This post is part of our series about the individual experience of studying with UNE Business School – we’ll be talking to current students, graduates and alumni over the coming months. If you have a story to share, or know someone who does, let us know via email.

Callan Robinson

MBA, Graduated October 2017

Which degree did you graduate from on the 28^th?

I graduated with a Master of Business Administration with a major in Strategic Human Resource Management.

Did you complete your degree full time, or part time?

I completed my degree part time over 4years by doing one unit per trimester which was more than enough while I was working full time and with a family to look after. 

What other study have you completed, if any?

I have a completed Bachelor of Asian Studies with majors in Japanese and Sociology. I studied at Hiroshima University for 1 year doing economics, advanced Japanese language studies and various other culturally related units such as Peace Studies. We were privileged to meet the survivors of the atomic bomb. I also have a Graduate Certificate in Management.

Where are you from, and what have you been doing for work so far in your career?

I was born in Newcastle and my parents moved in the New England when I was very young so I grew up in Armidale and Uralla. Since completing my Bachelors, I went to live in Japan for many years teaching English and towards the end I worked as a freelance translator for various small firms in Japan. Learning chemistry in Japanese was certainly a challenge I might say. Since returning home to Australia in 2012, I commenced employment with UNE and at this time I realised I wanted to further my study so I started my MBA in T3, 2012. 

What made you decide to study your chosen course?

As my goal is to work both in Australia and around the world, I knew that the MBA programme was internationally recognised so that is the reason why I chose it.

Using business resources and networks to improve the lives of those in my community is one of my main passions. From my MBA I have developed a strong interest in organisational leadership development.

When I am CEO, I am going to ensure that organisations create, mentor and develop their leadership pipelines to ensure they have the necessary resources to deal with threats and to exploit opportunities at the right time as the only constant variable in business is change. 

As organisations are much more multicultural and multigenerational than ever before, the need for the C Suite to work with and mentor those future leaders in the organisations is paramount. My MBA also taught me that organisational behaviour and emotional intelligence are critical for developing relationships for positive business growth.

Why did you choose UNE for your study?

Because I grew up in Armidale, UNE was an easy choice and it was a great choice as the lecturers and support staff were incredible.

Who were your stand-out lecturers or units of study during your degree?

I thoroughly enjoyed the following units:

1. Marketing Management with the late Fredy Valenzuela who was an incredible mentor and friend;
2. Organisational Behaviour with Dr Peter McClenaghan who was also my Enactus guide and an outstanding mentor;
3. Strategic Management Project with Professor John Rice, and
4. Economics for Management with Dr L. Emilio Morales.

Where do you plan to take your UNE qualification?

I am an entrepreneur at heart so I plan on using my MBA to commence a startup aimed at creating services and products that will improve the quality of life and provide a social mechanism to move forward for our society.

Money is not my driving force such as making a million dollars. Rather I plan to solve a million problems as this is far more important. While we can enjoy the occasional perk such as a Maserati or an Azimut yacht, making a difference in people’s lives for generations to come from the decisions I make from the C- Suite are far more important. I intend on using my MBA to leave a legacy. 

What else have you been doing while studying?

I am a passionate snowboarder and from living in Japan for so many years I developed a passion for winter sports. I also enjoy running, football, golf and battling my wife in Mario Kart 8. I am also passionate about Japanese cooking as I attended Japanese cooking school for 6 years in which I learn to make many traditional items. 

I also started a business as part of my MBA with a friend of mine. Westside Espresso was my original marketing management assignment that actually became a business.

In 2014 it was nominated for the best new Business in the Armidale Business Chamber. I wrote a strategic proposal as to how we have been the most successful. And we won on the same night my  daughter was born. 

What did you do to complete the New England Award, and how was that experience?

1. I was a team leader for the UNE Enactus Team and travelled to Johannesburg in 2015 for the World Cup which was incredible. Working with such a wide range of young business minds was a privilege as we did various entrepreneurial projects that positively impacted our community. 
2. I was a Armidale ParkRun director which taught me many leadership skills and the importance of community engagement.
3. I was a mentor for Japanese language students by providing advice and new ways to effectively learn Japanese. 

Who helped you to get through your studies?

My wife and daughter were essential support for me in completing my studies. Their positive moral support was greatly appreciated. My parents and supportive colleagues were also a major help.

Other people who deserve a special mention and my personal gratitude include

• Bronwyn Pearson
• Diane Gray
• Annie Keoghan
• Maureen Chapman
• Leanne Nisbet
• Angelo Saavedra
• Peter Torning and Massiel Baros- Torning
• Michael Morley
• Ed Lefley 
• Peter McClenaghan
• Lyn Gollan
• Jeremy Hearne
• Lou Conway
• Frank Leayr  
• Emilio Morales
• Freddy Valenzuela 
• Tony and Sandra Woods
• Ellen Valler
• Jane Stening 
• Aaron Beard
• Will Coventry 
• Chris McGrath 
  and many more. 

 

UNE Business School and indeed the University of New England are pleased and proud to have been part of Callan’s academic journey – we’re excited to see where his MBA takes him next!