The learning model that adds up

As one of the first cohort to graduate from VU’s award-winning Block Model, Sergio Tapia explains how his pathway from TAFE to degree prepared him for success in the finance industry. He also reveals how VU’s ‘secret weapon’ helped him flourish during remote learning in 2020.

“I enrolled in TAFE business studies first with VU Polytechnic, as it was a great opportunity to study in a more hands-on environment. The supportive TAFE setting was conducive to both gaining a thorough understanding of each topic and forming friendships. After the one-year accounting diploma, I took a study pathway directly into the second year of my business degree.

While completing my business degree, I was offered a full-time role at NAB. I took this on while studying part time at VU.

I was halfway through my degree, doing the standard university model, when the VU Block Model was rolled out to my year at the start of 2020 – just before the COVID-19 lockdown.

It’s safe to say, if it wasn’t for Block Model, I don’t think I could have completed the remaining units of my course – let alone kept working. For the most part I enjoyed learning remotely; I found the structure of the Block Model made it easier to focus and retain the information. Studying just one unit every four weeks, rather than juggling four units was the key to my success at the time.

I’ll be using my degree to get an advantage in finance roles within my organisation. I believe it will help me climb the corporate ladder and open different and exciting doors in my career.”

Sergio studied

Diploma of Accounting FNS50217 (now FNS50222)

Bachelor of Business (Accounting/Finance major)