Catherine Willis
When DNRE called for people to be sponsored to undertake an innovative and new program offered by the ILFR at The University of Melbourne, Catherine Willis jumped at the opportunity to be one of the first applicants. Two years on Catherine has just graduated as a Master of Agribusiness.
The Master of Agribusiness (coursework) is an interactive program that is delivered mostly online (with a one-week residential each year) and is aimed at people who are already holding down a full time job, or running a business, and where distance can hinder attendance at a University.
Catherine decided to undertake the Master of Agribusiness as it offered some MBA type subjects targeted specifically to agribusinesses, which face some rather more challenging supply chain features. "The entire course was rewarding and all the subject matter has been very challenging," says Catherine, "The lecturers were great and it was wonderful to be able to interact with lecturers from overseas as well as Australia. I've received high marks in most of my subjects and that's very satisfying."
Catherine feels that she coped exceptionally well with studying online as she was living in a rural town at the time and there was no way she could have attended campus regularly. "I found that it was important to allocate time on a daily basis to keep up with discussions and exercises, and I had to allocate at least one day over the weekends to do assignments as keeping up with the studies was vital."
Since completing the course Catherine has been promoted to the new position of Director Business Services in the Agriculture Division of NRE. "This new position involves leading a business services unit and corporate strategy and planning. The course has also brought my educational qualifications up-to-date as my last formal study was a Graduate Diploma in 1979. Personally I feel that the course has given me confidence and a better understanding of business at a higher level."
At this point in time Catherine is not sure whether she will undertake any further studies, but she says, "After I finish my last subject I think I am ready to focus on my new position and have more time for a social life!. But in the longer term I may convert my Master of Agribusiness to an MBA or even do a PhD."
Further information about the Master of Agribusiness can be obtained by phoning Diane Cardinal (03) 8344 6883, or email, d.cardinal@unimelb.edu.au or visiting the website at www.agribusiness.unimelb.edu.au