MBA Student Profile: Emily Reilly Vale
Emily Reilly Vale, current part-time MBA student and Alek Safarian Scholarship recipient, reflects on her MBA experience so far.
A year ago, I was busy considering the right business school and MBA course structure for me. 12 months later, I am happily immersed in the unique learning opportunity that is the part-time MBA and enjoying all that this great degree has to offer.
Reflecting on the past year, I have a few insights to share with those contemplating an MBA.
The University of Sydney Business School and its part-time MBA had many draw cards for me. Whilst reputation and course ranking were important markers, and provided an easy way to compare courses and schools, what really appealed to me was the focus on face-to-face class time and experiential learning. Whilst intense at times, I believe this style of learning has allowed me to gain the most out of my first year. I have been able to synthesise information and gain clarification in real time.
One highlight from the course so far has been the quality of the lecturers, coaches and educators. Coming from a science background, and having not studied aspects of business before, I found it fascinating to learn from academics and business experts. It’s one thing to teach course content from a textbook or lecture slides, anyone can do that, but it’s another to bring it to life through robust real-world examples and professional experience.
The calibre of my peers is equally as impressive. I have gained so much from my fellow classmates who come from a diverse range of industries. From the course facilitators and my peers alike, I’ve been able to bring new ideas and diversity of thought back to my own role and medical team within the pharmaceutical industry.
The part-time MBA provides you with the option to structure the course in a way that works for you; intensive weekends or weeknight classes has made it easier to balance my work, life and study. Overall, the benefits for me far outweigh any sacrifices to accommodate this valuable educational experience.
Bring on year two!
Applications for the Alek Safarian MBA Scholarship close 24 November 2019. Apply now.
