How Rio went from beauty to business

After seven years in the beauty industry, Rio Delaney chose a VU pathway that kick-started her business career with Australia’s largest professional services organisation.

"I studied and worked as a beauty therapist after finishing school, and although I enjoyed it I saw it as a temporary career.

I always had an interest in business, but a three-year degree was intimidating to me, so I started with a diploma.

The diploma gave me the confidence to pursue the degree. The great thing about the diploma is that you can pathway directly into the second year of the Bachelor of Business.

The lecturers in the diploma were so supportive. I wasn't confident in maths or statistics, so I got extra tuition through VU student services, which enabled me to pass with flying colours.

For my Work Integrated Learning (WIL) unit I worked in HR at Australia’s largest professional services organisations. After finishing the WIL, I accepted a role in their management portfolio area, and I was recently promoted to HR coordinator at another company.

Getting my foot in the door during my Work Integrated Learning was pivotal to my career. It also gave me so many business insights that I could apply to my degree.

My advice to others in my situation is to have a ‘go-getter’ attitude. A motto I live by is, 'There’s no failing in trying!'"

Rio's Business pathway to success

Diploma of Business (Enterprise)

Bachelor of Business (Human Resource Management)