The flexibility of AIM Business School’s MBA program was a key attraction for graduate Siobhan Finch, as she juggled the demands of working for a busy medical practice in regional New South Wales and the demands of motherhood.
The ability to complete the MBA online was critical in allowing her the flexibility to be successful, coupled with the interactive and supportive nature of the program.
Here, Siobhan describes how the MBA has positively impacted her career and some of the ways she developed personally and professionally as a result.
When did you do your MBA?
I completed my MBA in November 2016, after starting it in May the year before.
What was life like, professionally, before completing an MBA?
Before embarking on my MBA, I was working in a medical practice for 8 years. During this time, I was promoted from receptionist to practice manager. This was a huge learning curve for me as I did not have any formal qualifications and solely relied on my existing knowledge of the industry.
Why did you decide to do an MBA? How has it enhanced your career?
Whilst I was always successful in my role, I felt that I was lacking a depth of organisational management knowledge. I researched many different course options, some specific to the health industry, and other more general management courses, but an MBA seemed the most comprehensive.
The MBA has been incredible for my career. It has assisted me in preparing our practice for major industry changes and practice growth. It has also been great for improving my confidence in organisational management and decision making.
Why did you choose AIM Business School? For you personally, what set it apart from other MBA programs?
I chose AIM Business School primarily due to the course flexibility and length. I liked that you were able to choose your subject load and that determined how long the course went.
I also chose AIM Business School because of their consideration of management experience as an entry requirement. Most tertiary institutions required an undergraduate degree, so I was not eligible to apply. But AIM Business School counted my years of work experience as enough to qualify for entry into the course.
What units did you do and how have they specifically helped you in your career?
I completed a range of electives from human resource management to financial management, even with a few surprise subjects like sustainability and economics. The most beneficial subjects to me were leadership and management and strategy. The subject on leadership assisted me in determining the type of leader I am and the areas that I need to grow in, whilst also teaching me the theory of leadership and how that can apply in my organisation.
Can you recall the most significant personal achievements and challenges during your studies?
My biggest personal challenge came towards the end of the course whilst I was working full time, juggling two subjects and was very ill due to pregnancy. To get to the end of my course and know that I still performed well in my studies despite those things, was a huge personal achievement.
In relation to my study, my personal achievements were always related to the times I felt most challenged. There were subjects, such as economics and international, where I had zero prior knowledge and felt challenged by all the new content. Despite often feeling overwhelmed, I received high marks for the assessments which was a huge achievement!
How did AIM Business School’s teaching and/or services help you attain your MBA?
AIM Business School’s MBA was highly interactive. There were weekly webinars with the facilitators and other students which were a huge asset in the learning process. It allowed me to hear how the concepts we learnt fit into everyday business. The facilitators were also always available and were just as ready to answer any query I had. Knowing that the facilitators were engaged and invested in my learning was a huge reassurance and greatly assisted my learning.
What would be your advice for students considering an MBA?
I would whole heartedly encourage anyone considering an MBA to pursue it. It is much more than just a qualification to add to the resume. It has provided me valuable knowledge and skills that have not only benefitted my professional life and practice, but has also translated into so many other areas of my life.
