Progress during a pandemic: How Nikki's law degree helped

Running the successful Star of Greece restaurant in Port Willunga, South Australia, has had its challenges with COVID-19, but that didn't stop Nikki Govan from completing a Diploma of Laws at CDU.

When trading restrictions stopped dine-in eating, the restaurant was able to successfully move to a takeaway model and continue to serve their loyal local customers with the fresh, high quality produce they are famous for.

Leading from personal experience

Nikki wasn’t just navigating her own way through the COVID-19 restrictions – she helped to lead other businesses and the government around the state through the maze of health and safety requirements in her many other leadership roles.

Her work has given her plenty of opportunities to put her Diploma of Laws to the test.

Knowing my way around the legislation meant I can interpret the law and make the information more accessible to others as well.

She's the chair of Business SA, Chamber of Commerce and Industry South Australia; director of The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry; and chair of the Southern Adelaide Economic Development Board. Recently, she was also appointed as a member of the Training and Skills Commission and chair of the Food, Wine, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Skills Council.

Setting yourself up for success

When choosing where to study, the ability to study law online was important for the flexibility and access to courses. Because she was already studying online when COVID-19 hit, Nikki was able to continue her studies without disruption.

Given that CDU has been operating online courses for many years, you are benefiting from an online environment far superior to many that have recently had to convert to online.

Navigating the post-COVID world

In her work with business owners throughout South Australia, she’s seen firsthand the struggles and hardships that many business owners have faced after a difficult summer with bushfires, then border closures and trading restrictions.

Nikki remains positive and sees a bright future ahead for small business owners, even in a very different post-COVID-19 world.   

As challenging as 2020 was, COVID-19 presents an opportunity to diversify and learn new skills that will set you up for the opportunities that will come with the recovery phase post-COVID.

Seeing the way CDU welcomes diversity and new perspectives helped Nikki shape her vision of how government and advocacy groups can embrace innovation and fresh ideas to future-proof the way we work. Nikki says that the work of recovery for the economy and for business owners is going to require looking critically at the way we work, study and learn, and creating opportunities through out-of-the-box thinking.

Getting the balance right needs the right support

Nikki says she’s glad she chose an institute that understood her needs as a student.

The people-first approach to flexibility and supportive learning environment at CDU meant I could find a balance with study, work and family life.

Learn more about studying law at Charles Darwin University. Explore courses.