Turn risk into career reward

When uncertainty is rife, you need an assured approach to leadership – and ongoing learning.

In our current climate, having the skills and abilities to effectively manage risk is more valuable than ever. The Governance Institute of Australia has been providing education, research, advocacy and cutting-edge governance and risk-management advice to Australian business leaders for 110 years. The Governance Institute has recently launched two new postgraduate courses – the Graduate Diploma of Applied Corporate Governance and Risk Management and the shorter Graduate Certificate of Applied Corporate Governance and Risk Management – to help current and future business leaders build critical skills, knowledge and confidence.

1 Flexible

Start with a single subject or commit to the whole course. Study online at a time and place that suits you and connect with your course director and classmates in discussion forums and fortnightly chat sessions. No prior degree? Use your vocational experience to show you have the capability to undertake postgraduate study. Complete a subject to gain academic credit or simply participate in the learning without being formally assessed.

2 Recognised

Your newly acquired governance skills come with the option to apply to join the globally recognised Chartered Governance Institute and use its international designation. Course quality is assured through accreditation from the national regulator for higher education, TEQSA. “My colleagues look to me as a source of knowledge,” says Nicola Seymour, principal risk officer at Children’s Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service. With the learnings gained from her postgraduate studies with the Governance Institute of Australia, Seymour became a trusted advisor to highlevel staff. “I have the privilege of access to key executives, including the opportunity to learn from them and share with them,” she says.

3 Adaptable

The fast-changing regulatory environment, increased business complexities and technical disruption will bring new challenges that graduates of the Governance Institute of Australia will be better prepared to meet. A graduate diploma or graduate certificate can give you the confidence to work in challenging, changing circumstances, as well as the tools to manage the most complex situations. By its nature, “risk management is grey – it’s about context and situation,” notes Seymour, whose studies provided formal recognition of her work experience and skills and made her competitive within her industry. Graduates can be confident that their new skills will help advance their career in the present, as well as counting as credit towards a Masters degree at selected universities.