Our Students' Experience
The student experience
Craig's story is about having kids and studying an MBA. |
Tash's story about studying an MBA from overseas. |
Watch Tatiana's story about working full-time while studying an MBA. |
Watch Dan's story about overcoming dyslexia to achieve his MCOMM. |
James Kmet's story
James Kmet
I currently live in Sydney. Originally from Adelaide, South Australia, I have lived and worked throughout Australia and overseas for many years. I graduated with an MBA (International Business and Marketing majors) from UNE in April 2011. This degree provided me with greater exposure and understanding of domestic and global issues that affect me, my workplace and many of the organisations that I have a direct and indirect association with. The course's focus on government, NGO and private sectors was most valuable as it highlighted the complexities, differences and synergies between them. The vast majority of my study directly correlated with a range of functions within my workplace, both in Australia and overseas. This has included marketing, international business, HRM and L&D fields.
Two of the best things about studying with UNE's GSB were that the teaching quality and administrative support provided by GSB's staff was always first-rate. This was essential for a course delivered by distance Learning. GSB has a strong commitment to incorporating a technological approach in support of its 'real-life' students.
Another is the flexibility of the course within a structured parameter and the ability to apply a majority of the units to one's workplace and life. UNE's ongoing support and flexibility has been demonstrated on numerous occasions since I enrolled with them in 2003. This included studying during relocations around Australia, an under-graduate 'L&D' course while working in Iraq, and highly relevant post-grad marketing units while working in Afghanistan. I cannot thank UNE enough for providing me with the opportunity, the resources and the motivation to continue studying (and applying my studies) under these circumstances.
UNE's high standards and unwavering support over the years significantly influenced my decision to enrol into my third UNE course. I have now commenced a Master of Strategic Organisational Development this year. I have certainly become an advocate-of-sorts for any form of post-secondary education for the people in my workplace(s), thanks mostly to what UNE has taught me about education and life.
Martin Wren's story
Martin Wren
In praise of the GSB program: "My organisation supports people with moderate disability to find and keep work. My concern was that my clients, amongst the most disadvantaged of the unemployed, would be hardest hit by economic woes due to the Global Financial Crisis. My clients for example are people with Down's syndrome, moderate intellectual disability, profoundly deaf etc. I accelereated this year's study program, covering 3 units as quickly as I could, in response to this. I implemented an integrated marketing program based on my studies in marketing and e-commerce.
Last month saw the single greatest number of people placed into work since the program began. We saw an increase in direct income of over $150,000 for the month, a great return on the fees for this unit. Yesterday I spent some time with the family of one of the young people who is now employed - their joy and appreciation was priceless."
Usha Pappu's story
Usha Pappu
In giving her vote of thanks at her graduation, Usha made the following comments:
"When I start reflecting on my experience as a UNE student, I certainly can say there were stressful times when I thought I should give up the study and get on with my life and family. Having said that there were many joyful moments. I am glad I persevered. I was over the moon every time I received a distinction or a high distinction grade for my courses. Those particular moments created some of the most emotional responses I had ever experienced, other than holding my children in my arms for the first time.
I thank each and every member of the academic staff at the Faculty of the Professions. You made our learning experience so memorable, distinguishing and long lasting. We have been able to apply many of the principles we had learnt in our degrees at work.
I would like to personally thank each member of the GSB staff who helped me along the way in completing my degree. You are efficient, prompt and your service is outstanding. Being an off-campus student I do not recall a single situation where I felt frustrated or thought I was not being served enough."
Brigadier Gerard Fogarty's story
Brigadier Gerard Fogarty AM
Gerard Fogarty served in Timor Leste in 2002 as commander of the Australian Contingent and for this was appointed a Member in the Military division of the Order of Australia. In 2008 he served in Iraq as Commander of the Australian Forces in the Middle East.
"With four children under four and trying to learn the complexities of staff work within Army headquarters I had little spare time to devote to study. However, I wanted to complete an MBA and selected UNE because it offered the flexibility to balance my competing work/life processes with a mature and relevant distance education program.
The course developed my critical thinking skills and extended my understanding of organizational behavior and human resource management. The knowledge I gained assisted me greatly as a Commanding Officer and has continued to do so in a range of subsequent staff and command appointments. It has enable me, as a direct result, to add value to strategic policy development within Defence."
Brad Robert's story
Brad Roberts
After graduating with an MBA in 2008, and weathering the global financial crisis, I came to work as National HR Manager for Cargotec Corporation. This is a Finnish company of approximately 10,000 employees worldwide, specializing in cargo handling equipment.
Cargotec has recently offered me a two year Global Assignment in Helsinki, Finland as HRD Director, working on global Organisational Development projects. This is a fantastic opportunity, and I am aware that the MBA has played a large part in my success. Firstly, from a qualification perspective – the Finns really do value post-graduate education and the MBA was well regarded in the assessment process. Secondly, and more importantly, it was due to the depth that the MBA has added to my professional capabilities and thinking.
It is only now that I am beginning to appreciate the difference that undertaking the MBA process has made, and it has certainly paid off for me.