Executives in the nation’s capital from sectors including health and defence have taken part in QUT’s largest Canberra graduation ceremony for its Executive MBA program.
The graduation event held today (May 18) recognised 52 graduates from the past three EMBA cohorts (some held over due to COVID delays), as well as graduates who had completed graduate certificates in business and public sector management.
For Michelle Steele (pictured above), completing her EMBA at QUT Canberra coincided with the nation’s response to COVID-19 and her busy role with the Department of Health.
“During my Executive MBA studies, my main role was the Assistant Secretary of the COVID-19 Indigenous and Remote Policy and Implementation Branch, leading the COVID-19 response and vaccination implementation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and remote communities,” she said.
“To be able to study flexibly, while still undertaking this important work role, was valuable in my ability to advance my qualifications while working.”
Carrie Leeson (pictured above) said her EMBA had equipped her with additional leadership skills that would help in her role as CEO of Lifeline Canberra, which supports people in crisis and saves the lives of those experiencing thoughts of suicide.
“I want to leave people better than I find them, personally and professionally,” she said.
“I envisage a world where we can be our authentic selves in the workplace and remain respectful and highly productive at the same time.
“Normalising and demonstrating decency in workplaces and community will go a long way to eliminating many of the social issues we experience currently. My Executive MBA has equipped me with the leadership skills to achieve this.”
Guests at the graduation ceremony in Canberra included QUT Vice-President (Administration) and Registrar Leanne Harvey, MBA Director Associate Professor John Bensley, Canberra EMBA program manager Sally McLean and Acting Executive Director of the QUT Graduate School of Business Professor Vicky Browning, who officiated the ceremony.
QUT has offered the Executive Master of Business Administration program at its Canberra Executive Education Centre for the past eight years, with more than 160 people graduating from the award-winning program.
QUT Media contacts:
- Mechelle McMahon, media@qut.edu.au
- After hours, 0407 585 901 or media@qut.edu.au
