When we start secondary school, move out of home or decide to live abroad, we are transitioning to something new. When I went to university as an 18-year-old, I decided to get away from everything that I found comfortable. I decided to leave my home town in Kent, UK to go to rainy Manchester, a 5-hour drive, well away from my friends and family. At the time, I believed I was embarking into the world of higher education to gain a degree to launch my career. However, upon reflection it was also an important part of my personal journey. I learnt more about my own self-identity, how to be independent and what it took to build relationships from scratch. After I entered the workforce, I found it too easy to get into a routine and before long, 6 years had gone by. Had I developed in those years? Maybe a little in splutters and spurts. Had I progressed with my youthful dreams of becoming a business leader and having a positive impact on the world? Somewhat, but slowly.
In the second-half of 2015 I began applying for the MBA Full Time Intensive program at the University of Western Australia (UWA), my intention being to develop my business skills and knowledge; to gain that qualification that would enable me to transition to a role with greater managerial and commercial responsibilities. Now, half-way through the Full Time Intensive program at the UWA Business School, I have developed those necessary managerial skills in areas such as accounting and organisational change and yes, I believe I will be able to get a more fulfilling role with greater responsibilities. However, there is something even more valuable that the UWA MBA Full Time Intensive offers, and which I am really just starting to recognise and appreciate.
It’s somewhat intangible and difficult to quantify. I have met and formed friendships with a whole range of diverse people at different stages of their journey. We have shared experiences and ideas, which has opened my mind so that I have started to explore a broad range of previously unconsidered opportunities. I have learnt what motivates others and appreciate what it takes to achieve success.
I found myself with other high performance individuals and expectations were set high. Everyone raised their game, so I raised mine. Everyone wants success for one another so we pull together in the same direction. It has given me the confidence to succeed at whatever I put my hand to.
As part of the MBA Full Time Intensive, I have received plenty of valuable feedback and been encouraged to take opportunities for self-reflection. For example, as a cohort we did an exercise to see how our peers perceived us. Reflecting on that feedback, I discovered that I was projecting elements of servant leadership. Since then I have been thinking of ways to enhance that brand and leave a greater, more memorable impression on those I meet.
The MBA Full Time Intensive has helped me to accelerate my personal growth; I have discovered confidence and dug deeper to find my spark. Already, it’s proving to be a significant part of my personal development. To anyone that asks, if offered the opportunity to study an MBA at UWA, I would recommend you grab it with both hands. You will form great friendships and explore new ideas. You will gain more confidence and perform better than ever before. You will grow through feedback and self-reflection. So embrace the chance for personal growth.
