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 Raymond O Neill
AGSM MBA, Class of 2008
University previously attended
Dublin Institute of Technology, Ireland; Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
Degree obtained
PgDip in New Business Development; BA (Mod) in Computer Science (Hons)
Country of origin
Ireland
Age 30 years
Career history
Raymond O Neill founded his own company in 2005 to serve online retailers with decision support analysis. In late 2006, he decided to do an MBA at AGSM to enhance is entrepreneurial skills with advanced decision-making techniques and new commercialisation methods.
Why an MBA?
After a period of 18 months developing my first company I found, like many others, that the road to creating a significant business is fraught with chasms a would-be entrepreneur can fall into. I decided to do an MBA to acquire the methods and skills to navigate a business from inception to maturity or an existing business through a successful period of change.
The programme
A critical part of AGSM's MBA is the self assessment and managerial skills module. It really made me think about how I make decisions and how those decisions affect others around me. At AGSM, we work in small teams where tasks are set to simulate commercial environments. Understanding team dynamics, good practice and conflict resolution brought to my attention the softer side of management, which great managers must have to be successful. This initial module lays the foundation for two terms of core subjects. These subjects provide vital tools and training for managers, consultants and entrepreneurs. I found each subject has contributed enormously to my ability to make better business decisions, allocate resources and get the very best from peers, employees or suppliers as a company evolves. The following terms are electives, where students can create their own academic path, specialising in areas of interest.
Outside the classroom
AGSM has a student society that is rich in diversity, culture, expertise and enthusiasm. I was fortunate enough to be elected as President of the Corporate Social Responsibility Club, which also represents an important topic covered in AGSM courses.
My ambition as President of the CSR Club was to develop a programme within AGSM that enabled students to gain valuable commercial experience while at the same time giving back to the wider community. To this end, we have established a pilot programme with an innovative venture capital firm based in Sydney to provide teams of volunteering students who will deliver strategic advice to a number of social ventures in Australia.
Other highlights in this respect have included representing the class at a 'Being Globally Responsible' conference in Shanghai and meeting industry leaders.
Student life
In my opinion, a great strength of the AGSM is its diversity. My class represents students from 26 different nationalities and there is also a great mix of industry backgrounds.
The culture at AGSM is collaborative. As students, we work hard, but also live life to the full when the opportunity arises, and in Sydney you can do both. Students are supported by staff and the student society to be creative in organising events and challenges. For example, this year, my class will host the Peter Farrell Cup, an entrepreneurship competition open to students attending AGSM and the University of New South Wales. I also ran in Sydney's CityToSurf, a 14km run for charity. In addition, the School's proximity to the new economies of the world in China, Korea, and Indonesia etc brings insight and opportunity.
Afterwards
AGSM hold regular networking events at which students can meet senior executives/entrepreneurs from Australian companies.
Not only do these events open up to students a network of contacts, including alumni, but they also showcase different career options for students. The network of students, alumni and industry leaders is undoubtedly an asset that I will call on in the future and one that I value highly.
Post MBA, I would like to pursue a career that allows me to continue learning, challenges me every day, and allows to me to take on some of the risk and return of the venture. My AGSM MBA is equipping me to pursue this career objective, and is giving me the confidence and network to move into a position where I am in control of my career. 'Studying at AGSM, Sydney, has provided me with a rich cultural experience, a valuable network of contacts, an excellent insight in the world's new economies and the tools to pursue a career in senior management.'
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