Alexander Elemo

Why did you decide to study an MBA?

I decided to study an MBA for two reasons. Number one, I wanted to jumpstart my career, to be able to move from my current middle-level management to access senior management roles. I have seen that happening now.

Also, in my family business, I want to be able to move the business. Bring in expertise in finance, in human resources, in general operation into business and making sure that I grow the business from current level to an appreciable level, and with our presence not only in Australia but probably internationally within the Asian region.

Can you tell us a little any challenges or setbacks that you may have encountered on your MBA journey?

The greatest challenge with the MBA with the Australian Institute of Business is how to manage time and combining study with work. When I’m at work – we also have a family business – it was very daunting at the beginning. I had to manage the assignments; I had to also play my role as a managing partner in my family business, and also at my job at the Olympic Dam. With the material, with the way the course is presented over a seven-week period, all the materials and all the information provided on the website.

The good thing is that there is help everywhere. The online facilitator, the subject coordinator, they are always available to help out when you are overwhelmed with load from work, from assignments, to be able to push you across, making sure you stay on top always.

What did you get out of the MBA?

The greatest thing I’ve gained from my MBA is the confidence that I now have to be able to relate to people across business, department and functions. From my traditional role of being an experienced engineer, I can now relate on human resources, finance and governance across my business functions – whether in my private business or even as I work in my role as an improvement engineer with BHP. That has translated into opportunities. Now I see myself taking more responsibilities along with those cross-functional areas.

How do you feel today here at your graduation?

Today I’m very excited. The journey has been very tough and challenging but it was worth it. When I look back now, what I’ve been able to achieve and the foundation I’ve set for myself, for my future aspiration, it was worth it.

I sincerely recommend the MBA to whoever can withstand the rigour of studies and combine with work, to do it because it is worth it at the end of the day. At the end of the day, you now have that business acumen above your traditional role of what you do before. MBA takes you above everything and puts you in the centre of the business.

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