When Sarah French took up further study, she didn’t think she’d end up working at one of the world’s biggest organisations
Sarah French was working in strategy when she made a life-changing decision to embark on an MBA.
“What has happened to my career in the past couple of years was completely outside my wildest imagination,” she says.
It all started when the Sydneysider signed up for her MBA (Executive) with AGSM at UNSW Business School. French had been working in strategy for a bank, but decided she wanted to undertake further studies. She was relieved when management gave a nod of approval when she requested a little support during study the process.
She found herself in a classroom brimming with similarly minded career professionals also looking for something more from their jobs. Some wanted to top up their knowledge for career progression. Others wanted a complete change, but weren’t sure what they would be.
She admits there weren’t many other women in their late 20s in the classroom, but was quick to add that she wasn’t one bit daunted. She went on to complete her MBA (Executive) in four years while working full-time.
“It didn’t take long for me to feel as though I was able to talk to the same language as any other department head at work. It’s amazing to think that your entire thought process can change when you’re opened up to a few new key concepts.”
French admits it was tough juggling full-time work and study, particularly during the final year.
“We had four lots of residential-style learning throughout the studies. Luckily, my employer at the time was supportive of this; even allowing me to take some time off as study leave and also helping out a little financially.”
By the end of her studies, French says she got to know herself far better, and particularly learned how to handle stress better.
She completed her MBA at the end of 2012 and began thinking about her career in a different way.
“Suddenly, I was thinking about work not just as a job title, but about the sorts of skills I’d like to use, and how I’d like to apply them at work.”
Straight away, new opportunities opened up.
“Someone I’d met in the course suggested I might be a good fit for Google, so I applied for a role. The MBA gave me the confidence and courage to do it. Suddenly, my convictions and self-belief had changed.”
French is now the industry manager of the travel category for Google, which puts her in charge of a large portfolio of clients.
“I help them achieve their goals through digital, and I absolutely love it.”
On reflection, French says while there are a group of people that may enrol in their MBA to put the letters after their name at the end of it, the study should be more about what you learn about yourself along the way.
“To be completely honest, I didn’t throw myself at the study in the very beginning, which I regretted a little further down the track. My advice would be for others to put in 100 per cent from day one.”
French says there’s little doubt that new opportunities will arise for her along the way, adding that self-fulfilment and being continually challenged is paramount.
“I’d recommend an AGSM MBA to anyone. The cohort experience is a life-altering experience that opens up a whole new world of possibilities.”
Written by: Nina Hendy
If you’re interested in more information on the AGSM MBA (Executive), visit here.