When Mick Cliffe enrolled in La Trobe’s Cybersecurity Principles for Professionals and Cyber and Data Security for Professionals microcredentials, it had been years since he’d set foot in formal education. With a senior role in IT at Haeusler’s Group in Mildura and a full-time job, returning to study wasn’t a decision he took lightly.

But the experience reshaped his thinking, and his career.

“The short course on cybersecurity risk assessment provides valuable tools and resources for making assessments, which can be applied in real-world scenarios.”

Designed for working professionals, the courses allowed Mick to learn on his own schedule. He applied his new skills immediately.

“A lot of our policies used to be just copied off the internet.  Now I’m writing them specifically for our business and the risks we actually face.”

What started as a skills refresh became something bigger. Mick has now used his microcredential experience as a stepping stone into postgraduate study and is enrolled in a Graduate Certificate, with credit from the short courses.

Mick encourages others to take the leap, especially those looking to upskill or re-enter formal education.

“Go for it. It’s a great way to get your toes wet. It definitely gives more insight into cybersecurity and what it’s like in a work context.”

His story is a clear reminder that it’s never too late to keep learning.