Michelle goes from stay-at-home mum to business leader

Once a shy country school student from Kingaroy, Michelle deferred university to work in a bank, and never imagined she’d one day be completing multiple qualifications at TAFE Queensland - including a Diploma of Business (BSB50120).

Her journey has been anything but linear. After 12 years in banking and welcoming four children under five, including twins, Michelle embraced life as a stay-at-home mum for 14 years.

She supported her children’s schools through tuckshops, reading groups, and Parents and Citizens meetings, before re-entering the workforce as a swim teacher aide.

This role ignited her passion for the education industry, and she soon expanded into teacher aide work in both primary and secondary schools.

“I loved working with students, but knew I had more to give. That’s when I started looking into study options to strengthen my skills and open new opportunities,” she said.

Michelle first enrolled in a Certificate IV in Business (BSB40120) through the Department of Education’s Study Grants Program.

The experience was challenging - balancing study, family, and caring for her unwell mother-in-law - but she pushed through with the support of her teachers and classmates.

“TAFE Queensland has great resources, teachers, facilities and equipment. Working my way around the campuses as someone who’d only ever attended a country high school was empowering,” she explained.

“My teachers were so amazing - Tamzin Robertson and Tara Brock had more faith in me than I had in myself.” 

“I nearly gave up, but Tara sat with me at the South Bank Campus and showed me how to use the Connect site. She helped me get organised and gave me the courage to continue, and her support meant everything.”

When Michelle enrolled in the Diploma of Business / Diploma of Leadership and Management (BSB50120/BSB50420), she was prepared, confident, and determined.

She thrived in the collaborative workshops, gained confidence in her digital skills, and discovered a passion for leadership and management.

The group work in the class contributed to her progress, with Michelle collaborating and supporting her classmates to complete the coursework.

“The sense of achievement and pride as I worked my way, bit by bit, through the courses really surprised me - I felt a little bit clever,” she said.

That “little bit clever” has already taken her far.

Today, Michelle is acting as a Human Resources Business Manager at a busy state college, and she’s now pursuing her Advanced Diploma in Leadership and Management (BSB60420).

“I’m in my 60th year and don’t see this limiting my working life. In fact, I feel like I’m just getting started.”

“The confidence TAFE Queensland gave me has allowed me to reach for higher roles – and my dream is to become a Business Manager and continue making a difference in the Department of Education,” she said.

“You’re never too old to learn, and it’s never too late to try something you thought was out of reach. The second act can be as thrilling, far more rewarding, and absolutely possible,” concluded Michelle.