Alumni and Student ProfilesThe student testimonials provide a brief insight into study experiences from domestic and international students. Scroll down to read GSB student testimonials or select a profile by degree:
 Dr Peter W. Robertson
Doctor of Philosophy (Supply Chain Logistics)
Dr Peter Robertson, Vice President Operations Planning BlueScope Steel, commenced his research into supply chain logistics processes as a part-time research student in February 2000. Peter submitted his completed thesis for examination in August 2005. Peter's specific research question was: Does the integration of supply chain logistics processes in manufacturing organizations result in superior business performance? Peter has 37 years of experience in manufacturing and took on this research topic because of his passion for the field. Peter's belief is that excellence in supply chain management is fundamental to business performance and so his purpose with his research was to progress the discovery of the underlying supply chain 'DNA'. Companies, in understanding and improving their supply chain performance, can thus use such knowledge to grow their competitive advantage. Peter found his studies at the GSB to be of tremendous value to him. He feels that the support given by his supervisors and GSB staff was exemplary and helped him substantially in completing his research thesis. 
 Abhishek Sheth
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Abhishek Sheth from Kenya is currently enrolled in a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) at the Graduate School of Business, Sydney campus. Abhishek completed a Bachelors Degree in Aerospace Engineering at IIT Bombay. His career to date includes 2 years work experience as a stock broker. At present, he is seeking to move into the Banking Industry. Abhishek decided to pursue his postgraduate studies at the Graduate School of Business at the University of Wollongong. “I was given good recommendations by many friends and career consultants. There is good interaction with professors, meeting various people of different nationalities, backgrounds and professions, and developing valuable contacts and networks”.
 Ms Sharon Cooper
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Sharon Cooper commenced her part time MBA course at the Sydney Campus whilst she held a managerial position in Sydney's CBD. Sharon was able to transfer her course to the Wollongong campus on obtaining a senior position closer to home. Working full time, Sharon enjoyed the convenience of attending some lectures in intensive weekend mode as well as evening classes held outside business hours. As Senior Strategic Planner in local government, Sharon believes on-going professional development is the key to ensuring innovative approaches to governance and community planning. “UOW enabled me to tailor my course to suit my career path in the public sector, through completion of an elective unit via distance education at another ANBS member university.”
 Ms Tempe Lees
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Tempe Lees, completed her MBA two years ago, has a compulsion to keep on doing different things. “I like to reinvent myself, says the former palaeontologist turned lawyer turned company executive. I don't have a master plan. Where opportunities arise, I just take them. I like a challenge.” Shortly after Lees finished her MBA at the University of Wollongong's Graduate School of Business in 2003, she was appointed company secretary and legal officer for the Illawarra Technology Corporation. “Having come from a law background, where attitudes to risk are very conservative, she says the MBA gave me a thorough understanding of business risk management.” Tempe is the Coordinator of Governance, Business Assurance & Planning in Local Government.
 Roland Wickart
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Roland graduated with an MBA (with Distinction) from the Sydney campus in December 2004. After returning to Switzerland, he continued his career at Zurich Kantonalbank, which is the third largest bank by total assets in Switzerland. Within the canton of Zurich, the bank holds leading positions in retail banking and lending to small and midsize enterprises. He is currently head of the Credit Risk Control Unit with a small but very well qualified team. “My MBA helped me a lot in my career." Roland is about to undertake doctoral studies at the St Gallen Business School in Switzerland.
 Paola Muñoz-Tapias
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Colombian Master of Business Administration (MBA) student Paola Muñoz-Tapias graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Finance, and worked for a Commercial Bank as a loan officer for 2 years before commencing her postgraduate studies at the Sydney campus. Paola currently works part-time for an Australian telecommunications company in the accounts receivable department. Paola has started applying for several graduate recruitment positions. She aims at pursuing her career in Australia so it makes perfect sense to graduate from an Australian university.
Ms Lucy Garnier
Master of Business Administration (MBA)British student Lucy Garnier is currently enrolled in the Master of Business Administration program (MBA). Lucy has 10 years industry experience within the construction industry followed by being a consultant/advisor to national/local government organisations in quality and efficiency of service delivery. Her first degree is a Bachelor Degree in Civil Engineering. In order to gain more than just educational learning and to experience the culture in a different country, Lucy decided to come to Australia for her postgraduate studies. Lucy greatly enjoys Sydney as a study location because of employment and recreational opportunities in the city. "The study program is convenient to combine with full or part time work to maximise the learning experience. The location of the business school is close to the CBD and is more of a 'business' environment than a university which is good for mature students and business people.”
Lopa Majumdar
Master of Business Administration (MBA)Lopa Majumdar graduated with a Master of Business Administration with Distinction at the Wollongong Campus in December 2004. Lopa now works for one of the largest banks in the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB), providing banking and financial solutions to exclusive high net worth individuals. Lopa believes in a holistic approach to business and feels that her exposure to the various modules in the MBA has given her a broad understanding of business related disciplines and a distinct a career advantage. While the program gave her a detailed overview of the world of business, it also provided the opportunity to complete elective subjects within her chosen discipline of interest.
 Quincy Govin
Master of International Business (MIB)
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Quincy Govin was offered a job at French carmaker Renault upon return to Malaysia, immediately after graduating from UOW. He was initially based in Kuala Lumpur, in the Asia Pacific Division as the Operations Manager for Malaysia, which involved overseeing and managing all strategic and operational issues for the Malaysia market. He has since taken a regional position based in Singapore, in charge of the ASEAN market for Renault's commercial activity within the region. His job requires frequent travel within the Asia-Pacific region, and to the company's various entities in Japan, Europe and Australia. I came back from UOW with a quality MIB and MBA, gained extensive exposure into cultures other than my own, and fostered close friendships with people I would never have thought of meeting. The international exposure with students from various countries increased my understanding of the world at large and prepared me for my current challenge in the international arena of the automobile industry.
 Ina Rietzschel
Master of International Business (MIB)
Ina Rietzchel from Germany is currently enrolled in a Master of International Business (MIB) at the Graduate School of Business, Wollongong campus. After completing her Bachelor of Business and Administration in Germany (German Diplom-Betriebswirtin), Ina has worked in the sales organisation of DaimlerChrysler AG in Berlin, Germany, for 8 years, her major tasks being Key Account Management and Customer Satisfaction for the brands Mercedes-Benz, Smart, Chrysler, and Jeep. At the moment she is on sabbatical and will continue working for DaimlerChrysler in Berlin, Germany, after finishing her Masters degree at the University of Wollongong. About her study experience at the University of Wollongong Ina says: “The UOW is one of the leading universities in Australia. Former students of the Graduate School of Business highly recommended I study in Wollongong. The Graduate School of Business is future orientated and offers up-to-date courses with high business relevance.”
 Mel Knox
Master of International Business (MIB)
Mel Knox from the United States completed his Master of International Business (MIB) at the Sydney campus, in July 2007, after completing his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (International Relations) and Business Administration. Before coming to Sydney, he completed an internship with Lexia International while working in the position of Regional Representative (West Coast USA). Mel decided to come to Sydney to pursue his studies in order “to learn to think and to behave in ways not available to be learned in American culture. If I am to study International Business at this stage of my academic career, it should be completely internationally.” Having completed his studies, Mel intends to pursue an entrepreneurial venture in the creative arts. “As an international student I clearly see why the UOW degree is reputable and highly valued in this country and abroad. I’m very satisfied with my experience as a business student at the Graduate School of Business”
Chris Lu
Master of International Business (MIB)Chris Lu from Taiwan enrolled in the Master of International Business (MIB) degree at Sydney campus after completing a Bachelor degree in Law at the University of Soochow in Taiwan. Her career goal is to become a business analyst within a global context. Chris says “The MIB core subjects really provide me with the basic knowledge of four main aspects of business, such as HR, Finance, Marketing and Economics. The elective subjects enhance my ability of business analysis and critical thinking.” Chris really enjoys the location of the Business School in Sydney’s CBD and the School’s facilities and services: “The School facilities, including the newly designed library, and the classroom arrangements are quite good. The distance between lecturer and students in the School’s seminar rooms is small, which is good for instant contact with the lecturer.”
Sheng (William) Liu
Master of International Business (MIB)Chinese student Sheng (William) Liu graduated with a Master of International Business (MIB) degree with Distinction in December 2006. William chose to study at the University of Wollongong (UOW) because of its excellent international reputation and its ranking as one of the top 200 universities in the world. “UOW and particularly the GSB, has kind and good administrative staff who always patiently answer students’ questions and provide excellent service.” William found that another advantage of studying at the GSB, was the option to choose different campuses to study. “Whilst completing my Masters degree, I needed to take a part-time job, so I enrolled at Sydney campus because there are more working opportunities in the CBD. Whether studying at Wollongong or Sydney campus, you can meet friends from all over the world. In Australia, I have friends from USA, Thailand, Pakistan, Indonesia, France and many more.” William is now enrolled in a Doctor of Philosophy with the GSB and intends to pursue a career in academia.
Aleksandra Skibinska
Master of International Business (MIB)
Master of Business Administration (MBA)Former marketing manager Aleksandra Skibinska from Poland graduated with a Master of International Business (MIB) and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) at the Sydney campus in June 2005. She completed a Master of Management and Marketing degree at the University of Economics in Poland as her first degree. She then decided to go to London to pursue her career after completing an internship in Sydney. “It was always my dream and big challenge to go overseas for postgraduate studies. Moreover I always wanted to work overseas for a big international company so I knew international studies might be helpful for me. Our teachers were great, professional people. They had both academic and professional knowledge and experience and they were always more than happy to share it with us. They were always very helpful."
 Francisca Rebolledo
Master of International Business (MIB)
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Former financial analyst and property investor for one of the largest Chilean electric generator companies, Francisca Rebolledo graduated with a Master of International Business and a Master of Business Administration with Distinction at the Sydney Business School in 2005. Francisca now runs her own consulting business in Chile which focuses on international trade. The Chilean alumni believes that her graduate studies greatly enhanced her business and decision making skills, and gave her the opportunity to interact with people from different cultures. "I decided to come to Australia for my postgraduate studies because of the great life style and because it is cheaper than, for the example, the UK or the US. I chose Sydney because of its cosmopolitan life style. The fact that the Sydney Business School (SBS) belongs to the prestigious University of Wollongong was a plus. I think that the academic level at SBS is very high. Most lecturers have both practical industry experience and theoretical knowledge.”
Elise Lavoue
Master of International Business (MIB)Elise Lavoue from France is currently doing her Master of International Business (MIB) at the Sydney campus after completing an Administration and Management degree in France and a Bachelor of Business in the UK. Elise feels that an Australian education is highly recognised everywhere in the world and as her career plan is to work internationally, she believes the best way to achieve this is to study overseas: "The MIB is an important step in the development of my career, it enhances my English skills first of all but also my knowledge about Australia and Asian Countries, which are really important in international business.”
Andrea Musacchio
Master of International Business (MIB)
Andrea Musacchio from Italy enrolled in the Master of International Business (MIB) degree at Sydney campus after completing a Marketing and Public Relations degree and working for a PR company for 2 years in Italy. Andrea enjoys the location of the Sydney Business School in the heart of the central business district and finds the lecturers to be highly experienced and very supportive of the students. After completing his degree Andrea is planning to stay on in Australia and get some work experience in the import-export sector with an Italian company that operates in Australia. Andrea believes that completing a masters level degree and improving his English language skills will greatly enhance his career. "M'ispirava l'idea che avevo dell Australia, UN posto grandissimo e pieno di opportunita'. Poi si e' rivelato tutto vero!"
"Ce cerchero' qualche esperienza nel settore import-export da e per l'Italia e provero' in tutti I modi a diventare UN expatriate manager con tutti I suoi benefici." "Penso che dopo aver fatto UN master in UN paese straniero e soprattutto la conoscenza acquisita della lingua inglese mi dara' una marcia in piu' nel trovare il "posto perfetto" che sto DA tempo cercando!"
 Carlos Abou Haidar
Master of International Business (MIB)
Having lived in Dubai for 16 years, Carlos Abou Haidar has seen dynamic changes. Carlos, who hails from Lebanon, is the General Manager at Intercat Catering and says he has benefited greatly from completing GSB’s Master of International Business at UoW in Dubai. The course has certainly added value to my employment experience, says Carlos. The exposure to aspects of financial management, Human Resource and leadership issues, in particular, was very stimulating. It made me think differently.
 Andrea Fongaro
Master of International Business (MIB)
Italian student Andrea Fongaro decided to study in Australia to improve his English skills and is currently enrolled in the Master of International Business (MIB) degree at Wollongong campus. "So far my experience at UOW is great. What has really impressed me is the University's organisation and efficiency of student facilities and services. Despite a busy and demanding learning schedule within the MIB, I think that at UOW the students are placed in an environment which maximises their performance. The University website, particularly online student services, provides students with all the information, support and services they need to succeed."
 Carsten Peters
Master of Science (Logistics)
After working as an operations manager responsible for seafreight import/export and warehousing in Bangkok, German student Carsten Peters enrolled in the Master of Science (Logistics) program at Sydney Business School. Carsten believes that the internationally recognised degree along with overseas experience and the improvement of English skills will help him enhance his career. His goal is to take up a senior management position in a freight forwarding company in South East Asia and to eventually rejoin the family business (Logistics) in Germany in a management position. Carsten believes that, "in order to be an efficient manager and to be competitive in today's market, it is necessary to add the theoretical concepts to my knowledge." He feels that the support of experienced lecturers and excellent on-line resources make his study experience a very exciting one.
 Carly Johnson
Master of Science (Logistics)
Carly Johnson works as a Planning and Logistics Officer for the manufacturing organisation, OneSteel, and is currently enrolled in the Master of Science (Logistics) degree at UOW’s Wollongong campus. “After graduation, I hope to gain a role more focussed on developing the supply chain within industry and the partners in the network. The opportunity to introduce new work practices and develop more team-based solutions to problems is an exciting challenge. This requires engaging several parties to work together in ways which have not been explored previously, a prospect I find exciting. Although I already work in the supply chain industry, this course is providing me with the theoretical knowledge required to further my career. The case studies used in the course incorporate relevant issues for businesses today, and demonstrate the thought processes used to solve these problems.”
 Ben Pryor
Master of Science (Logistics)
Ben Pryor graduated in July 2005 with a Master of Science (Logistics) with distinction. Ben works at BlueScope Steel Logistics and was able to combine his work and studies when he completed an industry based project and gained credit towards his degree. Ben found the GSB to be very responsive to students' needs, providing a flexible and supportive environment, particularly for those who work full-time. His learning environment was highly interactive and allowed students from all backgrounds to learn from each other in a productive but informal environment. Ben found the lecturers to be highly experienced and believes that the MSc (Logistics) degree is well respected within his industry, providing graduates with a competitive edge.
 Ms Renee Hall
Master of Management
Loftus Education Centre
Renee chose to study the Master of Management at UOW as she wanted to complete a qualification from a well respected institution with the convenience of studying at the Loftus Education Centre. She was also attracted to the delivery and structure of the course, along with a variety of study options. This allowed her to juggle full time work, a family, study and outside interests. “These days it is not enough to complete a degree then sit back. The job market is very competitive and it is important to be continually improving your skills. I think this course will give me a competitive edge and also enhance my management skills.”
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