He places great value in his MBA degree: it has allowed him to evolve his role at Terra Firma, one of Australia’s leading consulting firms, where he currently works in the ICT industry.
Why did you decide to begin an MBA program?
As part of the collegiate experience fostered during my undergraduate days at Monash University, the first seed for a future MBA degree was planted by our then course director. Seven years into full-time work, I decided that now was the time to pursue it, before any major financial or life commitments were made.
My reasons for pursing an MBA differ from the traditional student. I majored in marketing because Melbourne Business School has a reputation in the marketing stream. Combining the complementary nature of my studies to my existing work has been a great career enhancement.
Long-term, the MBA has opened new doors and opportunities, particularly working with the not-for-profit sector.
Was your MBA part-time or full-time, and what factors influenced that decision?
Part-time, over three years. I would have classes from Friday to Sunday, once every three or four weeks, repeating over four cycles.
Working full-time has always been the priority. The luxury of taking a break from work did not present itself because consulting commitments were very intense throughout 2013 – the final nine months of my course.
Did you consider studying outside of Australia, and what separated Melbourne from other business schools?
Yes – but with the end goal of remaining in Melbourne or Australia. Pursuing MBA studies outside of Australia is more beneficial if you want to work overseas.
Melbourne Business School was the only serious local consideration, given that I had already gained my first Bachelor's and Master’s degrees from Monash. During my MBA studies the option to study abroad did arise, but work commitments ultimately meant I had to stay local.
A year out of graduation, what value do you place in your MBA?
I find that the value of my MBA will grow over the long term. Thus far, there are varying levels of recognition for my studies in the workplace. In part, the nature of the work I have performed on the job has evolved over the last two or three years to reflect my MBA knowledge.
Networking is also a powerful asset that will grow in value over time.
How important was the MBA to advance your career at Terra Firma?
The MBA was my personal pursuit, independent of Terra Firma's professional development program. The MBA will help me advance my career beyond Terra Firma, but whilst I remain with the company, I have been tasked with new work which will leverage my MBA studies.
What are the most valuable lessons you've learnt during your seven years at the firm?
Stakeholder management and communication summarise keys to succeeding in the workplace. Understanding what our managers expect drives how we work.
The art of communicating is another lesson – there are many ways to drive outcomes and motivate colleagues to work towards a common goal. Communicating a clear and consistent vision helps set the ground work.
What skills do you think are needed to succeed in the ICT business sector?
Similarly, stakeholder management and communication are of paramount importance to succeed in the ICT sector. Nowadays, the level of market competitiveness requires individuals to stand out. The ability to adapt and be flexible in the ever-changing work environment is important, not just in terms of technology, but also with processes, and above all people.
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