Inaugural AGSM Career Comeback Sponsorships worth $210,000 awarded to help parents return to work

SYDNEY, 19 July 2017 The Australian Graduate School of Management (AGSM) today announces it has awarded ten fully-funded Career Comeback Sponsorships, each worth up to $21,000, to help encourage highly qualified women and men back into the workforce. Almost 190 candidates applied for the coveted AGSM Sponsorships from across Australia. To qualify, all had to have taken extended time out of their primary career. Study-related childcare and travel costs will be reimbursed by AGSM as part of the sponsorship package.

The Career Comeback program was created to provide accelerated leadership, business, commercial, and strategy development for individuals seeking to return to the workforce or business after a career break.

Both women and men applied (91% women and 9% men), and the vast majority were mothers who had taken a career break to look after their family. Many cited struggling with a lack of confidence, the cost and availability of childcare, and difficulty finding meaningful part time work or flexible full time work as reasons for seeking a boost from AGSM Executive Education’s short courses and networking opportunities.

The ten successful sponsorship recipients included nine females and one male, from New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria. They have all selected a development pathway from AGSM Executive Education courses: Emerging Manager Program; Middle Manager Program; General Manager Program and Women in Leadership.

Professor Julie Cogin, AGSM Director and Deputy Dean at the UNSW Business School, says, "From geologists and solicitors, mechanics and CEOs, the calibre of applicants was exceptional. The vast majority were also mothers who'd taken a break from their career accomplishments. It's our privilege and mandate as Australia's leading school of business management to help re-inject their experience, insights and leadership back into the Australian economy. We're thrilled to offer this opportunity to our ten finalists.”

Meet two AGSM Sponsorship recipients: Amy and Alison

Amy Radel, a successful applicant from Sydney, NSW has more than fifteen years’ experience in the financial sector, having held senior roles with Westpac and the Commonwealth Bank in Australia, as well as Barclays in the UK.

She says “Following an extended parental leave, I’m excited about the opportunity to reestablish my career and make a positive contribution. This fantastic AGSM opportunity will refresh and broaden my capabilities and depth of knowledge, to support my career and professional contribution, as well as providing me with the confidence and support to rediscover my professional self. I am looking forward to engaging with the AGSM network with whom I can share ideas, collaborate and learn from.”

The sponsorships have been designed to offer flexibility, and participants can take three to four short courses at any available time throughout a two-year period. Following the sponsorships, participants gain an AGSM Certificate in Executive Management and Development, a professional development certification that will demonstrate the breadth and depth of participants’ management skills to future employers.

Alison McCaig, a successful candidate from Wollongong, NSW is an experienced talent development leader. She has held a variety of roles within this field including time at QBE Insurance, Vodafone, Lendlease and Ecolab. She says, “I am delighted to have been awarded an AGSM sponsorship, it will make a real difference to strengthening my career prospects and building my confidence. I was first attracted by the flexibility of the course which has been designed to fit in with parents’ busy lifestyles. Having recently resettled in Australia, I have a limited network of contacts and the ability to access AGSM’s professional network is a fantastic draw. AGSM has a first-class reputation in the industry and taking part in the course will allow me to stand out from other applicants as I re-enter the workforce.”

All of the near 190 applicants received an invitation from AGSM to participate in a free one day ‘Career Comeback: Building Confidence’ workshop later this year.

ENDS

EDITOR’S NOTE: Case studies are available. For more information, images and interviews, please contact:
Alison Brown
Head, Brand and Communications
Australian Graduate School of Management (AGSM)
m: 0434 149 804
e: alison.brown@unsw.edu.au

Emma Smee
PR Manager
Filtered Media
d: 02 8006 5745
m: 0411 541 462
e: emma@filteredmedia.com.au