The first hand-picked cohort from a specialist global program tailored to meet the pressing challenges facing the defence and space sectors graduated from the University of South Australia (UniSA) this week.
Students from UniSA’s Global Executive MBA in Defence and Space have completed the customised 18-month program, a world-first to help build a global pipeline of talent for the two sectors, specifically benefitting international alliances such as AUKUS.
The graduates, who include executives and uniformed personnel from defence and space organisations operating in Australia, the US, UK and Europe, will help address critical skills gaps in cyber security, space systems, geopolitics and defence procurement and build the innovation and leadership capabilities required across the sectors.
UniSA partnered with the University of Exeter (UK) and Carnegie Mellon University (US) to deliver the program, with students undertaking online study and intensive in-person residentials in each of the three AUKUS countries.
Professor Lan Snell, Dean of Programs (Postgraduate), UniSA Business, says the value of the program lies in its global structure.
“Throughout the program students develop global experiences, networks and competencies in the defence and space sectors that other Executive MBA programs can’t match. That is not only attractive to SA locals, but to potential recruits and their employers nationally and internationally,” she says.
Professor Snell says the 2025 graduates are well equipped to tackle the complexities associated with the multi-decade projects that will make up the AUKUS arrangement.
“Our graduates have built on a range of skills and capabilities ranging from technical skills through to project management and leadership capabilities,” she says. “We now have heightened technical understandings and better developed future-focused capabilities such as communication, teamwork and problem solving.”
Global Executive MBA in Defence and Space graduate Glen Gallagher says the program directly influenced his career progression over the past two years as he transitioned from Operations Manager at Boeing Defence Australia to Director, Advanced Systems at South Australian Government agency, Defence SA.
“I think taking part in the program did influence my career path in terms of my confidence, skills and ability to tackle a senior executive role. If I hadn’t been undertaking the Global Executive MBA in Defence and Space, I might not have backed myself or had the necessary attributes to be successful in my current role,” he says.
“The value of the program is also in the establishment of multiple networks with peers, colleagues and industry professionals from around the world that you wouldn’t typically be exposed to unless you take up a lot of international travel.”
Gallagher says highlights of the program included the two-week residentials in the US and UK, particularly travelling to Washington DC in the lead up to the US election in November 2024.
“Part of the program was held near Capitol Hill and that was amazing to witness in terms of the build-up in geopolitics at that time. It was an experience that can’t ever be beaten.”
The next Global Executive MBA in Defence and Space cohort will commence at Adelaide University in 2026.
