This is your moment

Taking on an MBA is both a challenge and a privilege – it unlocks time to dive deep into ideas, connects you with a cohort of like-minded people and builds the skills of powerful reflection.

“The MBA was incredibly important for the role that I’m doing today,” says Steve Cox, CEO of Destination NSW, who completed his MBA at Macquarie Business School (MQBS) in 2010. “What you get from an MBA is the depth of view from different perspectives of organisations and the world that we operate within. If you can think broadly around all the different parts of an organisation then you’ve got a much better chance of considering the full picture of what you need to do to make it successful.”

Well-rounded leaders are in short supply, resulting in a common conundrum for companies and their people: subject-matter experts are boosted into top roles without necessarily having the leadership skills. “But leadership capabilities are something that you can learn and that you should give your explicit focus,” says Professor Yvonne Breyer, deputy dean of education and employability at MQBS.

Microcredentials and short courses have their place and are popular right now but

Breyer says the MBA brings a different pace and a deeper outcome to learning. “When you commence an MBA, you’re entering a safe place to slow down, to think and reflect – that is one of the key purposes of a university. Our MBA students are often in the midst of several big life commitments – they may have a young family, they’re in a demanding role and already in leadership or just on the cusp of it. It’s a pivotal moment of personal and professional development and giving yourself the time for an MBA – even though that time can be difficult to find – is something unique that cannot be achieved via quick bursts of short courses.”

The value of the MBA includes the cohort, who go on to become lifelong friends and confidants for many alumni. “You’re going on a journey with like-minded people,” says Breyer. “You’re with other emerging leaders from across different industries and walks of life and the classroom is where you can take time out from your busy lives and explore things deeply. You can be vulnerable and curious and admit you don’t know something, which can feel like a risk – perceived or real – in the workplace.”

While MBA students have different motivations for taking on the degree, all are there to improve their leadership skills and broad business acumen. “It sets you up for life,” says Breyer. “You’ll develop confidence, new ways of thinking and a mindset to continuously challenge yourself and reflect. And once you finish your MBA, you’ll find it is just the beginning, not the end.”

Learn more about Macquarie University Business School and its MBA program at mq.edu.au