Counsellor confident to inspire with flexible MBA qualification

Two years of study with no set deadlines has helped counsellor and not-for-profit manager Kristy Darnborough super-charge her leadership' graduating from CQUniversity's hyperflexible Master of Business Administration (Leadership).

The busy mum manages the Midland branch of Relationships Australia WA' and had been a counsellor for more than a decade when she decided to step up her capacity to lead and inspire.

"I was ready for a new challenge' and I knew that CQUniversity was well-equipped for online study'" Kristy said.

"The MBA (Leadership) stood out as an excellent opportunity' with the flexibility and value I needed."

Driving innovative initiatives at work and parenting two girls' Kristy knew the study would have to fit around her "busy and unpredictable" life.

"Because the content can be accessed anytime and is in short segments' I could listen to a video on my way to work' or waiting to pick up my daughters'" she said.

"The degree also includes Certificate' Diploma and then Masters stages' so celebrating milestones as you go keeps you motivated."

Kristy never had to go to a campus to complete her degree' but she made plenty of connections as she studied.

"You talk via Zoom and message to share ideas' just as you would in a classroom'" she said.

"I'm still regularly in touch with other students – we all became great supports to each other."

"The teaching staff were really supportive and encouraging' always available on the phone or email' and provided excellent feedback on assignments."

MBA (Leadership) students can enrol and get started any time' with up to five years to complete the degree.

But Kristy's determined approach saw her graduate in just over two years.

"The flexibility of having no due dates and being able to study wherever and whenever has been really convenient and beneficial'" Kristy said.

"I was really excited to see a uni that understood that work/life/study balance."

The degree has already boosted Kristy's career' as she's taken more leadership opportunities at Relationships Australia WA' after support from her manager to pursue the study.

Kristy is Chairperson of the committee organising the Midland March That Matters to stop family and domestic violence. Last year' Kristy and her team were recognised in the City of Swan Citizen of the Year Awards.

"Even as I was studying' I definitely felt more confident in articulating my ideas and I look more from a more innovative lens now than I did before'" she said.

More than 1'000 students have enrolled in the MBA (Leadership) on CQUniversity's hyper-flexible Be Different platform since 2019.

With fees under $18'000' and pay-as-you-go and FEE-Help options available' visit cqu.edu.au/mbaleadership for more information on CQUniversity's MBA (Leadership).