Inside the Master of Artificial Intelligence

Senior Consultant at Deloitte. Postgraduate student. Parent. Future AI leader.

Michelle Brkic is proving that returning to study - especially in a fast-moving field like artificial intelligence - is not only possible, but transformative.

We sat down with Michelle to talk about why she chose the Master of Artificial Intelligence at QUT, how she balances study with full-time work and family life, and what she’s learned along the way.

Why did you decide to study a Master of Artificial Intelligence? What need did you see in industry?

'I could see how rapidly AI was reshaping every sector, and I didn’t want to just keep up. I wanted to lead. My career has always centred on connecting people, data and strategy, and it became clear that to influence AI governance and help organisations adopt these technologies responsibly, I needed deeper technical capability.

In industry, I was seeing a huge gap: organisations were excited about AI, but many lacked the frameworks, literacy and governance needed to implement it safely and ethically. I wanted to be someone who could bridge that gap.'

What made QUT’s Master of Artificial Intelligence the right fit for you?

'The degree blends rigorous technical learning with a strong focus on ethical and responsible AI. That combination was exactly what I was looking for. I wanted to build technical depth, but also understand the broader implications of AI and how it affects people, systems and society.

It also aligned perfectly with my long-term goal of contributing to ethical, human-centred AI in Australia.'

How have you balanced full-time work, postgraduate study and being a mum?

'Flexibility has been everything. QUT offers night classes, which meant I could stay fully engaged in my coursework without stepping back from my role at Deloitte or my responsibilities at home.

The teaching staff have also been incredibly understanding of the realities faced by working professionals. They recognise that many of us are juggling multiple commitments, and that support has made the experience not just manageable but genuinely rewarding.'

What has been the highlight of your study experience so far?

'The way the learning connects directly to real-world practice. I love being able to take complex concepts from class and apply them immediately in my industry work. It makes the study feel purposeful and energising.

I’ve also really valued the community. The cohort is diverse, the teaching staff are approachable, and the conversations in class often spark new ways of thinking. It’s a rare mix of academic depth, practical relevance and genuine connection.'

What has surprised you most about returning to study?

'How much you grow in the hardest moments. There are weeks where the content is challenging and life is busy, but you quickly realise you’re not doing it alone. The cohort is incredibly supportive, and the group work creates a real sense of ‘we’re in this together.

That sense of community is what carries you through and makes the journey genuinely meaningful.'

What’s next for you?

'My Master of AI is strengthening the technical and strategic capability I need to step into more senior leadership roles in the AI space. I’m excited to continue contributing to ethical, human-centred AI in Australia and to use what I’m learning to influence long-term governance and strategy.

In the next few years, I want to continue developing as a leader who can help organisations navigate AI thoughtfully, not only from a technical perspective, but through strong governance, literacy and sound decision making. My goal is to contribute to conversations that shape how AI is introduced responsibly, with people, intelligent systems and long term impact at the core.'