TESTIMONIALS

DAVID MARTIN

I was motivated to undertake a MBA in order to develop skills in areas other than pure engineering. I chose the Chifley/APESMA MBA based on good recommendations from colleagues at BHP Steel (now Bluescope Steel) who had either completed or were undertaking the course. I was also attracted to the portability of the study program with the knowledge that I was not restricting future employment locations based on required attendance at a specific institution.

The APESMA MBA has undoubtedly aided my career in terms of the confidence I developed in the broader areas of business and management. Whilst studying one subject per semester, I was able to apply course material to my current responsibilities - in operations management whilst working as a plant manager for a Nylex plastics manufacturing plant in regional Victoria and as a general manager for an advanced engineering design and manufacturing business - Marand Precision Engineering.

Whilst the MBA was hard work at times, I endeavoured to make the most of each subject. I achieved top marks for six subjects and ranked 1 of 109 at the end of 2006, with an average of 84.7%. The academic results simply add to the personal satisfaction of having completed a challenging course that has aided me in developing knowledge and concepts that I will use throughout my career.

During the MBA, lecturers provided great support, the course material and assignments were excellent and when applied to real-life work experiences, greatly enhanced the learning and personal benefits. The support of my employers definitely helped during the course, via financial contribution and flexibility of time.

Most importantly, I must thank my wife for her patience and understanding. I started the course in July 1999, four months after our wedding. During the course we have changed employers, moved to regional Victoria and then back to Melbourne, completed house renovations and had two children. All of this was aided by the flexibility of the program and support for students via on-line services.

I am currently employed by Halcrow, utilising skills developed over the last seven years in order to contribute to the growth of a profitable consulting business. A task made easier following the completion of the APESMA MBA (Technology Management) program.