Institution: University of Adelaide
Course: Master of Business Administration
Returning from overseas to join my family business in 2016, studying was the last thing on my mind. With a nudge from Geoff Vogt though, I was soon considering the option of an MBA – something I had wanted to pursue since completing my undergraduate studies.
I work for CMV Farms, the agricultural division of CMV Group, a family-owned and operated business with operations throughout Australia. In Farms, we’re now diversified across almonds, pistachios and wine grapes in horticultural regions across South Australia and Victoria. Our focus is to remain key growers in each industry with interests at each stage of the supply chain, whether that be through wholly-owned businesses or key shareholder interests.
Commencing in 2017, I completed my 12-unit MBA in June 2021. Studying around full-time work creates a whole new level of discipline in itself and I am happy that I started studying a little greener than perhaps desired so that I could complete it during a critical development stage at work. My studies saw me through my transition from a Business Development role to an Operations role and has greatly assisted in my financial and accounting literacy, a core component of both my roles.
Studying my Adelaide Masters of Business Administration has given me the basic business foundation that I was yet to accumulate through my previous studies and work experiences. My biggest takeaway from the course, is that you’ll get out what you put in. Regardless of previous experience, my studies have given me the confidence to ask the question, no matter what. Being in a role where I was able to apply what I was learning in real time was critical in my development.
The flexibility of the Adelaide MBA program suited me, allowing for me to choose each course delivery in an intensive study block or in weekly night classes. This allowed me to structure my studies around my work commitments. Being in agriculture, work demands fluctuate substantially throughout the season so this component of the degree allowed me to get the most out of each course depending on the time of the year.
The MBA from the University of Adelaide is a great course for gaining fundamental business knowledge to set you up for management roles and future executive study pathways. Thanks to the Industry Leaders Fund and especially Geoff Vogt for giving me the nudge to start my post-graduate studies, and for supporting me with the initial funding for my degree.
