Ledion Mecollari — international student adviser and MBA graduate

Why did you choose to embark on a Master of Business Administration?

I think to challenge myself and challenge what I did learn through my studies and work experience at that stage.

Where did you study?

At Victoria University in Melbourne

What were the best elements of your course?

I believe that the MBA program, and studying in general, opens your mind, broadens your horizons and that is the best value that I received from studying at Victoria University.

What have you learnt that you didn’t expect? Are there any surprises?

I enjoyed all the subjects, but I loved attending the lectures of work and organisations systems with Prof. Keith Thomas. I would never have thought that a model used in class would be adequate for real-life problems and I use that model even now.

I also did not realise until then the importance of emotional intelligence in leadership and this was emphasised in class again and again.

Has your MBA helped you achieve your goals?

My reason for studying a Master of Business Administration was to have two years of study and fun, but at the same time to build the capability to have different perspectives. I think I have achieved that.

What advice would you give to students considering a MBA?

During my studies and my work experience as a career adviser, most of the students who are willing to pursue a MBA think that it will make them managers upon completion. I do not agree with that. I think it provides the tools and the path to become a great leader, but in the end, it is the person who makes the difference.

Do the financial benefits of an MBA outweigh the costs?

This might sound strange especially said by an economist, but I think it is very diminutive to analyse the benefits by looking at costs and gains. I think postgraduate study provides individuals with never ending value.

How did you choose the right business school/institution for you?

I weighed the quality, focus, tuition fees, graduates employability and also the business magazine rankings, and I chose a VU MBA because that year it was ranked the number one MBA in CEO Magazine.

Anything else you’d like to share about the experience?

I believe we are life-learners, so never stop learning and studying.