Why The Chance To Make A Difference Is Anything But RARE

A landmark phase during my post-graduate program was the Business School’s Social Enterprise Unit which added an invaluable dimension to my international business degree.It all started in March this year when I decided to resign from my role as a PR consultant, commit to full-time study, and sign up for the type of hands-on experience that the unit’s RARE program is all about.

My first project was in Ceduna, where I worked with the local community to develop a business plan for a Youth Hub that aimed to help the town’s large proportion of disenfranchised youth by providing the support and counseling required to help them re-engage with community life. This was followed by an incredible two-week trip working in Broken Hill, where I was part of a 40-strong business and architecture student team charged with the task of planning businesses in a new precinct being considered in a dilapidated area of the town. Most recently, I travelled to Darwin to work with an established but financially struggling business that needed assistance with a major turn-around.

Each RARE project has not only given me the chance to exert a much-needed positive influence on remote communities, but has also provided an environment where I could put my theoretical learnings to use and test my abilities as a social enterprise advisor. With each project presenting such unique challenges and opportunities, I have learned about the importance of adapting my skills and knowledge to suit different circumstances.

As for the impact these experiences will have on my future direction, well, this is a really big thing for me. I was already at the stage of needing a career with a little bit more, and RARE has opened my eyes to the fact that there’s a lot of challenging, rewarding work out there that I could do and really enjoy. The RARE projects have been a pleasant reminder that I don’t have to be a slave to the traditional career path or mindset – the world is full of exciting opportunities just waiting for me to explore. If any potential employers out there have any ideas, check out my LinkedIn profile at here.

Author: Brittany Roper – Master of International Business, University of Sydney Business School.

Unlocking The Door To Business Success

As a business owner with limited technical expertise, there were things I didn’t know that I didn’t know.

Since enrolling in a Masters of Commerce at The University of Sydney Business School, I’m finding out exactly what those things are. While only a third of the way through the degree, I’ve already developed a solid understanding of crucial areas like accounting, finance, international business and strategy - the very cornerstones I need in order to move my career forward.

The decision to fill the gaps in my knowledge was an easy one. I’d already been running my own education business for five-years, but with things stagnating, I knew I needed to learn more fundamental business theory. Although I was an expert when it came to the educational product I was selling, I lacked the appropriate mindset as well as the ability to make informed and strategic business decisions. As a result, I kept coming up against walls that prevented any significant progress.

So far the course has been great, especially the stuff on critical thinking in relation to assessing specific ideas and decision-making processes. The international business unit, which covers things like strategy, innovation and entrepreneurship, has also been great because it’s definitely expanded my scope of thinking. These are key issues for me and it’s helped a lot.

The university itself is also like a laboratory in which I can test my own business ideas and theories to see what might work and, just as importantly, what won’t. I can talk with my professors and lecturers about these ideas and assess their potential for success in the real world. This will enable me to identify my strengths and provide me with a strong direction for when I graduate. Ultimately, I want to take my education business well beyond where it is now, and I believe the skills I’m currently acquiring will enable me to do just that.


Author: J Koo – Masters of Commerce student

More Than Just A Degree

There’s nothing like the sudden desire for self-improvement to spark a radical change of direction.

Take my decision to enroll in a Masters of Commerce degree at The University of Sydney Business School. Prior to taking the plunge I’d been running my own one-man consultancy, developing new technology for some architects who’d come up with a new product idea. It was all going great until it came time to think about project funding. Their line of thinking then quickly became something like this: “we haven’t made a firm decision about how to raise further funds - we’ll get back to you.” At that point, I realised I’d missed out on a piece of business I’d otherwise have won had I known about the entire holistic commercialisation process.

Indeed, when it came to entrepreneurial start-ups, there were plenty of questions I couldn’t answer. For instance: what happens if it doesn’t work? Will we get sued if something goes wrong? How do we get the funding? How does venture capital work? How will our company be valued? How do we know if we’re getting a fair deal? Not surprisingly, I quickly identified postgraduate study as the best way to fill in some considerable knowledge gaps.

I’m currently halfway through the course and I love it. But it’s not just the actual study side that’s been brilliant. Just being in the university environment and having the opportunity to meet many business-minded people with their own ideas and entrepreneurial aspirations has been extremely beneficial. The academics in the faculty have been amazing and very facilitative. If you demonstrate the interest, they can easily steer you towards countless additional learning opportunities. If you really get engaged, this place has so much more to offer than just a degree.

So, where will it all lead? Eventually, I’d really like to be in a position to facilitate great ideas. I’m passionate about ensuring that new start-ups get the support and attention they deserve. The skills I’m developing now will help me do just that.


Author: James Harry Crowther – Masters of Commerce student