UTS Online Master of Education (Learning and Leadership) student Andrea Azariah was recently awarded the Mark Pompei Scholarship for 2023, from the Australian Institute of Training and Development (AITD).
The AITD, a non-profit which aims to “promote the learning profession, engage members and communities, inspire growth and build capability”, awards the scholarship annually to a student working towards a learning and development qualification.
The scholarship “champions the future of learning, development and training across Asia Pacific”.
Skilling and re-skilling staff is critical to organisational success and L&D are key leaders of that process. As the nature of work constantly shifts and changes, L&D is critical to leading a culture of continuous learning in organisations
Dr Amanda Lizier, MEdLL Lecturer and experienced L&D practitioner
As winner, Andy will receive a ticket to the 2024 AITD Conference, a year’s professional membership to the AITD, an invitation to the 2024 mentoring program, and $2,000 to support her studies.
Applicants for the scholarship are required to submit an essay responding to a question concerning the field of L&D. For 2023, entrants responded to the following;
As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to advance at a rapid pace, what strategies can L&D professionals employ to stay updated on emerging technologies, scrutinise relevant research, and effectively incorporate AI-based tools, without compromising the human-centric ethos that is essential for a thriving learning culture?
The award’s namesake, Mark Pompei, was a staff development officer at MMI Insurance (now Allianz), who was studying part-time to enhance his career in training and development. After his death in 1991, Mark’s colleagues established this scholarship in his name, to continue providing support and opportunities for emerging L&D professionals.
On receiving the scholarship, Andy says;
The Mark Pompei Scholarship is a pivotal validation and confidence boost in my journey, reinforcing my commitment to leading in the field of learning with a focus on diversity. This accomplishment aligns with the insights and skills I’ve developed throughout my Master of Education (Learning and Leadership) at UTS.
These experiences have been instrumental in shaping my ability to engage in critical self-reflection. They acknowledge my efforts in understanding and navigating the complexities of my identity and reception in the professional world, especially within a workforce that can sometimes be challenging and monolithic.
Overall, winning this scholarship isn't just a personal achievement; it's a stepping stone towards realising a future where diversity is not just acknowledged but celebrated and leveraged for collective growth and understanding in the educational sector and beyond.
Andy Azariah
AITD CEO Ben Campbell says the importance of the Mark Pompei Scholarship is the “significant opportunities it offers emerging L&D students in the Asia Pacific, supporting their growth and journey by providing a boost to their career development.”
Andy’s winning essay was singled out for “effectively underscoring the crucial role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in reducing educational disparities, particularly for marginalised and diverse groups…the necessity of harmonising technological process with human-centric values, ensuring AI’s integration in education serves broader social and ethical goals.”
The UTS Online Master of Education (Learning and Leadership) provides students with a robust and flexible toolkit of research-informed skills and knowledge to enhance and innovate their L&D practice. Graduates are well-equipped to respond to the demands of leadership in a range of professional learning contexts, and in adapting to changes that impact on how we work and learn.