Harry Argyriou hadn’t sat an exam in more than 15 years when he attended an Adelaide MBA Briefing Session and found himself wondering if he could balance his work commitments with studying a Masters degree part time.
Fast forward six years and Mr Argyriou says he not only struck a balance, he made the Adelaide MBA part of his lifestyle.
Addressing a host of prospective students at a Briefing Session on June 18, Mr Argyriou was met with rounds of laughter and nods of acceptance as he recalled the invaluable opportunities he enjoyed while studying an Adelaide MBA – from networking with local industry leaders to gaining hands-on experience in the European market as the economic crisis unfolded in Greece.
Adelaide MBA Alumnus Harry Argyriou completed two units of his MBA studying abroad in Demark and the United Kingdom.
Mr Argyriou studied a Bachelor of Commerce before enrolling in the Adelaide MBA in 2010. He graduated in 2013 and decided to continue studying and completed an Advanced MBA graduate in 2016 and currently works as a Contract Manager at the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).
Acknowledging the weight of investment in studying an MBA, Mr Argyriou said students had to make sure they were picking the course that was right for them.
“This is a very big investment. You want that return,” he said.
“Leading up to enrolling, my biggest concern was the work/life balance. I started off very slowly and did one subject at a time. I hadn’t studied for about 15 years. I didn’t know the impact it would have on my personal situation.
“Progressively as the course went on I picked up 2 subjects. It got to a point where I was so comfortable that I was doing three subjects a trimester. I was able to finish my course part time while working at the ATO full time in two-and-a-half years.
“The reason I was able to do that was because of the flexibility of the Adelaide MBA.
“The Adelaide MBA offers classes between 4.30pm and 7.30pm on a weekly basis and I found that suited my lifestyle. I was able to get away from work early, get to university, do the three hours with a nice break in between and still get home at a reasonable time.”
Mr Argyriou completed two exchange programs while studying the MBA; travelling to both Denmark and the United Kingdom for two weeks respectively.
“We spent two weeks living fulltime on the campus and we were able to test ourselves against MBA students from other countries. I tell you what, we are very intelligent here in Australia and we have a lot to offer.
“They are challenging, the exchange programs. There are assignments and tests. But you are there to meet people, network and also learn.”
Harry Argyriou gained hands-on experience in the European market as the economic crisis unfolded in Greece while studying on exchange in England.
Mr Argyriou said the biggest piece of advice he could offer students looking to study an MBA is not to doubt yourself.
“The most challenging part of the MBA is the personal challenge in pushing yourself to be better,” he said.
“It tested my personality; it tested my skillset; it tested me as a manager; and it tested me as a leader.
“It taught me what my weaknesses were and that’s really confronting. But that helped me understand what kind of person I am, what I needed to improve and where my strengths are.”
When you are surrounded with a high calibre of peers from a diverse range of industrial and professional backgrounds, Mr Argyriou said you naturally start to network and develop key communication skills that are instrumental in business leadership and executive management.
“We all have experiences from different cultures, different workplaces, different countries and the person next to you wants to hear about those experiences,” he said.
“Those experiences are going to assist you. Those experiences are going to build relationships and help you solve problems in your workplace.
“Don’t sit in the class and think, ‘I am going to be one of those people who just sits in the background and doesn’t say anything’. You have to get involved. You have to put your hand up; you have to challenge the person next to you.”
The next MBA Pre-Application Briefing Session will be held on Wednesday, August 3, 2016 at the Adelaide Central Markets Private Kitchen/Dining Room from 5.45pm (for a 6pm start).
The Briefing Session will include an informal presentation by MBA Director Damian Scanlon, as well as the opportunity to:
- Meet current students and alumni of the Adelaide MBA and hear about their experiences, insights gained and the real benefits
- Meet academics and professional staff working on the program
- Ask specific questions and learn more about how the course structure can suit your lifestyle
- Enjoy light refreshments with others considering undertaking the programAlternatively, if you have any specific questions, please contact Tom Woods-Kerruish by email mba@adelaide.edu.au.
- To register your attendance for the event please complete the online registration form.
