Jeramy Hope

After nearly two decades in leadership, Jeramy had built a successful career through experience and determination. But despite his success, he felt there was still more to learn. As the first person in his family to pursue higher education, Jeramy enrolled in an MBA to deepen his knowledge, validate his experience and create new opportunities for himself and his family.  

What followed was a journey that didn’t go quite to plan. Over almost five years, he balanced study with a demanding career, raising four children, health challenges, relocations and significant family responsibilities. Despite interruptions, he kept coming back. We spoke with Jeramy about what helped him persevere to achieve his goals and the lessons he learned along the way. 

What originally motivated you to enrol in an MBA? 

I spent the first 18 years of my career in leadership and management roles, learning through hands-on experience as I navigated complex challenges and difficult decisions. Over time, I wanted to better understand the theories and methodologies behind my practical experience. Having reached a ceiling in my not-for-profit career, I saw an MBA as an opportunity to validate my experience and create new possibilities for myself and my family. 

Education had never been a strong focus in my family. I was the only one of five siblings to finish high school, and no one had attended university. Around the same time, my wife became the first person in her family to complete a degree, and her achievement inspired me to aim higher. 

The qualification mattered, but so did the journey. I wanted to challenge my thinking, broaden my perspective and, become a better leader.

What were you hoping the MBA would help you achieve in your career or life? When and how did you achieve it? 

When I started my MBA, I had clear goals: progress my career, improve my financial position, prepare for executive leadership and board opportunities, and build on my experience with greater confidence and knowledge. 

What surprised me was how quickly I saw the benefits. From the very first subject, I was applying what I learned at work and volunteer roles, becoming a more confident leader and decision-maker.  I achieved my original financial goals within the first four subjects, and as my confidence and opportunities grew, I found myself revisiting and expanding my career goals several times. 

There was also a personal impact. I wanted to show my children that learning doesn’t stop after school. During my MBA, one of my daughters began her own university pathway, reinforcing that my decision to study wasn’t just shaping my future, but helping create a culture of lifelong learning within my family. By the time I graduated in 2019, I had achieved far more than I originally set out to do. Beyond the qualification, I gained confidence, practical knowledge and personal growth that benefited me both professionally and personally. 

What led you to take breaks during your MBA? How long were your breaks? 

Life happened, sometimes in ways I could never have anticipated. While studying, I was balancing a demanding full-time job, raising four children, volunteering and navigating significant personal and family challenges. I was diagnosed with a disability and faced several hospitalisations. At the same time, our daughter underwent extended mental health treatment and recovery, while our family navigated her disability diagnoses and the NDIS to access the support she needed. 

My career also continued to evolve, with three work-related relocations, each requiring our family to adjust to new jobs, schools and support networks. 

There were periods of crisis, career changes, health challenges, and simply trying to be present as a dad and husband while continuing to work, volunteer and study. My breaks ranged from assignment extensions to several weeks or months away from study, repeated throughout my nearly five-year MBA journey. It was frustrating at times, but I recognised that my family, health and responsibilities needed to come first. 

How did you manage returning to study while balancing a busy career and personal life? 

I realised I needed to change how I approached the journey. Rather than saying the game was over, I moved the goalposts. My original plan was to complete my MBA in 12 to 18 months, but when life made that unrealistic, I set a new goal: finish before I turned 40. I made it, with a few months to spare! 

I reminded myself of my progress, the future possibilities, and the why. I also built myself a cheer squad of family, friends, colleagues and mentors who encouraged me, challenged me and helped me keep perspective. I developed a plan, learned to find balance and temporarily scaled back my volunteering to create space for study. 

I also realised my MBA wasn’t separate from my career. The two complemented each other, and I could immediately apply what I was learning. I accepted that family, health and work sometimes needed to come first. Returning wasn’t about finding more time, but using my time deliberately, asking for help and taking things one subject at a time. 

Most importantly, I learned that progress didn’t have to be perfect. I just needed to keep moving forward. 

What kept motivating you to come back and continue your MBA after each break? 

I remained curious.  

Every time I returned, I discovered something new that challenged my thinking and helped me become a better leader.  

I also wanted to finish what I had started. I reminded myself of how far I had come, what I’d already achieved, and envisioned the possibilities that would unfold with just one more subject. I took it one step at a time.  

My children were major motivators. I wanted them to understand that life can be challenging and doesn’t always go to plan, but that meaningful goals are still worth pursuing, even when they take longer than expected. More than anything, I wanted to show them that setbacks don’t have to define our future. 

Completing my MBA was about more than just earning a certificate; it was about proving to myself, and hopefully illustrating to my children, that persistence and curiosity have rewards. 

What would you say to an AIB student who has taken a break and is struggling to find the time or motivation to return? 

Don’t confuse taking a break with failing. 

Life and learning are rarely linear. The hiccups, setbacks and roadblocks aren’t necessarily failures; they’re often the experiences that challenge you, shape your thinking and help you grow. Sometimes your career, family or health will demand more of you than expected, and that’s okay. It doesn’t mean you’ve lost your ambition or are no longer capable. 

Remember why you started but recognise that your reasons for finishing may have changed. You don’t need to have everything perfectly organised before returning. Start with one subject, one assignment or one achievable step. Be curious, ask for support when you need it and don’t measure your journey against someone else’s timeline. It’s your journey. 

The MBA taught me a great deal about leadership and business, but completing it despite the interruptions taught me something equally important about myself. I’ve learned that achieving a goal isn’t always about meeting the original timeline. It’s about adapting, recognising how far you’ve come and continuing to move forward. 

If you’re considering returning to your studies after time away, Jeramy’s experience shows that a break doesn’t have to be the end of the journey. Explore more AIB student stories and hear from graduates who found their own path to success.