Feeling Unsure of Your Next Steps? How to Be Your Own Boss and Get a Qualification

Connecting the dots and starting your own side hustle 💡

This article is presented in partnership with IDEAcademy.

“What are you doing next?”

It’s the question on everyone’s lips while you’re studying. “What are you doing next year?” or “what do you want to do when you finish?” and it can get a little repetitive especially if you’re not sure of what your future looks like.

If you’re in school or even if you’ve graduated; if you’re not sure what you want to do; or if you’re looking for something different to the status quo, our friends from IDEAcademy (IDEA) have something outside of the traditional classroom-based learning you might find at school, TAFE or university.

Keen? We know. Here’s how IDEA is doing it different and how you can get a qualification.

Diploma combined pre-accelerator.

Not every learning path suits everyone. That’s where IDEA steps in. Created by educators and industry pros, IDEA is all about a fresh, modern approach to education—one that actually helps young people prepare for the real world. Studying at IDEA will help you figure out your purpose, explore different career pathways, build work-ready skills, and even learn how to launch your own side hustle, no matter the industry you’re interested in.

IDEA is a game-changer for students who’ve left school, TAFE, or uni and are feeling uncertain about their next steps. This year IDEA is taking things to the next level with the launch of the IDEA Diploma, a BSB50120 Diploma of Business built around a unique blend of business training, career coaching, and networking.

More than just a qualification, the IDEA Diploma will equip you with leadership and project management skills to fast track your career and prepare you for real-world challenges. You’ll get the chance to explore your options, get connected with mentors and experts and figure out your next steps that align with your goals.

What really sets this program apart is its focus on turning ideas into reality. Whether you’re passionate about solving real-world problems or starting your own venture, the IDEA Diploma gives you the tools to make it happen. Plus, the flexible schedule means you don’t have to give up work. Classes are held two evenings a week, so you can keep earning during the day while building your future at night.

Get advice throughout.

When you’re studying it can be a bit tricky trying to connect what you’re learning with how you can apply it to the real world.

The great thing about an IDEA Diploma is there will be people around you to help you learn about your strengths and interests, and help you apply these in the workforce.

For IDEA student Myka, they wanted the social aspect and support when it came to continuing their study.

“IDEA is very helpful because they help plan out your pathway” they said.

“If I need connections, I get connections like Perth Fashion Club so I can talk to them about business stuff as well.

“They’ve helped with setting up a pathway and connections to get where I want to be.”

Get funding.

If you develop a business idea you want to take to new heights during the Diploma program, you can do so with the help of IDEA.

IDEA provide intros to investors and access to funding networks. And students may be invited to pitch their idea where they could receive $10k of equity-free funding through the Lotterywest Idea Starter Grant program.

It’s something IDEA student Thomas has been able to utilise to help pursue his project.

“My project is called Journey, a mental wellness app which gamifies the experience,” he said.

“Post-IDEA, I want to pursue my project, I want to push my project as far as a I can, launch it.

“And make it sustainable as a business and for myself.”

Hear “why” from the founders.  

For the co-founders of IDEA, Nicole Gazey and Rebecca Loftus they know firsthand how IDEA students come away with confidence.

 “What our students walk away with is a confidence in their next step,” Rebecca told us.

“They don't have to have their whole lives mapped out, but they know what they want to do next, and they've thought strategically about it.

“And not only do they know what they want to do, they've got the tools, the credentials and the connections they need to help them start up.”

Nicole said one thing students and graduates really love about IDEA is they're learning in a “work environment”.

“They’re really treated as colleagues and empowered to kind of make their own decisions and plan their own pathway.”

Keen to start your journey into a Business Diploma? For more information head here or check out the IDEAcademy website.

Nationally recognised qualifications are delivered in partnership with IDEA’s Registered Training Organisation, NUA Learn (RTO code 46284).