When STEM students transition into business - New perspectives on the MBA

When STEM students transition into business - New perspectives on the MBA

What makes a person, versed in technology or science choose to enter the business world? We speak and get the opinions of both current students and MBA alumni. Check out what they have to say!

Chu Gia Khoi Chu Gia Khoi

Chu Gia Khoi, Cyber security specialist, Check Point Software Technologies

Almost every module we study involves analysing real case studies from big corporations, moving beyond mere theoretical learning. The program also allows students to choose between two minors: Leadership and Technology & Innovation. As someone who works directly in the IT industry and has studied several technology-related modules, I find the program's theories and frameworks in the IT domain to be highly up-to-date, particularly in modules like Business Data Analytics or Digital Innovation.

In addition to the technology modules, I particularly enjoy the Financial Analytics for Managerial Decisions and Strategy as they allowed me to immediately apply the acquired knowledge in my job. 

Through the Financial Analytics for Managerial Decisions course, I have gained insights into financial management and learned how to analyse the financial statements of enterprises. This enables me to estimate budgets and better understand how to structure pricing packages that would appeal to prospective clients. 

In the Strategy course, I learned how brands differentiate themselves from competitors. This knowledge is incredibly valuable for business consulting, as it helps me leverage my company’s unique strengths to solve customers’ problems and satisfy their needs and wants; this leads to peace of mind when investing in our solution packages.

Le Thanh Tung Le Thanh Tung

Le Thanh Tung, Technical and business consultant, FPT Software

What makes RMIT's MBA program special is that all courses are highly practical and close to what's happening in the real world thanks to the case study analysis approach. Students also have the opportunity to attend seminars or guest lectures delivered by industry speakers to broaden our horizons. 

What I like the most about the teaching method at RMIT is that, in addition to providing knowledge, the lecturers pay special attention to encouraging students to exchange and share with one another rather than just learning from slides. As a result, we gained a lot from our classmates, who have years of experience in the workforce. Every tale, every problem they face is a valuable learning resource for everyone.

Of all the courses in the MBA Program, Financial Analytics for Managerial Decisions, Design Thinking for Business, and Digital Risk Management and Information Security are the ones I like most. All three courses provided me with critical skills such as financial and resource management, user-centric product design thinking, and risk management in the digital context, which are the most vital skills for a Project Manager - my ideal future position. 

Tran Quang Vu Tran Quang Vu

Tran Quang Vu, Co-founder, Quang Hy company limited, and Head of Strategy and International sales, Ho Quang company limited

From early on in my career, I was interested in the bigger picture. I was always curious how my work affected the business side of things. At the time, I was rewriting SQL databases, extracting data, and analysing patterns – but how did it help the organisation – how did it impact the organisational goals?  

I thus chose to pivot and take a year to study an MBA full-time at RMIT. Right after graduating I applied for and got a great position working for a Japanese consulting & investment firm. Without my MBA degree, I would have never been able to land this first job. This was the beginning of my lifelong career in business strategy.

Nguyen Le Hoang Phuc Nguyen Le Hoang Phuc

Nguyen Le Hoang Phuc, owner of "Tiem Com Luon Hoi Hot"

After graduating with a bachelor of Biotech Engineering, I worked in a biotech lab for two years. I felt, however, that a career which was 100% tech-focused was not for me. 

I had many friends who were RMIT alumni, and some of those whom I admired in the community also graduated from RMIT. It was an easy choice to try my hand at business and take an MBA here. 

Although I have a pragmatic mind, and enjoy learning through online courses, you cannot replicate the type of networking and human connections that occur in an MBA classroom. To me, this is the most important aspect of taking the degree. 

It shouldn't be a surprise that I entered the MBA without having a deep understanding of business or business culture, so around the time that my studies began, I also launched my own small food company so that I could put into practice what I was learning. So far, the MBA has given me the ability to review and optimise my company’s processes and helps me make more informed decisions. 

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