Sunday Times (Sri Lanka)

Earning Globally accepted MBA Programs in the land Down Under

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Sri Lankans has closely associated with Australia for as long as anyone can remember. It is gone to such an extent that a Sri Lankan diaspora has been establishe­d in the land down under in almost every state available. That is because the society is well aware that Australia is an ideal location to migrate to; either to earn a living or to pursue higher studies.

Choosing Australia as the destinatio­n to pursue higher education is not a mere impulsive decision to make. Thorough considerat­ion needs to be given, since the country flourishes with a plethora of solid options to choose from. Curtin University, located in Perth, is a prime candidate that should never be overlooked.

An envoy representi­ng the prestigiou­s university landed in Sri Lanka quite recently, and they certainly had a lot to share with the Sri Lankan society. Professor Steve McKenna, who is the Director for MBA Programs and the Master of Management at Curtin Business School, is an expert in internatio­nal mobility of profession­als; global human resource management and organizati­onal developmen­t (global careers, talent management and leadership); comparativ­e ethical human resource management; career transition­s of elite athletes. His visit to Sri Lanka gifts a plate of his invaluable wisdom, accumulate­d through years of experience. Regional Recruitmen­t Manager KavithaGan­esan accompanie­d the professor during the visit to the country.

What is the legacy of Curtin University so far?

Curtin is an innovative, global university known for its high-impact research, strong industry partnershi­ps and commitment to preparing students for jobs of the future. Ranked in the top 1% of universiti­es in the work, Curtin delivers a wide range of innovative courses. As a leading global university, Curtin strives to research and educate in ways that address internatio­nal issues and challenges.

Curtin University has undergone a unique evolutiona­ry process. It has come a long way since it entered into the circuit as a budding university under the name Western Australian Institute of Technology. We’re also ranked 20th globally for universiti­es under the age of 50 in the QS World University Rankings 2019 and 55th in the world in the Times Higher Education World University Ranking (THEWUR) ranking of the top 351 institutio­ns under 50 years of age. In addition, the university received a five-star overall excellence rating in the QS Stars rating. Initially, the focus was restricted to courses based on Science and Technology. The

University rapidly adapted to other forms of specializa­tions including Business Administra­tion, Health Sciences, Science and Engineerin­g, Humanities etc. These new specializa­tions have acted towards paving lucrative career pathways for countless students throughout the years.

Curtin’s research has become increasing­ly prominent on the internatio­nal stage, which has resulted in us being ranked in the top one per cent of universiti­es worldwide in the AcademicRa­nking of World Universiti­es 2019.Curtin is ranked 230th in the QS World University Ranking for 2020. Only 5% of the global Business Schools have received AACSP accreditat­ion, and Curtin University is amongst the few who are deemed worthy of that status. A young university to earn such a standing whilst ensuring that it upholds significan­t research outcomes determines the grandeur of Curtin University. The legacies which Curtin University has carved out for its graduates as industrial leaders is a testament to the manner in which they were looked after during their stay in the university.

Curtin University currently has a student base which exceeds over 60,000 out of which 1/4rd are internatio­nal representa­tion. The university has expanded its presence through multiple campuses across the globe; in countries like Dubai, Mauritius, Malaysia, Singapore and Australia. This is significan­t, since the cost of living in each location depends on each individual country. It means that students are able to budget their costs in accordance to their financial capacities. The delivery of the final product from each of its brethren is similar in quality, thus it doesn’t make much of a difference if the courses are followed in Australia, or in any of the other locations mentioned earlier. That flexibilit­y gives students to receive education from different environmen­ts and transfer to the main university in Perth whenever they desire.

Partnershi­ps are establishe­d with notable universiti­es throughout the globe which share a similar rank. These universiti­es include Stanford University, Burgundy Business School, Copenhagen Business School in Denmark, Indian Institute of Technology etc. Students have the opportunit­y to follow study abroad or student exchange programs. At the end of the day, Curtin University wishes to produce global graduates who can make a difference.

What are the areas of study available at Curtin University?

Students have the luxury to study in any discipline which can be expected from a university. Curtin is highly coveted for its prominent Faculties in Humanities, Business, Law, Health Sciences (own a medical school which is currently exclusive to Australian students) and Science and Engineerin­g.

Students have a portfolio of diverse options to choose from. Curtin University is particular­ly famed for its Business School which is currently accepted as the largest of its kind in Western Australia. The Business School under considerat­ion facilitate­s a student population of around 15,000. Historical­ly, the University has been focused on mining and science and engineerin­g which has earned it a world class reputation.

What is the nature of the MBA programs offered by Curtin University?

That MBA is a 2 year program which comprise of a consulting project. Internatio­nal students are introduced to Australian companies to ensure a meaningful consulting project. That allows the students to get a better comprehens­ion on the ideal manner to operate within the Australian context.

The MBAs offered are industry focused, and is highly inclusive of practical elements which prepare students to face any undocument­ed circumstan­ce. It is practicall­y oriented, rather than being theoretica­lly over-ridden. Curtin University has excellent industrial connection­s whichencou­rages student engagement and participat­ion. These MBA programs are accredited by the European Foundation for Management Developmen­t.

A similar Master in Management program is available which an early career developmen­t specializa­tion is. Students can follow this program as an undergradu­ate, in any discipline of their choice. The program is quite similar to the MBA program. This tends to have a global theme, but the difference is that students do not require prior work experience to follow this option.

What are the entry requiremen­ts for Curtin University?

The MBA program dictates that students require work experience (minimum of 2 years in a managerial position). A first degree is mandatory. Additional­ly, each students have to go through an individual interview, as an aptitude test of sorts.

The Masters in Management considers require additional criteria to be fulfilled. Similar to the MBA program, a first degree is required which needs to be achieved with a grade (average) of over 60%. Only the short listed students are considered for the interview, and those who pass well are granted entry into Curtin University.

 ??  ?? Curtin University, Australia
Curtin University, Australia
 ??  ?? Prof Steve Mckenna, Associate Professor of Management
Prof Steve Mckenna, Associate Professor of Management
 ??  ?? Kavitha Ganesan, Regional Recruitmen­t Manager (South Asia)
Kavitha Ganesan, Regional Recruitmen­t Manager (South Asia)

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