An MBA: a stepping stone to becoming a business leader

Alexandra Cain

Oct 30, 2024 – 10.54am

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Ambitious professionals who are interested in moving into managerial roles are increasingly using a master of business administration (MBA) as a catalyst for getting there. Today’s MBA courses offer increasingly flexible ways of studying and are valued for the professional networks they offer, often providing connections and support for decades to come.

Studying a flexible MBA is an attractive choice for those looking to get ahead, build their knowledge and enhance their career. The University of Western Australia

Evelyn Ng, a graduate of The University of Western Australia (UWA), started the MBA program when she was leading technical engineering and innovation initiatives as a subject matter expert. Since finishing her MBA, Ng’s expanded management and business skillset enhanced her capabilities in her senior management role, where she drives strategic decision making, shapes company policies and initiates collaborative partnerships with external parties.

“I have won state and national awards for technological innovation,” says Ng. “My ability to develop and commercialise innovation was strengthened from my studies at UWA. While the stakes are higher now in terms of my career, I can make a much more significant impact thanks to what I have been able to apply to my work from my degree.”

Study flexibility brings out the best

Ng says the many different ways of studying online and in-person at UWA helped her juggle other responsibilities when she was completing her studies. “The flexibility the university offered me by allowing us to attend class in person or online meant I could continue to manage my work, travel and family commitments,” she says.

UWA offers an accommodating MBA program that caters to students from many different backgrounds and situations. Students can choose from a range of study modes, including face-to-face evening classes, full-day weekend classes and online classes. It means they can mix and match these options to suit where they are in life.

UWA graduate Evelyn Ng (second from right). The University of Western Australia

UWA’s MBA program can be completed in as little as 12 months or extended up to five years. That means people have plenty of time to balance their studies with work or other commitments. The MBA flexible program offers three intakes a year in January, April and August, giving students the opportunity to start their studies at a time that best fits their schedule.

“Our approach means students can tailor the way they want to learn to their lifestyle, making UWA’s MBA program highly adaptable to diverse student needs,” says MBA program director Allan Trench.

Students enrolled in UWA’s MBA program have extensive opportunities to build industry connections. The program benefits from deep industry ties, which means the school can offer practical, customised learning for students.

Through the UWA Industry Connection Program students connect with industry professionals and participate in mentoring sessions. While MBA Career Services offer a range of resources, including career consultations, job board access and workshops, which help students explore various sectors and roles.

Growing your network

The business school’s corporate supporters provide guest lectures, case studies and mentoring, further enriching the educational experience and providing students with direct access to industry leaders. These robust industry connections ensure students are well-prepared for their future careers and have a strong network to support their professional development.

A new executive-decision making unit has recently been added to the MBA, which is a series of masterclasses hosted by national and international industry leaders. The unit is open to current MBA students as well as MBA alumni through the lifelong learning program.

Plus, the annual international study tour takes students on a life-changing trip to various destinations including San Francisco and Silicon Valley where they have the opportunity to visit Berkeley, Deloitte, Google, Kahn Academy, Kanopy, LinkedIn and Stanford University.

UWA MBA students on the International Study Tour. The University of Western Australia

“One group was even able to tour the Tesla factory,” says Trench. If you’re not quite ready to jump into an MBA, graduate certificates can be completed as standalone qualifications or used as pathways to UWA’s MBA flexible program.

The program has achieved widespread recognition, being named the top MBA program in Oceania for entrepreneurship and alumni outcomes, according to QS Global MBA rankings for 2025. “The ranking is testament to our dedicated professional staff, the MBAs themselves and our fantastic alumni who remain engaged with the program and give back through guest lectures and participation in career-focused MBA events,” Trench says.

Find out more at uwa.au/mba