
I aim to get a job with an accounting firm to get some experience, complete my degree at uni and eventually become a qualified accountant.
It was great to be chosen for this award. It mean’s that the teachers acknowledged my hard work and results. It gave me a real confidence boost.”
