Working full-time in finance, she knew that professional experience without a tertiary education wouldn’t be enough to boost her career to the level she had set her mind to. She’s now in her second year of the Bachelor of Business (Accounting) with Western Sydney University Online and can keep building her industry experience while earning her degree.
New career possibilities with online study
Tan has years of experience and a strong CV in accounting, built up through roles in payroll, accounts receivable, bookkeeping and accounts payable. But without a bachelor’s degree, she knew that her career growth would eventually hit a glass ceiling.
“I’ve been working in the accounting industry for a very long time. However, without a bachelor’s degree, it would be difficult to climb up the ladder, and my options are very limited. I believe an accounting degree will open more doors of opportunity for me to explore.”
Her daily routine is carefully planned to balance her professional responsibilities and academic commitments, ensuring that each aspect of her life, from social to rest, is well-covered.
“I usually work from home. I finish work around 5 pm, have a little bit of dinner, and then from that time onwards I spend my time studying.”
Weekends follow the same structure.
“Weekends, I usually reserve Saturday for studies and Sunday for myself.”
This highlights one of the biggest perks of online study: the opportunity to structure learning around your work and personal commitments. For students like Tan, time management is what helps them excel in their course of choice. By creating a personalised schedule and sticking to it, she has been able to keep making steady progress while still holding space for rest, work and her personal life.
Feeling supported by Western Sydney Online
Studying online does require a fair bit of motivation and discipline, but Tan says she never feels like she is working alone.
“I feel like my teachers and my peers have been very supportive throughout my journey. I’m in my second year at Western Sydney Online. The entire experience has been great. They’re very communicative and very collaborative as well.”
Her connection with WSU goes back to her first campus degree, where she experienced the university’s strong sense of community.
“My first degree was with WSU as well. I love the community, and my experiences with WSU were great. When I found out that WSU is offering online courses, I immediately jumped in. I was consistently supported during my time at WSU on campus, and to this day, I still receive support online!”
Support for Western Sydney University Online students comes in many different forms – from Online Learning Advisors, Student Advisors, technical services, and digital resources available at any time. Having access to a comprehensive online library and interactive learning materials has also made studying after hours much easier for Tan.
The opportunity to connect with her peers has also been very important for her. Group discussions and collaborative tasks have allowed her to exchange ideas and feel part of a wider learning community. This sense of connection is a reminder that while study is flexible and self-paced, it is also social and comes with considered individual support.
Tan’s future goals
Tan is focused on her future by building on her experience in finance. This means continually developing her technical skills and eventually taking on the responsibilities of a financial controller.
“After I graduate from Western Sydney Online, I plan to be doing something like an accountant. I’m also thinking of pursuing professional accounting bodies.”
She knows the path ahead will take time, effort and discipline, but believes her degree is the right place to begin.
“My goal is to become a financial controller. I know it is a steep and long path to get there, but it is great to start now rather than never!”
She also has practical advice for others considering online study.
“I believe most people who are undertaking this course are working or have commitments. I think it is best to review your schedules at the start of every semester and set a reminder in your calendar to ensure you submit your assignments and tasks on time. Time management is essential because there will be activities, weekly quizzes and portfolios due while learning new contexts weekly. Just remember to spread your studies out without overwhelming yourself. Also, don’t feel shy to reach out to your lecturer! They are always there for you and very responsive to emails.”
Working full-time while completing a degree can feel like doing two jobs at once. Tan manages this challenge by keeping her study plan realistic and prioritising wellbeing to keep herself calm and focused. Sundays carved out as personal time gives her a balance that allows her to stay rested and avoid burnout.
Learn more about the Bachelor of Business (Accounting)
Our Bachelor of Business (Accounting) degree is designed for students who want to develop their career in accounting while staying flexible in how and when they study. Fully online, the program builds knowledge across taxation, economics, finance, business law and accounting standards, and also strengthens analytical and decision-making skills.
Students complete 24 units across three years full-time or part-time equivalent, with the option to choose four electives to tailor your degree.
Graduates are prepared for careers as:
- Tax accountants
- Financial auditors
- Management accountants
- Forensic accountants
The program is delivered by Western Sydney University Online, which is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the world’s longest-standing and most recognised form of specialised accreditation for business schools.
We are also ranked in the top 3% of universities worldwide (Center for World University Rankings 2025) and are named first globally for our social, economic and environmental impact in the 2025 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings.
Tan’s next step
Studying online for Tan has meant being able to keep her career moving while working towards new opportunities and developing new goals. Her structure and determination, coupled with external support from us, show that it is more than possible to balance a full-time role with a degree, without losing sight of personal wellbeing and leisure time.
Her story highlights the benefits of online study from flexible scheduling, access to resources anytime, a strong virtual community, and support at each stage of study. These elements have all helped her move toward her dream of becoming a financial controller.
Ready to explore your own possibilities? Find out more about the Bachelor of Business (Accounting) or download a free course brochure today.