Clinical Placement Coordinator, School of Nursing at Otago Polytechnic 

While working in academic administration, and with 17 years of hospitality management under her belt, Emma Welsh decided to consolidate her experience into an internationally-recognised qualification.

She enrolled in the Bachelor of Applied Management at Capable NZ, and says she didn’t expect the transformational change she experienced during the programme.

“I moved from ‘doing what I do because that’s what I do’, to understanding my professional practice and what underpins and guides my management style,” she explains. “At the end of the programme, I had a sense of moving from the unconscious to the conscious and I am now able to align my practice with management theory.”

One of the highlights for Emma was working one-on-one with an expert facilitator who helped guide her through the programme.

“I was able to get face time with the facilitator without feeling the pressure of asking ‘dumb’ questions in front of others in a traditional learning environment.”

She also appreciated being able to continue working while gaining her degree – a process which took just 10 months of study.

“Capable NZ’s work-based learning model allowed me to work full-time and also study this programme as a full-time learner,” she says. “Facilitation was arranged around my work schedule and I studied at my own pace outside of work hours.”  

Shortly after completing her degree, Emma was appointed Clinical Placement Coordinator for the School of Nursing at Otago Polytechnic.

“This role has enabled me to utilise my transferrable skills and to experience growth in my responsibilities, professional practice and development.”

Her message to other learners who are considering a Capable NZ qualification?

“Do it! Don’t sit on it, take the leap. You won’t regret it. The journey is one of empowerment and self-understanding. The programme gives you confidence to acknowledge the skills that you have and to strive to become greater.”

As for future aspirations, Emma intends to undertake postgraduate study within the next couple of years.

“I am hoping to enrol in the Master of Professional Practice with Capable NZ,” she says.