Purevdorj Ochirbat, 26 February, 2024 | Master of Project Management student, Purevdorj Ochirbat
Many of my friends, whether they reside in Mongolia, Australia or even my university peers in Japan, frequently ask me about my education journey at QUT because they are actively seeking a university that offers high-quality education. I’m delighted to share my personal insights and offer guidance to them as much as I can, and this testimonial gives me an excellent opportunity to share my thoughts and experiences more widely and effectively.
A bit about me
I worked as a project manager in the construction industry in Mongolia based on my engineering background for 8 years before I started this course at QUT. As you may know, Mongolia is a developing country and so numerous engineering, mining, and social projects are either underway or in the planning stages. Accordingly, the demand for project managers is increasing. If someone is educated and equipped with the proper knowledge and techniques, the project management career opportunities are abundant.
In my role as a project manager (PM) in the construction company, I held the responsibility for overseeing 13 small and medium-sized construction projects throughout their entire lifetime including initiating, planning, executing and closing phases. Additionally, I managed a workforce ranging from 30 to 80 individuals at the construction site, depending on the project size and complexity.
Why I chose QUT
Many reasons were behind my choice of QUT. The first reason that drew me to QUT was the Master of Project Management course, which not only had accreditation from the Project Management Institute but also followed the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK), a widely recognised framework in project management, particularly relevant in Mongolia. By pursuing this course, I'm equipping myself with the skills and knowledge that will not only make me more attractive to potential employers but also significantly broaden my career horizons.
When I conducted comparable research between possible universities, QUT stood out as it applied knowledge in real life and because I wanted to study at one of the leading universities in the world. QUT has a world-recognised reputation in project management and I’m now confident that what I studied and the knowledge I gained at QUT are going to benefit my future career.
My favourite part of the Master of Project Management
The unit called Strategic Risk Management course was one of my favourite units at QUT. The unit provided us skills and tools through the lectures to prepare the actual documents a PM would in the real world. The documents were tailored to the given scenario for the chosen organisation including a Risk Management Framework, Implementation Plan, Risk Management Plan, and Business Continuity Management Report. I spent a significant amount of time at the library revisiting lectures, reading articles, and writing actual reports. The effort was substantial for this unit, but the learning I gained from these endeavours was invaluable. This unit not only broadened my knowledge but also sharpened my practical skills, making it a standout experience during my time at QUT.
During my studies at QUT, I had an opportunity to develop research proposals and conduct actual research under the guidance of Associate Professor Tim Rose throughout Project Investigation 1 and Project Investigation 2. Based on the discussion with my supervisor, I chose my research topic as “Investigation of the causes and impacts of the skilled labour shortage in the Mongolian construction industry” which is strongly related to my work experience back in Mongolia when I worked there. I found it fascinating because I found some similarities and differences between the construction industries in Mongolia and other chosen countries by comparative analysis and I identified effective solutions that could be applied to addressing this critical issue. Overall, these research experiences not only expanded my understanding of the field but also gave me a chance to contribute valuable insights into an issue I’m deeply concerned about. It was a truly enriching journey during my studies at QUT.
Work experience while studying
While studying, I gained experience as a part-time Project Coordinator at Zed Contracting Pty Ltd, a rapidly growing construction contracting company in Brisbane. This unique opportunity has been incredibly enriching and allowed me to simultaneously pursue my academic degree and gain practical experience in the field. I was pleasantly surprised by how valuable my work experience was in enhancing my understanding of the theories and techniques taught in the lectures. It provided a solid foundation for my studies. Additionally, it was interesting to observe that students from diverse ethnic backgrounds and with different work experiences brought different perspectives to the table when collaborating on the same issue. It highlighted the importance of respecting each other's viewpoints.
QUT’s exceptional student support
QUT’s student support is exceptionally effective. If you have any questions or need assistance, HiQ is available with any communication methods including in person or via email, chat and phone, and the supportive staff will help you to navigate your next steps. Furthermore, QUT offers robust academic support including a variety of workshops covering specific topics such as writing, citation, and referencing which are essential for new students. Tools like Studiosity and Turnitin on Canvas enabled me to improve the quality of my writing assignments through free review services and feedback before submission.
Friends, family and living in Brisbane
On-campus learning during my studies allowed me to make friendships with people from various corners of the globe. The unit requirements fostered teamwork, pushing us to collaborate and gain a deeper understanding of each other. During my time at QUT, I had the pleasure of meeting lifelong friends from places like Vietnam, Indonesia, and Australia. Our shared journey from the beginning of the course to the final semester strengthened these friendships.
A major factor that attracted our family to study in Brisbane was the climate in Queensland. True to its nickname, ‘The Sunshine State’, Queensland, and specifically Brisbane, offers ideal weather for anyone who enjoys plenty of sunshine. Brisbane is not overly large yet it's incredibly convenient, and the people in Brisbane are known for their friendliness and warm welcome. This perfectly matched the preferences of my family of four.
I particularly enjoyed the convenience of the university’s facilities and infrastructure. I’ve lived in the Kelvin Grove suburb during my studies which is the home of the QUT Kelvin Grove campus. The campus was strongly integrated with, and is an essential part of, the local community. I loved the area that is quiet and calm, which is ideal for families with children, despite being near the CBD. The free QUT shuttle bus service between the campuses was the most convenient transportation for me.
As a father of two, I made every effort to emphasise the importance of education and serve as a role model for their future study. The studying experience at QUT was not only valuable for me but also greatly beneficial for our family. For example, my daughter started her studies as a prep year at Kelvin Grove State College, a culturally diverse school. This prestigious opportunity allowed my daughter to experience a vibrant and multicultural society and it has widened her way of seeing the world and changed her future. I spent a lot of time in the kid’s library on the fourth floor at the QUT Kelvin Grove Library, borrowing books and toys to support my kids in developing their English and understanding of different cultures from a young age.
My final thoughts
I have great confidence in and satisfaction with the knowledge and experience I acquired at QUT. I strongly suggest QUT to my friends and others.
