Determined police leader fast tracks MBA with CQU*

Officer Mark Burgess graduated in March 2020.

Uncertainty around COVID-19 has seen a rush of people determined to skill up for future roles, and CQUniversity’s online Master of Business Administration (MBA) (Leadership) is proving popular with aspiring leaders across Australia. 

The MBA (Leadership) eliminates traditional university terms and lecture schedules, and has attracted more than 500 students since it launched in 2018.  

While students have five years to complete the postgraduate qualification at their own pace, graduates have powered through the 11 unit course in just 12 months. 

Rockhampton police officer, Mark Burgess graduated in March this year, and juggled his studies around fulltime work, and parenting a pre-schooler and a teen.  

“It was definitely a matter of making the most of a spare half hour whenever I could!” he said. 

“So the flexibility of the course definitely appealed – you never have to be online for a lecture at a specific time.” 

The District Police Inspector said he’d been looking for opportunities to study, but wanted to do it on his own terms. 

“I’ve been in the force for 30 years, and went straight into the Police Academy when I left school – when you’ve been in one organisation for so long, you do need to look outside it to get a fresh perspective.” 

Previously studying a Graduate Certificate online with prestigious Harvard University in the United States, Inspector Burgess said CQU’s easy-to-follow online platform and video content measured up well to the international heavyweight. 

“The content is great – it builds on what you already know from years of leading people, and you can structure your assignments around where your interest takes you.”  

Director of Learning Design and Innovation, Professor Kate Ames has led the development of the MBA (Leadership) at CQUniversity and said the degree was proving popular for its flexibility and accessibility. 

The MBA (Leadership)’s affordable $16,992 price tag is also a cost effective feature for leaders looking to maximise return on investment.

CQUniversity’s MBA (Leadership) is available for enrolments now – visit
cqu.edu.au/mbaleadership for more information.  

*Copy supplied by CQUniversity