Institution: University of Adelaide
Course: Master of Business Administration
When I was introduced to Geoff and the Industry Leaders Fund (ILF), it came at a pivotal time in my career and personal life. I was ready to undertake further study, and the support from ILF provided the perfect catalyst. At the time, COVID was still a significant factor, which influenced my decision-making process. While I considered an intensive short course overseas, I ultimately chose to pursue the first year of an Executive MBA at The University of Adelaide. I had always been curious about the doors an MBA could open, and the ILF gave me the opportunity to satisfy that curiosity.
I chose the Executive MBA because it offered in-person learning (not online) and required participants to have demonstrated management experience. This ensured I would be studying alongside peers at similar stages in their careers, which greatly enriched the experience.
Subjects Undertaken:
- Marketing Management
Coming from an engineering background, marketing was an area where I had no formal exposure. This subject challenged me and provided a fresh perspective, which I thoroughly enjoyed. - Accounting for Managers
Having previously completed a company director’s course and managed a P&L, I had some familiarity with accounting. However, this subject went deeper into the fundamentals, teaching me how to perform calculations behind financial statements. This gave me a more comprehensive understanding of a company’s financials. - Fundamentals of Leadership
This introductory course explored what good leadership looks like, providing valuable insights into effective management practices. - Managerial Finance
While similar to accounting, Managerial Finance focused more on the broader economic context, offering a complementary perspective to the accounting material.
I thoroughly enjoyed the course content of the Executive MBA and the interaction with my fellow students. However, I would advise others to consider the time commitment required for assignments and exams, especially when balancing full-time work and family responsibilities. Courses without formal assessments or qualifications can sometimes offer similar learning and interaction without the same level of time sacrifice.
The most valuable aspect of the ILF has been the connections with other scholars and the events they organize. Before meeting Geoff in 2021, I was unaware of the ILF and its mission. It is a fantastic organization that I am proud to be part of, and I would strongly recommend anyone who meets the criteria to apply.
Thank you to the ILF for the scholarship and for creating such meaningful opportunities and events throughout the years which I look forward to continuing to be a part of!
