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 Vicki Jean Golsby
General MBA, Deakin University
University previously attended
Deakin University, Australia
Degree obtained
Graduate Certificate of Supply Chain Management; Graduate Certificate of Business Administration
Country of origin
Australia
Age
45 years
Career history
Based in Adelaide, Australia, Vicki Golsby has worked in manufacturing for over 14 years. Commencing as a purchasing clerk, she was appointed as supply manager in 1998. By 2003, she realised that the next step to improving career options was to complete an MBA.
Why Deakin?
In order to juggle work, the needs of my family and other commitments (such as being a basketball team manager), I knew I required a flexible programme. After much research, I selected the Deakin MBA, as the Deakin distance-learning programme provided the flexibility and support needed to combine my study with a busy work and home life.
The distance-learning experience
Because of my background in supply management, I commenced my studies with four e-commerce subjects. These subjects were highly applicable to my workplace and I found I could relate these studies to my work experience. I then progressed through the MBA core units and realised they were ideal as future tools for use in business management.
Presentation of the Deakin MBA course materials was excellent and, more importantly, up to date. This aspect impressed me, especially the e-commerce subjects, where it is difficult to keep pace with changes in technology. Additionally, tutors were exemplary in their response times to distance student enquiries. Generally, I could rely on receiving a response to any query within 24 hours.
Deakin also offer another brilliant service to external students - provided by their library team! Living in Adelaide, I was always impressed with the speed with which requested texts were sent. Further, a pre-paid return postbag was always provided to ensure each book was returned to the correct facility.
Group spirit
One of the best elements of the Deakin's distance programme was the interaction with other external students. I worked with people locally in Adelaide, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and even New Zealand! During this interaction, I found some experienced managers who provided support for those who were less skilled. I recognised that working together in groups provides the chance to guide other students and help them to realise that 'they too can do it!'.
As a distance-education student, it is tempting to suggest that students could not build close rapport when the majority of contact is via e-mail. The reality is quite the reverse. Working closely together on assignments tends to give insight into a fellow student's home life. Many students were balancing work, a young family, weekend sporting commitments and study, just as I was myself. The opportunity to discuss the weekend junior match results provided light relief to the reality of assignment deadlines and exam pressure.
My work experience was beneficial to me in many instances, as I believe that if you can apply the learning to your personal experiences, then you are more likely to understand them. Indeed, the contrasting backgrounds of students can be advantageous when applying understanding to assignments and group work.
Was it worth it?
For me, the MBA experience was an extremely satisfying one. It demanded significant dedication and time management, and I found persistence to be the best method for overcoming obstacles. However, the sense of satisfaction and achievement felt at the completion of studies far outweighs the effort.
I recommend this programme for anyone wishing to complete an MBA. The distance-education programme certainly provides flexibility that other programmes often lack. My employment prospects undoubtedly flourished since completion of my studies and receiving the Brookes Scholar Award for the top MBA student. Since graduating with a Deakin MBA, there has been significant interest in my qualifications, along with two job offers, and I have just accepted one of those offers as a financial analyst!
The future
Looking to the future with excitement and anticipation, I believe that I will now be able to put into practice many of the skills I developed during my studies. I hope that my enthusiasm is contagious, and that I can inspire others to take the step and study toward their own wonderful future. Good luck!
'My employment prospects undoubtedly flourished since completion of my studies and receiving the Brookes Scholar Award for the top MBA student.'
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