Elly Mackay
14 May 2021: Balancing full-time work, relationships, social life and study can certainly seem to be a bit of a handful.
Though that consideration might weigh on deciding to undertake future study, the benefits far outweigh the difficulties, according to the University of Canberra’s Senior Advisor, Global Learning, Sasha Peakall – who recently completed her Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree.
“I got to a point in my career where I couldn’t move up any further without having additional higher qualifications,” Ms Peakall said.
“I was interested in eventually getting into management – and further study helped me develop the skills I needed for that, as well as enabling me to make the connections I needed, with the right people.”
Ms Peakall is an enthusiastic advocate of the networking opportunities that postgraduate study can create.
“In my course, there were many senior managers and just a lot of high achievers overall – so learning from them was just as beneficial as studying the theoretical aspects of the course,” Ms Peakall said.
“You get the opportunity to learn about and deal with different personalities, and be managed by different people.”
Ms Peakall also reflects on the diverse range of professionals she encountered throughout her studies, opening her eyes to different industry practices – and empowering her to bring those skills back to her role at the University.
“The reality is, in the workforce and as a manager, you have to deal with difficult people. You can read about it in theory but it’s not until you actually have to deal with a situation practically, that you really learn,” she said.
Ms Peakall is grateful for her own self-motivation and the fact that she was able to complete the course.
“It was a lot of early mornings, a lot of calendar organisation and blocking out time in my day purely for study,” she said.
“The skills I’ve learnt have really changed my approach to work for the better.”
If you’ve ever considered furthering your career, or pursuing study in an area of interest to you, the University of Canberra’s Postgraduate Information Night will provide all the inspiration you need to take the leap into postgraduate study.
When: 20 May, 5.30pm
Where: Verity Lane Market
RSVP: EventBrite
