18 Dec 2014

If you are considering whether to study at a traditional university or at a private college, it is important to weigh up the differences and choose which one works best for you. Typically high school leavers tend to follow the masses, with many realising their perceived expectations of their tertiary educator of choice isn’t quite right for them (Hey, it happened to me!). That’s why its important to really research and figure out what option works for you.

(Psst.. Open Days are always a good research opportunity!)

I am a current student at APM College of Business and Communication in Sydney and I have studied at both a private college (APM) and a university. Here’s my two cents as to why my college experience kicked Uni’s ass!

1. Small, interactive classes – not just boring lecture halls.

One of my favourite things about going to a smaller, private college is the small class sizes and the engaging, lively learning environment that comes with it. At university it is easy to get lost in the crowd as classes are usually in a lecture hall with some lectures having up to 1000 people.

My classes usually have around 15-25 people, so instead of just listening to lecturers talk for hours with tedious lecture slides, we have class discussions and ask questions as we go. This makes classes are really fun and interactive, as we get to share our input and hear our classmates’ experiences.

2. Engaging teachers who care about your future.

The lecturers are not just boring academics, they are more like mentors. They have worked in the industry and are experts in their field and this makes class so much more interesting!

Instead of just rattling on about boring theories, they share the latest marketing campaigns that they have been working on or talk about an event that they have recently planned. This makes learning much more fun!
They give us individual feedback, which isn’t always possible at bigger uni’s, as the lecturers can have too many students to respond to.

3. A name – not just a number.

My lecturers know me by name and not just my student number. They are happy to give me career advice and tips on how I can improve my work. It makes a huge difference knowing my lecturers are interested in my future and care about my learning.

4. Industry experience – graduate job-ready!

At APM there is an emphasis on gaining practical skills not just learning theory. There is an industry placement unit included in all APM diplomas and degrees, so you get to work in the industry before you graduate. I have found this a great way to apply the knowledge I learn in the classroom and I now will graduate with practical skills that could help me get a job. At the end of the day, that’s what we all are aiming for, right? To be prepared for life outside the classroom.

5. Practical and hands-on assessment – way more interesting than theory.

From day one I was writing marketing reports and developing my own campaigns. They are relevant to the real world and are great because you often get to choose your own topic to base your assessment on, so you can focus on an area you’re passionate about.

For one of my assessments I got to create my own brand and do everything from designing the product, logo, business strategy and marketing campaign. At the end I had to present and pitch my idea to my class-mates. It was great practice for the real world!

6. Small friendly campus – don’t get lost in the crowd.

Being on a smaller campus is great because I am always bumping into my classmates. It also makes meeting new friends easier because you share so many of the same classes. At a bigger uni I found you are lucky if you even see the same person twice!

7. Graduate faster – get your degree in two years!

It is great being able to get my Bachelor degree in two years instead of three. You have the flexibility to take your degree slowly, in three or four years or speed it up and get it done in two. Graduating faster means working and earning money faster too! It is really easy to take a trimester off as well, and by doing that you are not even that much further behind in your degree.

8. Flexible study options – mixing up online and on-campus.

If things get a bit busy with work or other commitments, it is great being able to mix things up and take a few classes online as well as on campus. This is also a great option if you’re travelling far to get to campus.

9. Industry partners – work at cool events!

A lot of the private colleges have industry connections and partners. This is great because it opens up a lot of doors for jobs and industry experience.

I was lucky enough to have to opportunity to work at the AIMIA awards this year, which are one of the most prestigious advertising awards for the digital advertising industry.

This was a fantastic opportunity to network with award winners, gain experience in working at events, and not to mention enjoy some free food afterwards.

10. Government support with your fees – study now, pay later

One good thing that applies to some private colleges, like APM, is FEE-HELP. It’s a government scheme that all public universities take advantage of where you pay for your education once you earn above a certain amount. For most people this happens after they graduate and begin working full-time. It’s nice to know that you won’t be weighed down by debt while you’re trying to achieve in your studies.