Jacqueline Schwarz

Master of Information Management and Systems (2004)

After completing a double undergraduate degree in Business (Accounting) and Computing and then an Honours year, Jacqueline Schwarz realised that the subjects she had enjoyed studying the most and that were really interesting to her were the areas of Information Management and Systems.

Impressive qualification

"For my postgraduate study it seemed logical to pursue what interested me most, so the Master of Information Management and Systems was the obvious choice. The MIMS degree is a particularly good one, I was very happy with it and when people hear it was my postgraduate study option and that it's from Monash University they are always impressed."

She found that the degree offers a broad range of subjects, allowing you to specialise in particular areas you are interested in and relate studies to work and the workplace. Jacqueline enjoyed the flexible study options and also found the report writing particularly useful.

High-level research skills

"Today's global workplace is very, very competitive and you really do need to add something extra to your portfolio. Many people have an undergraduate degree and increasingly are studying to Honours level, but with a high quality postgraduate qualification in IT people will sit up and take notice of you. The MIMS degree has definitely helped me stand out in the IT crowd," said Jacqueline.

While she was still completing her Masters, Jacqueline was offered a job with National Australia Bank in a programming role. She has since been promoted to Project Analyst and is responsible for all aspects of systems from end to end.

Problem solving edge

"I've been at the National Australia Bank for two years now and the high level research skills I developed while studying my Masters are invaluable in my work role. They have helped me to solve problems and to think outside the square when it comes to practical solutions.

"Even during one of my work appraisals, it was noted that my Masters degree in Information Management and Systems has given me a real edge when it came to research and problem solving at work," she said.