I've found out this week I have 9 units to go. At max of 4 subjects a semester (and no summer units that count), thats another 18 months. This would mean I will graduate in July 2008, just 6 and a half years after i started. Not bad for a 4.5 year degree. Sure it's no match for some of the perpetual students at university (generally in marketing or arts :), but I actually want to get out - the world awaits!

When I first heard the news I was a bit depressed, I mean seriously 6.5 years!?!? But then looking at it again, I thought, I'll walk out with: 1.5 years experience as national/company director level, a year as a local office manager, 6 months as project manager, 2 years on various global virtual teams. Outside of AIESEC (Some say AIESEC isn't the 'real world', but I say it's harder - I get paid a lot more now than I used to and I do a lot less!), I'll have over a year of corporate sales experience with a fairly large, growing company to complement the 3 year 'voluntary selling' and 1.5 years full-time selling.

On top of that, I've helped define the future Information Systems of AIESEC globally, conferenced and travelled to Indonesia, Netherlands, UK and Czech Republic. Learnt a ton from the conference's facilitated, run and planned. And while listed last, I'd say one of the largest parts of my time in AIESEC, is the amazing individuals I've met and will keep in touch with or run into in the future. And that's all in AIESEC.

Now, adding up all that time (and I'm not even including other semi-regional roles) and I count 10.5 years experience, 4 countries (5 incl Australia) and hundreds of individuals that I would consdier to be the make-up of my recent life and work experience.

When I started university in 2002, I thought itd be a few short years and then I'd be out and working, earning big $'s and climbing the corporate ladder. Interesting how the decisions you make change things... looking back, I wouldn't change a thing.

(Also, I am applying for credit for 2 HR/Management subjects and an IT subject based on experience - fingers crossed I may just walk out end of 2007!)

Labels: AIESEC, Brett Gibson, QUT, Work