MBA or Executive MBA? Here’s How These Students Chose The Right MBA For Them

The MBA is often seen as a qualification with the power to transform where a career is headed. But with a range of different programs available to choose from, deciding which version of the MBA is an important step.

MBA News spoke to three QUT MBA students about their experience with their chosen program and how they have applied the learnings to their career.

MBA Graduate: Steph Tandy

The MBA is QUT’s flagship program and has been running for 30 years. It is designed with flexible learning in mind, where students can study at their own pace.

It provides opportunities for students to apply what they are learning in the program in their workplace.

Steph has a background in the creative arts but discovered a flair for business when she found herself managing a team of 30 staff at the Starlight Children’s Foundation.

She said she chose the MBA experience for two key reasons.

“Firstly, I wanted to rebrand myself and my career,” she said.

“I’m now a completely different person. My way of thinking, my way of approaching different problems, and even my way of holding myself has changed.

“Secondly, building a network was really important to me. I wanted to go on campus, have discussions face-to-face with my peers, and be a physical part of the community.

“The QUT MBA was really great from day one with building important connections.”

The MBA has allowed Steph to seize a new opportunity at a technology consulting firm, achieving her ambition to rebrand her career.

Executive MBA Graduate: Paul Matthews

QUT’s Executive MBA program has been running for more than 20 years and is designed to take experienced managers to new levels as highly skilled leaders.

It offers students opportunities for international study tours and an MIT immersion program.

For Paul Matthews, the cohort-driven model of the Executive MBA program appealed to him as he pursued new opportunities after a career in the Australian Defence Force.

“One of the big things that stood out for me is how you kept the same cohort the whole way through the Executive MBA,” he said.

“You build really strong relationships with your peers through face-to-face networking throughout the two years of the program.

“We all use the cohort a lot in a professional sense after completing the Executive MBA. We are always calling each other and asking for people’s perspectives on things, and it’s been quite amazing to develop that network.”

Paul is now Manager for Strategy and Transactions at multinational professional services firm, EY.

“I now do a lot of commercial strategy, advising and transaction diligence, and I draw on a lot of knowledge and experience from the Executive MBA.”

Similarities and Differences: QUT’s MBA Programs Side By Side

While QUT’s programs have their differences, there are also some common features.

Both programs are taught by leading academics who are experts in their field. They include access to events and career workshops.

For a donation to QUT’s learning fund, alumni from all programs can also take any MBA unit after graduation, keeping their knowledge relevant.