Last updated 8 September 2008

I have secured a position!

"You will be happy to know I have secured a position as a training coordinator with a goverment department. They are aware that I haven't finished my course as yet, but as you can see by this email I am keen to do so.

I would like to add that if anyone needs to confirmation of the benefits of doing a course like this I am pleased to pass on my comments. I'm very happy with the training and content, and the student services support staff are always helpful.

Thank you for your ongoing support and help in developing my skills to move into a position that I had only dreamed of having."

Ron Taylor NSW, National Trainer & Assessor

It's good news ...

"It's good news ... I was a winner in the Intertype Design proofreading competition!

I also want to say that I am enjoying the course very much and appreciate the guidance and feedback from my tutor."

Steven Edmonds NSW, Professional Book Editing, Proofreading & Publishing

Here at the College, we'd all like to say: Congratulations Steven and well done on your achievement! From the staff and Principal.

I found a job in travel!

"Firstly I would like to say that I have found a job in the travel industry—it's as a Reservation Sales Consultant. I have 3 months training. It's great experience and entry into travel.

If it was not for the Australian College Iwould not have got the job. Iwant to thank you very much."

Hassanien Saleh NSW, Travel Consulting & Airline Reservations

I’m meeting with a company this week to discuss a freelance opportunity!

"ACQ literally opened doors by connecting me with industry contacts—I’m meeting with a company this week to discuss a freelance opportunity!

I found the course content to be relevant and practical, providing not only breadth but depth, enabling me to develop skills in my desired area of expertise. Tutors and College Advisers are most helpful and made my experience nothing less than enjoyable—something that had previously been an anomaly in my studies undertaken with other institutions. I look forward to signing up for another course later this year.

Thanks and regards"

Yvette Chapman NSW, Freelance Magazine Writing & Editing

It took me 33 years to find what I love doing . . .

"I am enjoying the course and I have swapped emails with someone else on the forum who is also doing it. What I like about the course is that you DO stuff; it's not like a lot of theoretical university courses where you do a 4,000 word essay on postmodern art theory etc. Of course, some theory is important and the notes do cover things that are useful to know.

My only regret is that it took me 33 years of life to find what I love doing: creating graphics."

Andrew Thornton Victoria, Professional Graphic Design & Desktop Publishing 26th March 2008

My dream job ... thank you ...

"I completed a Diploma of Tourism in Airlines Reservations and Travel Consulting, last year, which I really enjoyed. I just wanted to let you know that I was lucky enough to secure a job with Qantas as a check-in customer service agent at Brisbane Airport. I started there on the 17th of December and I'm loving it!
Doing the course, along with my previous customer service experience from Conrad Jupiters Casino, helped me get my dream job... thank you..."

Fantastic support.

"An extremely well presented course. A great deal of thought and time has clearly gone into the preparation of the course materials.

Fantastic support from the course tutor who provided the encouragement a home-study course demands. Support staff and administration always there to help out with any queries when needed.

Great value for money! I would recommend this course to anyone!".

A very enjoyable course

"Thank you very much for all your help. All the College staff have made my course a very enjoyable one and I want to sincerely thank you for that.

I believe this won't be the last course for me to undertake with the College. I certainly look forward, and in fact I can hardly wait to receive my graduation pack.

Many thanks once again."

Well above what I expected

"This course is well above what I had expected. The tutorials are clear and concise and assignments are returned with good feedback in a timely manner.

I have recommended the College to many interested friends."

My expectations of the course were high and I wasn't disappointed

"The Bookkeeping and MYOB Course was most enoyable. Course presentation was excellent and easy to follow. My expectations of the course were high and I wasn't disappointed. The knowledge I have gained will definitely enhance my future employment prospects."

A genuine desire to see me achieve my goals

"I found my tutor to be encouraging, patient and most helpful. His advice, due to his experience, was most valuable and I believe he has a genuine desire to see me achieve my goals."

They just don't compare to ACQ

"I feel the student focus of ACQ is excellent. I have done distance education with several other colleges and they just don't compare to ACQ.

The eCampus, the contact, the caring, is the best I have ever experienced."

Wonderful guidance

"I feel I have to write to you and express my sincere appreciation for the wonderful guidance and knowledge your Freelance Journalism course imparts. I am currently following the course and applying some of the tips taught in my area of work.

I just had to write and thank you for the great work you are doing in conducting these courses. I can certainly say that, having completed 11 assignments, I seem to have an edge in this area in comparison to my colleagues at work.

I am glad I enrolled at ACQ and now very keen to graduate!
With sincere appreciation."

'Win a Course Scholarship Competition'.

Amanda Wilson is the winner of the 2007 'Win a Course Scholarship Competition'. Amanda is thrilled at winning the scholarship and will take the Professional Book Editing, Proofreading & Publishing Course.

I got the job!

"I got the job! [They] rang me on Mother's Day to say I have the job. I start on the 28th of this month and will start with Emirates first up. I just can't get the smile off my face ... I am just so over the moon...this is my 'dream' job ... I can't wait to start.
Thanks once again".

Enjoyed every minute

"I have absolutely enjoyed every minute of the course and found the information supplied to be very helpful. I am very passionate about colour and design and am looking forward to starting in my position as colour consultant for [company]. As from the 1st of May I am now officially their colour consultant.

Again I would like to thank you for your encouragement. I have absolutely enjoyed doing this course and would be very keen to look at doing another if one was available in the future."

Regards,

Your course is amazing

"I have just finished proofreading my first book for a publishing company! Inspirational stuff. I've also picked up some work running seminars for people in the public service.

Your course is amazing - I've never done anything where I could just pick up work before this!

Kind regards.

Congratulations to Jean Wear from Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Winner of the 'Win a Course' Scholarship drawn 12 March 2007.

Jean is excited about winning the scholarship and will take the Scriptwriting for Film & Television Course.

Got the job

"I justed wanted to let you know that because I took this course I have gained a job with AMC in Canberra. The company installs and trains companies and businesses to use MYOB. They also have contracted bookkeepers that they send out to small businesses. I have thoroughly enjoyed this course and I am looking forward to undertaking another one.

Thank you to ACQ and my tutor".

Gave me the confidence

"I took the Diploma of Professional Book Editing, Proofreading and Publishing to find out what kinds of jobs were available in the editing and publishing fields and to develop the skills necessary to enter it. The ongoing feedback and support from the College in this practical, skills-based course was very encouraging and enabled me to quickly identify my weaknesses and develop my strengths.

This course has given me the confidence to undertake further study and change careers mid-life. I have been accepted into the 2007 Graduate Diploma of Arts program at the University of Queensland, majoring in writing, editing and publishing.

The proofreading and editing skills I now have, as well as the insights I have gained into the industry and how to establish my own small business; will hold me in very good stead for my further study and new career".

I just turned my passion into a profession

"The course was absolutely fantastic. It has given me enough knowledge to learn for myself from here on. The tutor, in particular, was excellent. He encouraged me to excel and at the same time corrected me and gave me another perspective.

I really enjoyed this course. I would recommend it to anyone who would like to take up a hobby or start in the field. With me, I just turned my passion into a profession. Oh, and I am already enrolled in another course".

Of the highest standard

"I was Office Manager for a vocational training company that provided full-time, part-time and correspondence courses in veterinary nursing. So I am probably 'pickier' than most.

The service provided by the College has been of the highest standard—professional in every aspect. I was particularly impressed with the quality of the feeedback from my tutors and the personal letter accompanying each returned assignment was appreciated. Keep up the good work! Guess what, I've got my first editing job coming up. Thanks guys!".

Never too late

"I received my Diploma in Graphic Design and Desktop Publishing last August.

On Tuesday 5th December I start my first job as a Graphic Designer for Worldwide Printing in Hurstville.

I am a perfect example of never giving up and it is never too late for ANYTHING. Please thank Helen for all her honest comments and thank you for everything.

Thank you".

Katherine Veldhuizen New South Wales, Professional Graphic Design & Desktop Publishing

More than I ever imagined

"I am currently in the process of putting a coffee table book of black and white photography together and this basically came from my Course Tutor's guidance and help. He really gave me a lot more than I ever imagined.

When I first enrolled in the course I was mystified by a couple of the topics, like 'Still Life', but when I got to it I just loved it.

Doing the course just opened my eyes up. It was awesome. As I went along and learned and progressed, I just got better.

The course has opened up my whole world".

Update

"I have had some photos published since we spoke. I photographed a humpback whale that swam into the Southport Broadwater and the item has been picked up by conservation groups and the Gold Coast Bulletin.

Thank you once again".

Read the Australian Photography article here

John Pragnell Queensland, Professional Photography for Beginners

Loved the course

"I enrolled in the Share Trading course out of sheer determination to understand the stock market. The course certainly delivered in this respect and then some.

I was able to learn how to scan the market, its various sectors and to identify performing stocks. I now also understand the principles behind when to buy and when to sell. What more could a trader want?

I loved the course. Thanks again".

Congratulations to Toshen Maku!
Drawn 4 October 2006 'Win a Course Competition'

Toshen is absolutely thrilled at this opportunity to change her direction in life and has chosen the Advanced Professional Writing Course.

"I found the course wonderful. It was very well presented, easy to follow and very relevant for my needs. I have lost weight by following the course and hope to help others. Thanks!".

"I photographed my first wedding a couple of weeks back, which was a fantastic experience and I have been doing a lot of other types of photography as well, from baby to corporate".

"I have been working as a freelance editor and proofreader for a number of years, undertaking assignments for clients in countries including the USA, Switzerland and Nepal.

The Book Editing, Proofreading & Publishing Course, however has certainly improved my professionalism and the standard of my work. I found it to be highly practical and relevant".

"This is my first experience with distance study and I am pleased with the ease and efficiency with which ACQ implements the course".

"As a middle-aged, post-graduate woman seeking a career change, I recently started ACQ's Professional Book Editing, Proofreading & Publishing Diploma Course.

Although my prior education has been in economics and law, I find this course to be challenging and of a similarly high standard. Incremental teaching methods and consistent contact with my tutor ensures that the complexities of the editing field are easy to understand and fun to learn. I can't wait to get my tutorials each month!".

"Good and positive feedback in my Sports Journalism Course. Having a great time.
Thank you".

Very practical and relevant

"I am thoroughly enjoying my Travel Writing & Photography course. The feedback I have received from my tutor has been useful. I have been impressed with the content of the course as it appears to be very practical and relevant to actual work within the industry.

My tutor has given me detailed feedback when assessing each piece of work. It is always constructive and allows me to reflect further on my writing.

Many thanks".

Suits me perfectly!

"I am enjoying the challenge this course is presenting me and I am applying what I am learning to my present employment. The self-paced style of this course suits me perfectly!".

Thrilled with getting a job overseas

"As you can imagine I am thrilled with getting a job overseas as a Travel consultant with China Odyssey Tours. So quickly. Thanks".

Great news!

"I've got some great news that I wanted to share with you. I got my first professional editing job! It's for a magazine who are just starting up. I saw their preview edition in another magazine and noticed that there were a lot of errors, so I wrote to the editor, explained that I am still studying but wanted to gain experience and I sent along an edited article as an example of my work.

I got an email from the editor today saying they'll take me on! I'm going to be doing the proofreading and copy editing for them. I am very very excited. At the moment they are only doing four issues a year so it won't intefere very much with my job or studies, which is also a plus and I'll still be gaining valuable experience.

I'm so excited!".

You really have changed my life!

"After I completed the Diploma of Freelance Journalism I found full-time work almost immediately. I started with a free weekly publication called the 'Weekender' based on the Sunshine Coast and within six months was offered a position as junior editor of their Noosa publication! I then left the magazine to take on the challenge of work experience at Channel 7 local news ... a fantastic opportunity that ultimately led me into a full-time position as a photo-journalist for another weekly newspaper, 'The Coolum News'.

As my name became known around the coast, I received a number of job offers and I recently accepted a position working for the Department of Sport and Recreation, Queensland. I am very excited about studying for the Diploma of Photography and look forward to ongoing studies well into the future.

Thanks again, Julia, you really have changed my life!".

Lots of fun

"Hi, this is Nikita here! I would like to take this chance to thank you all at ACQ. I really enjoyed my correspondence course in professional photography.

I would highly recommend the course to any wanting to look into photography. I had lots of fun and hope to see myself in the future taking photo's for a living".

"As the 'Get Into Television Course Work Experience' winner, to spend a week with the production crew on Inside Idol, I thought I'd share a little about that experience with you.

First, I'd like to say that it's so energising to be involved with something that greatly interests you. As a newcomer, there's a lot to see, do and be exposed to; from logging (typing out of dialogue and events of footage) through to the layout of excerpts of footage, on-site set up for shooting, technical challenges in the field and how they're overcome, editing, licensing issues and many other elements throughout the production process.

One highlight was being involved in the first exclusive interview with one of the contestants after he was voted off. I was there with him, the camera crew and the presenter before the mainstream media got hold of him! A big lesson for me was that you need to keep a cool head at all times, which is a great skill to have, given the long hours and deadlines. The team's obvious faith in each other's abilities made it a 'well oiled machine'.

I'm glad I decided to enter the competition. The experience has helped me better understand the course material and it certainly reinforced my intention to pursue a career in the television industry.

Thanks to the College and Sandra Fulloon for the opportunity and their support".

Photos accepted

"I thought the College would like to know that one of my photos has been accepted for publication in 'Endless Journey' by the International Library of Photography and I have advanced to the semi-finals in the Animals/Pets category in the International Open Amateur Photography Contest. I also got an article published in the local hills newspaper with my photos and a story that I pretty much wrote the whole thing".

View photograph

"Many thanks to you for your assistance in communicating with me. I appreciate it very much. I find the ability to do so is an enormous help and a great motivating force in a course where the student doesn't see any of the other people involved. The promptness with which you responded to my request for help is also marvellous".

"Thank you for many things at once:

First, the lightning-fast reply, and then the congratulations, next the good wishes for the Father's Day, and finally, dispatching the last tutorials! I honestly think that the good grades I earned in the course are due to the scholarly organisers of the tutorials and the excellent tutors.

When I read the tutors' corrective notes on my assignments, I sometimes feel as if they are directly talking to me. Their advice and suggestions are so sincere and appealing. I am enjoying the course. I am sure you will understand when I say that the people involved in running the College are well-learned and dedicated.

Thank you for all your help".

"Loving the course, thank you.

Really appeciate the ongoing support".

" The Freelance Journalism course is very informative and clearly presented in an attractive style. I appreciate the personal encouragement from my tutors.

I'm enjoying the challenge of this new direction in my life. It's exciting and I eagerly look forward to my next tutorial".

Gained confidence in my writing ability

"The Travel Writing & Photography Course is positive and helpful. It provides a wide variety of information. The tutorials are easy to read and learn. I gained confidence in my writing ability through the course".

"The tutor feedback highlighted my weaknesses and encouraged my strengths.

The course showed me how to use my new skills and gave me my first professional goal in two years. I gained a lot of useful information about the industry and its requirements".

"I liked having tutors who are working journalists. I also liked being put in touch with other writers and writers' magazines".

"The Travel Writing & Photography course taught me that subjects and angles are only limited by your imagination, confidence and the motivation to set goals. The course is very informative and intersting. I liked the descriptive travel ideas".

"The thing I enjoyed most was being able to work at my own pace. Knowing I wouldn't be looked upon as stupid if I asked for help. Knowing I'm not too old to learn (something new). I've benefited very much. My self esteem has increased tremendously. My concentration has improved and I think I'm a far more interesting person".

Lots of new writing opportunities

"The course showed me how to present an article for editors and to use query letters. I loved the ideas and tips given in the course. The tutorials were always so easy to interpret and digest.

I've had an introduction to a broad range of specialist areas now and I can see lots of new writing opportunities.

I'll continue with the paid report writing I'm doing and concentrate on writing my book".

A full-time career in Journalism

"I have been pleasantly surprised by the effectiveness of this course. It really does provide the basics very well. It was particularly strong on writing rules, editing, presentation and selling my work. My general writing of reports, letters etc has improved through applying the basic skills of using active voice and strict editing.

The course played a significant part in helping me win selection to a specialist journalism course and now I have a full-time journalism career".

Off to England

"I have enjoyed the course and learned all about writing, interviewing and looking close to home for article topics. I also learned how to organise my information gathering, how to market myself and how to sell articles overseas. Now I'm off to England to put everything I've learned into practice".

"I liked the advice given direct from established travel writers and photographers, as well as the personal comments from my tutor. There was lots of information on media markets and advice on how to come up with article ideas".

I now feel confident

"What I liked most about the course was the information on how to get started: ideas, plots, and so on, the practical advice on how and where to get work published, and the way subjects were explained with practical examples.

The assignments made me feel I'd achieved something. I feel confident enough now to send my work to publishers".

Learned the craft

"I've learned the craft of writing and I can recognise useable ideas when they come to me. I feel confident about the (whole) process.

Previously I had difficulty in adjusting to an editor's requirements because I didn't know what was expected. Now I do.

"I liked the prompt return of marked work. I achieved my short term goals almost 100%. I keep referring back to my course notes to make sure I'm (still) on the right track. If I'm in doubt, or something's not working, I look it up".

"Learning by correspondence provided me with a library I can refer to at any time. All the tutorials were very detailed.

Every aspect of writing for children seems to have been covered. The course has been helpful in terms of (my) time management, and keeping records".

Gave me a goal

"What I liked about the course was there was no travelling involved and I could set my own times to work.

The course gave me a goal, something to work on as I move forward. My writing has improved with each assignment.

People around me have started to take me more seriously".

"Thanks to my ACQ Student Card, I have saved $70 on fees so far with my other learning institution".