A desire for more career opportunities was a driving force for Victoria’s Liam Woods graduating from Swinburne Online.

Liam, 26, is one of the first five graduates for the online education provider, which started operations two years ago. He graduated with a Bachelor of Business (Marketing).

“Peer support, sheer determination and diligence are what got me through. I sacrificed much of my social life over the past 18 months in order to succeed and achieve the results I did.

“I am already in the industry I want to work in, so it was more a case of finalising something I started a long time ago. It's a great relief – my bachelor is of more symbolic importance than anything.”

Liam first began studying in 2007. However, after two years, he had to stop his studies and move into full time work. For the past five years he has been working in the marketing industry and was determined to finish his degree.

“I originally studied on-campus with Swinburne University of Technology at Lilydale for two years. Some personal circumstances led me to have to discontinue my study in favour of full time work.

“But in 2012 I found myself looking to formalise my experience and finish off my bachelor, so when I heard about Swinburne Online I jumped on the opportunity.”

Even as a full-time worker, Liam said he was keen to undertake postgraduate studies, which would open up even more options for the future.

“Marketing is somewhat of a passion for me, and whilst I already practice it Monday to Friday, learning the formal theories and frameworks in a structured environment was a really good way to formalise my practical experience,” he said.

“I'm considering a Masters degree for 2015 in the areas of marketing, commerce and international Business, in order to up skill a little further.”

Visit http://www.swinburneonline.edu.au for more information on flexible study options.

* This article has been written by a Fairfax Media journalist as part of a commercial agreement between Fairfax Media and Swinburne Online.