From self-doubt to RTO Manager: how one graduate reinvented her career

“I tried personal training here in Australia,” Amira recalled.

“It was great for a while, but deep down I knew it wasn’t my long-term career path.”

Faced with a choice between staying safe in casual work or risking everything for a fresh start, Amira chose the latter – pausing paid work for a full year to complete TAFE Queensland’s Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (TAE40122) through online learning.

“Walking away from an income to go back to study as an adult (and at 46 years) was hard,” Amira conceded. 

“There were long days, no part-time job, and plenty of nights filled with doubt.”

“But I kept telling myself the hardest work we ever do is bridging the gap between who we are now and who we want to be.”

Amira’s very first assignment – a set of approximately 20 questions – took her longer than she ever expected.

“At that point I thought whoever designed that assignment must really enjoy watching students question all their life choices,” Amira laughed.

The support that made the difference came from TAFE Queensland tutor Simone Darby, who Amira credits as a constant source of reassurance. 

“Simone was incredible – always available (even on weekends), patiently answering every one of my endless questions,” Amira reflected.

Outside the classroom, her flatmate Nathan became both sounding board and practice ‘student’. 

“One memorable moment was during a recorded demonstration on how to use a Halon fire extinguisher,” she began. 

“The seal had already been broken so when I pulled the trigger, I unintentionally gave a flawless, dramatic demonstration on camera. 

“Nathan still teases me about that,” Amira said.

Throughout her study journey Amira drew strength from memories of her late father, who passed away one month after she began her Certificate IV.

Her father was an accountant, and a champion of lifelong learning – especially in academia, languages and sports. 

“He’s the reason I believe in myself,” she shared.

“With every challenge I faced, I could hear his voice encouraging me. 

“That’s what kept me going.”

Just weeks before completing her course, Amira faced a setback when she was unsuccessful in a job application, but she soon discovered the perfect opportunity was just around the corner.

“Instead of a rejection, I was given something better: a job that felt made for me,” Amira shared.

Today, she’s proud to hold the position of RTO Manager for a brand-new organisation, combining her new qualification with her corporate experience.

Reflecting on her journey, Amira shared one of the most powerful lessons she’s learnt, “One thing I’ve realised is that when you do the hard work, you don’t just inspire yourself – you inspire others,” she said.

“People who doubt themselves might see you and think, ‘If she can do it, maybe I can too.’

“Also, a reminder: the goal isn’t to be perfect by the end; the goal is to be better today,” Amira finished.