4 June, 2019

Mariah Foley certainly knows how to juggle priorities – she works full time, takes care of her mother who is living with multiple sclerosis (MS), is completing her online studies, and somehow manages to do fund raising on the side. With time such a precious commodity, the Junee local has described as ‘heaven sent’ the ability to complete her studies when and where she wants to with TAFE Digital.

Ms Foley is a long-term TAFE NSW trainee, who is about to complete a Diploma of Property Services (Real Estate). “Choosing to study the Diploma online is a vital puzzle piece in my long-term goal of owning my own real estate business,” she said. “With only one more assignment to go… the finish line is near.”

Ms Foley’s online study journey began when she was given the opportunity to study a Certificate III in Property Services (Agency), while completing a School Based Traineeship (SBT).

“The SBT and TAFE NSW were a fantastic combination to securing full time employment once I left school, enabling me to progress in my career early in life,” said Ms Foley. “This motivated me to enrol in and complete a Certificate IV in Services (Real Estate), as I wanted to become a licensed real estate agent.”

The desire to own her own real estate agency prompted Ms Foley to upgrade her qualifications even further and enrol in a Real Estate Diploma with TAFE Digital, as well as to study business at university, specialising in human resources.

“I’ve always had the desire to have the knowledge to run a successful business,” said Ms Foley. “I am definitely a people-person and want the workplace to be an environment where all team members can flourish, be innovative and look forward to coming to work.”

Choosing to study online with TAFE Digital was an easy decision for Ms Foley.

“Having previously studied on physical campuses, I had a good understanding of the procedures and processes, so transitioning to online study was a breeze for me,” she said. “The best thing is definitely the flexibility of being able to complete assignments at my own pace, especially when life gets crazy.”

Ms Foley has worked at Stroud Homes for nearly 12 months.

“I have loved every minute of it and look forward to presenting innovative options to vendors and purchasers when negotiating real estate transactions,” said Ms Foley. “Marketing, strategic planning and feasibility studies have certainly stood me in good stead.”

“My goal is to complete my TAFE NSW and university studies by the end of the year, with the ultimate ambition to open my own real estate business in the coming years in the growing town of Junee,” she said. “Studying online with TAFE Digital has truly made this easier for me.”

Media contact: Bonny Gunn, TAFE Digital Media Business Partner. M: 0417 134 048