Online MBA unlocks your elite alumni network

“By immersing yourself in the MBA experience, you gain access to a curated community of professionals who have walked similar paths and faced similar challenges,” says Professor Jim Frederickson, assistant dean of the MBS Online program.

“As a school we’ve always been known for our learning community and the connections we make and we’ve replicated that in our online program.

“We have built into the program, periodic in-person weekends, we call these MBA summits, which allow the students to connect in person with their classmates, as well as students from our face to face programs.

“Students also have opportunity to interact with our alumni and faculty, and guest speakers from a variety of different industries.

“This builds into the program much greater opportunity to network and expand into guest speakers and alumni that you wouldn’t get a chance to with most online MBA programs.”

Another major difference in the MBS Online MBA curriculum is that not all classes are asynchronous - or done independently at students’ convenience.

“Every week, we also have an online live class where students come together,” says Frederickson.

“That’s a critical part of our program, because what we’re known for is what happens in the classroom – that students learn from one another, that they expand knowledge about other industries that they wouldn’t otherwise have insights about.

“We very much want students to interact – that’s a primary purpose of that weekly live class.”

For Online MBA student Kebbie Kirkcaldie-Bowell, this network has proven to be a game-changer in his professional journey and has led to a shortcut to a rarified stratum of the business world.

“My favourite moment so far was a session where the students consisted of an ex-CFO of Pfizer, a senior manager at a data analytics firm, a head of engineering at a large defence company and myself,” says Kirkcaldie-Bowell.

“We were discussing why the C-suite is so often out of touch with what’s happening in the day-to-day operations of the business, and thus, can make poor strategic decisions.

“We tussled with this for over an hour, and concluded with the need to create a space for failure outside of the board room, open lines of communication to actively seek feedback from front-line workers and constant engagement with new research on how to do things better. None of this was related to an assignment or required material, it’s just the culture of learning at MBS.”

Kirkcaldie-Bowell says one of the distinguishing features of MBS is its commitment to providing practical experiences and fostering industry connections. His journey with his own software company, Yatter, is a good example of this.

“I’ve already implemented a lot of what I’ve learned in what we do,” he says.

From ethical frameworks to data analytics, the knowledge gained from the MBA program directly translated into tangible results for the venture.

Moreover, MBS’s extensive network, coupled with that of the University of Melbourne, exposed Kirkcaldie-Bowell to a diverse array of professionals – from top surgeons to government officials – elevating his understanding of business dynamics and opening doors to new opportunities.

Central to the experience at MBS is its faculty, comprised of world-class educators with Ivy League backgrounds and extensive industry experience, he says.

“Something I under-appreciated going into the course was the quality of the faculty – they are truly world class,” says Kirkcaldie-Bowell.

Their expertise and guidance not only enriched the academic experience but also challenged students to think critically and innovate in their respective fields.

“Knowing how to effectively lead a business is always going to be important,” Kirkcaldie-Bowell says.

At events like the MBA summits, students also get the opportunity to learn from MBS alumni. One successful MBS alum is Nicholas Stone, whose journey took a turn when he thirsted for decent coffee in New York City.

Inspired by Melbourne’s café culture, Stone, who is also a former AFL player, founded Bluestone Lane, which now employs about 800 staff at dozens of outlets across the US, with annual revenue of more than $100 million.

Stone credits a pivotal marketing class at MBS, where he learned about brand value and customer focus. Despite lacking hospitality experience, he leveraged his banking background and love for coffee to build a successful brand.

Persistence, rather than exceptional talent, fuelled Stone’s journey. “I’m the biggest novice you’ve ever seen, but I had a lot of pragmatic business skills and the lens of a customer,” he says.

With careful planning and a dedicated team, Stone transformed his vision into reality, emphasizing the importance of consistency and customer experience. As Bluestone Lane continues to expand, Stone remains focused on maintaining the brand’s integrity and impact.

“It’s been a long, hard, but wonderful journey,” he says.

Frederickson says students also have the opportunity to do social good in the community by offering pro-bono business services to not-for-profit organisations.

“It might be a business issue [not for profits] are facing. Or if they’re trying to figure out the best way to price their product or how to expand or logistical issues – our students can help,” says Frederickson.

“Outside eyes, people who’ve been educated and different theories and ways to approach and think about business issues, could help them address that.”

This commitment to societal impact aligns with the ethos of the program, where students are not just passive learners but active contributors to positive change.

Frederickson says his own students are the driving force behind the program’s success.

Whether it’s accessing elite opportunities, fostering a culture of innovation, or making a difference in the community – or eventually mentoring students themselves – Melbourne Business School’s Online MBA students are poised to excel and lead in their respective industries.

“Our online students are committed, disciplined, and incredibly talented,” he says. “They are the driving force behind the success of our program.”

To learn more, download a brochure today.