5 Minutes with MBA Graduate Daleen Van Der Merwe

AIB MBA Graduate Daleen Van Der Merwe kindly took a few minutes to chat to us about her MBA specialisation of Human Resource Management, her professional background and how the AIB MBA challenged her.

Tell us a bit about your professional background.
I am the HR Manager for DKM group, which is an accounting firm in Brisbane. I am involved in all managerial aspects from implementing the strategy for HR to dealing with the day-to-day things that pop up such as performance management and pay increases. For this reason, I chose to specialise my MBA in Human Resource Management.

Why did you choose the AIB MBA over other providers?
It was definitely the affordability that initially drew me to the programme. The other reason was that AIB was the only provider that offered the modular method whereby after you complete 4 subjects, you gain the Post Graduate Certificate and then after a further 4 subjects, the Post Graduate Diploma.

Did you find the MBA challenging?
The MBA was definitely challenging, but the course was very flexible, which allowed me to plan and organise my studies around work, family and other commitments.

How did you manage all of these commitments?
I think you cannot start or finish an MBA without the support of your family and friends. It can be challenging at times, but it is possible to have a life, as long as everyone understands and supports your commitments.

How do you see the AIB MBA impacting your career?
The MBA has already certainly helped me gain further insight into my field, in particular into Succession Planning. I have now implemented the planning framework I learnt into my workplace. In the future, I can foresee myself continuing to benefit from my MBA. As an Australian immigrant, to have an Australian post-graduate qualification is very important to me for my career advancement.

This article has been constructed by Megan Baker from an AIB interview. The very best has been done to accurately reflect the thoughts and opinions of the participant.