An MBA teaches students strategic thinking, responsible behaviour and hones management skills. We ask three senior executives why they decided to undertake the postgraduate course and how it shaped their careers
Songul Demirci
Trade and Investment Queensland Senior Marketing and Events Officer
WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO DO AN MBA?
My decision to join the Griffith University MBA program was based on optimising my industry skills and experience. I compared the Griffith University MBA with those of other universities, and I was drawn to their program differentiation. It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, and I highly recommend the program to those seeking a level of excellence and outcomes.
WHAT WAS THE MOST VALUABLE THING YOUR MBA TAUGHT YOU?
The most valuable experience for me was how the MBA program taught me to think strategically on a global scale. It was a holistic mix of 21st century business such as innovation, responsible leadership, an Asia-Pacific perspective, sustainable business practices, accounting and reporting, economics, finance, people management, marketing and strategy.
As an out of the box thinker who thrives on innovation, I enjoyed every component the MBA program offered particularly the global business challenges and the remarkable cohorts you meet in the program. The opportunities and networking made available are a standout, especially the MBA for Life program.
HOW HAS IT CHANGED YOUR CAREER?
The impact was incredible and enhanced my career prospects immediately. I started full-time study at the beginning of last year and within a few months into the program I was encouraged to apply for a senior position by a chief executive of a prominent organisation. I was then offered another position by the director of the Griffith Centre for sustainable enterprise in late 2016. In early 2017, I was headhunted to re-position the Pat Cash (1987 Wimbledon champion) youth sports program brand and manage the launch which had the Minister for the Commonwealth Games in attendance.
In February, I was then offered a position within Trade and Investment Queensland, where I managed the event launches across the state including Brisbane, Gladstone, Rockhampton, Mackay, Townsville and Cairns for the Queensland Trade and Investment Strategy 2017-2022.
WHAT MOST SURPRISED YOU ABOUT THE COURSE?
I was impressed at how the Griffith University’s MBA’s program is structured by the Associate Professor and MBA Director Chris Fleming. This structure was supported by the effectiveness of delivery and credit goes to all academic and administrative staff that supported MBA cohorts managing full-time work, children and personal commitments.
The other surprising element was the opportunities and networking made available. You meet like-minded industry professionals and you have a common ground in supporting each other.
Queensland Business Monthly and Griffith University’s Business School are giving aspiring leaders the chance to win a full scholarship for a Responsible Leadership MBA valued at $50,000. Applications open today. Find out more at griffith.edu.au/qbm
Louisa Hinchen
Hallis Chief Operating Officer
WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO DO AN MBA?
A couple of reasons. I was working alongside very smart people – trained psychologists, HR practitioners and recruitment specialists – and I knew that to continue to add value to them I needed to broaden my own knowledge base.
I researched MBA courses and identified Griffith to be the one that best suited my needs from a reputation and ranking perspective, coupled with the courses and times they offered.
WHAT WAS THE MOST VALUABLE THING YOUR MBA TAUGHT YOU?
Initially it provided clarity around why I had enjoyed such success in leadership, and that my “servant leadership style” was in fact a “style”. As the course evolved, I then considered the most valuable thing that my MBA gave me was the detailed knowledge of the different business verticals/functions, and how they work together to maximise on an organisation’s success. As a recruiter and business partner, this breadth of knowledge added genuine value to customers, often brainstorming with them when facilitating the brief taking process. By providing me with a sound understanding of each critical business function (accounting, economics, marketing, sales, HR and IT) it not only enhanced my ability to recruit such roles, it also enabled me to operate as a business coach and mentor, often supporting my customers in the design and integration of corporate strategies and talent management. I think the opportunity to participate in a study tour of South Korea following the successful completion of an elective subject that focused on cross-cultural behavioural management, was also very valuable.
In today’s global economy, having a sound understanding of cultural biases enables me to be a better coach and mentor to colleagues and clients alike – in particular when working on roles that cross boundaries and regions, or ones that simply require a better understanding of cultural variances in our multicultural Australian workforce. Educating customers and candidates on how to better understand their own and others cultural behavioural biases and variances often results in a smoother transition into new roles, and the retention of new talent into an organisation.
It’s a value-add that is generally appreciated by all those involved.
HOW HAS IT CHANGED YOUR CAREER?
It has validated my knowledge and skills
and underpinned my career success. It has enabled me to offer greater value to both my teams and my customers and the confidence to offer sound commercial advice.
WHAT MOST SURPRISED YOU ABOUT THE COURSE?
There were two things which took me by surprise. Firstly, the difference in number between male and female – men far outnumbered the women.
Secondly, having the opportunity to study in South Korea and then be awarded a scholarship to do so, was a great surprise and an outstanding learning experience.
Andrew Carlson
Telstra General Manager Business Development & Operational Support
WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO DO AN MBA?
I have always been keen on continued development learning. I worked full time straight from school and completed Certificate IV in retail management. I then did a Bachelor of Commerce through Griffith as a part-time student over six years, while also working full time as store manager for Woolworths. The MBA felt like the logical step as my career progressed into general manager roles at Telstra. I think that a mix of study also allows you to think differently and meet new people, and ultimately get the best of both outcomes.
Since finishing my MBA I have been back studying doing a Diploma of Justice and will look for further opportunities in the future.
WHAT WAS THE MOST VALUABLE THING YOUR MBA TAUGHT YOU?
I started thinking at a different level. It became less about solving the problem in front of me, and more about looking for opportunities from the resources I was working with. I developed a structure in my thinking and started to look to make more sustainable business decisions. I realised that I didn’t have to have the answer to everything, rather I just needed to know where to find it. That was a valuable life lesson, which has also meant I listen to a broader range of opinions a whole lot more.
The networks and friendships you make, too, are invaluable and I wish I had of been mature enough to have recognised that through my undergraduate years.
HOW HAS IT CHANGED YOUR CAREER?
It really is an investment in yourself, and if you go in with that mindset, you will find the drive to succeed in your results and leave with a focus on grabbing the return on that investment.
Career-wise, I have been lucky that I have had great sponsors and support along the way. The have coached me and offered me some great lessons. Life-wise, it made me really see and value what an awesome and supportive family I have.
WHAT MOST SURPRISED YOU ABOUT THE COURSE?
Generally the day-to-day application of what I was learning was sometimes a surprise. I also found that I learnt from every peer who was in the room.
And once you find that personal rhythm in when and how you study, it is possible to get to the top of the mountain.
Queensland Business Monthly and Griffith University’s Business School are giving aspiring leaders the chance to win a full scholarship for a Responsible Leadership MBA valued at $50,000. Applications open today.
Source:-couriermail
