December 22, 2009 - Complete Framing Franchisor Andrew Scott wanted to increase his knowledge and credibility in the franchise sector, particularly with his franchisees to give them confidence in his management and the franchise system.

Enrolling in Griffith University’s new Graduate Certificate in Franchising with no previous study, Andrew gained entry based on his experience and became the first graduate of the program this month.

He said studying was massively beneficial.

“I got an amazing amount of information and advice from the course and learnt from people around me, as well as the lecturers,” Andrew said.

“You just don’t get that working, as I have done, on your own.

“I am the sole operator of my business and to be able to network and meet people, gain inside information, see how some of the more established franchisors operate and take on their advice has been really good,” he said.

“Contacts I made from established franchisors that have shared ideas led me to new ways of doing things, and adjunct lecturer Jason Gehrke gave me a ‘gem’ to work with as well.”

And if you’ve never studied before don’t be afraid.

Andrew entered into the program with no undergraduate qualifications, and hadn’t studied since 1978.

“Being able to get into a study stream in a direct area of interest, and gain a high level qualification without an undergraduate degree is fantastic,” Andrew said.

“I hadn’t studied since 1978 and it wasn’t that hard — they give you the answers in the notes, lectures and readings, so if you do your homework how can you fail?

“I really enjoyed being able to do it, and do well. I got a lot out of the leadership and self development subject. Accounting was a bit of a challenge at first, but I loved it by the conclusion and Marketing confirmed what I was doing was pretty well on the money.”

The course is very specific towards franchising and really beneficial, Andrew said.

“For the small price, you really get good value.”

Andrew is now considering going on to complete a Master of Business Administration (MBA), using credit from the Graduate Certificate in Franchising towards the second degree.

“Studying has been good for me and my credibility in the franchise sector. I have enjoyed it very much and so will go on to complete the Master of Marketing and then an MBA.”

The Graduate Certificate in Franchising can be completed in 12 months part-time, either face-to-face, online, or a combination of both.

Enrolments are open now for Semester One next year (March) and places are limited. If you’d like to enrol or for more information visit www.franchise.edu.au or email franchising@griffith.edu.au

View Company Website: http://www.franchise.edu.au