Scholarship inspires staff’s studies to advance career

Kerry-Ann Hugo has no doubt that her decision to study a Graduate Certificate of Digital Transformation at ANU was the right one to advance her fundraising career at the University.

"I've used a lot of the content from these studies in my work at ANU already, from simple things like employing more structured project plans to working on a staff survey to understand departmental staff turnover and ways to decrease it," says Kerry-Ann, who is the Head of Principal Gifts at ANU Advancement.

The Professional Staff Scholarship Scheme (PSSS) made a big difference to Kerry-Ann, in funding her postgraduate studies. The scheme is a career development initiative to advance the skills and knowledge of professional staff.

"The funding gave me the confidence to take the first leap and try studying while working full time," Kerry-Ann says.

As part of the Graduate Certificate, Kerry-Ann studied two postgraduate courses in evidenced-based management as well as technology and project management. She has since switched to the Master of Business Administration at ANU, thanks to the funding push the PSSS gave her.

With applications now open for the first 2022 round of the PSSS, Kerry-Ann is encouraging all ANU staff members to apply. On Kerry-Ann's recommendation, a member of her own team applied and her training was fully funded under the PSSS.

Applications are also open for the first rounds of the Professional Staff Development Endowment Fund (PSDEF) and the Carers' Career Development Assistance Fund (CCDAF).

The PSDEF is used by professional staff to contribute towards costs associated with professional development aimed at enabling staff to develop managerial and leadership capabilities.

The CCDAF is intended for academic and professional staff with caring responsibilities who require support to participate in conferences, workshops or symposia that contribute to their careers.

You can apply at the following links:

1. Professional Staff Scholarship Scheme Application Form
2. Professional Staff Development Endowment Fund Application Form
3. Carers' Career Development Assistance Fund Application Form

PSSS and PSDEF Applications will close on Friday 25 March at 5pm.

CCDAF Applications will close on Friday 18 March at 5pm.

Please view the eligibility criteria for the initiatives in their respective procedures.

If you have any questions, please contact the Culture and Development team (Grants and Funding Initiatives) at HRD.Development@anu.edu.au or +61 2 6125 6600.