Current Students

I started working towards an MBA almost ten years ago. I was however, interrupted by the demands, challenges and commitment required of a young family. My job was satisfactory and at that time I thought that was good enough, so I left my part-time MBA behind. I had managed to carve out a pretty solid career for myself progressing through the human resource field. However, I realized that satisfactory was no longer good enough. I was having potential employers pick and choose my career path on what they thought was best while what I really wanted was to be in control and be able to chart my own course. After consulting with numerous employers and consultants there was one common recurring theme and that one thing was an MBA.

Having lived primarily in western Canada and having done an undergraduate degree and a graduate certificate from the two different universities fairly close to home, the allure of studying at a new institution was very enticing. So why Canada, why not the U.S.? These were both very good options and there were many schools to choose from and all of them certainly a lot closer than New Zealand. As I continued to search the various programs and discuss the possible options with my family two common elements arose. The first was that it had to be a quality program and secondly if it required a family move then it had to be a desirable move for all involved. This opened up the discussion to the possibility an international MBA. Upon further reflection I realized that if we are living in a world of globalization and economies becoming more dependent on one another than maybe international learning was the best option.

The reputation and history of the Otago MBA made it stand out. My first phone call to the program was one where I was enthusiastically greeted not only by a real person, but someone who was helpful, knowledgeable an if not able to answer a question ensured the appropriate person got back to me with the answer and this included both the Director and Associate Director. It quickly became apparent that in addition to its reputation, the small class size would allow for very intimate and highly informative discussions and the opportunity to learn from other international students. The emphasis on group learning was also a very important factor with a large portion of the Otago MBA done in syndicates. This type of dynamic affords one the ability to learn from others and their experiences and build upon what is taught in the classroom. Also given significant consideration was the overall time to complete the MBA. The Otago MBA being a sixteen-month program also made it very attractive and with it being separated into five very distinct modules it is very clearly laid out. Although it is considered a non-specific MBA with the course work for the first four modules being a set curriculum, the options for the fifth and final module made it very attractive. I could choose a dissertation or practicum geared towards my particular area of interest or use the time to take the classes I feel I need to get a more specialized and in depth knowledge of a particular area. For me this was crucial because I did not have to pick and choose an area of specialization prior to the start of the program. Instead I could use the experience and learning throughout the program to help guide me in this process.

Now the only question was how do I actually make the move to New Zealand and the many issues to be taken care of. The truth is the New Zealand portion of my move could not have been easier. I was offered assistance for every area I could think of from housing alternatives, visa applications and the international student office, to recommendations for schooling options for our children. The sales job to my family was made pretty easy considering the high education standard set not only by Otago but also within New Zealand’s excellent public school system. We finally considered the overall costs of the program and when the costs of tuition and living in New Zealand were factored in considering the foreign exchange it also made for a smart business decision.

Upon arriving and starting the program I quickly realized that not only was I in a great learning environment but, it was very much like being a part of an extended family. The small class size means you quickly establish friendships and act very much like a team driven to succeed. Lecturers not only have time for you on an individual and group basis but they actually get to know you and encourage interaction with them to further enhance the learning experience.

Make no mistake that with the sixteen month program and the large amount of group work required it is demanding and time consuming. This requires structured scheduling and very strong time management skills, that even if you don’t have you pick it up quite quickly. As demanding as the schedule is there is still adequate time to enjoy a few of the good things in life, and living in Dunedin makes this very easy. As a city I find extremely easy to get around and even with had a vehicle you would find it rare that you actually require one. Recreation opportunities are bountiful and if you enjoy nature and the outdoors the options exist in every direction you look.

Nationality: Canadian
Originally From: Saskatchewan, Canada
Currently: Dunedin, New Zealand
What industry/ies have you been in: Human Resources