At the University of Sydney Business School, the MBA (Leadership and Enterprise) is designed for professionals navigating moments of career uncertainty, offering both the structure and environment to reset direction.
For Nadia Wahika Putri, that moment was defined by a period of professional ambiguity that required a deliberate shift.
After graduating with a degree in Business Information Systems, Nadia began her career at Westpac Banking Corporation as a business analyst. While the role provided stability and early exposure to enterprise environments, it lacked the pace and strategic depth she was seeking. In her early 20s, she chose to step away from a conventional trajectory and test an alternative.
That decision led her to Jakarta, where she co-founded a digital marketing business, working with clients including Panasonic and Pertamina. The experience delivered commercial credibility, but also sharper self-awareness.
“I realised I missed working in technology and solving complex problems, but from a more strategic and commercial perspective.”
When COVID disrupted the business, it prompted a more deliberate reassessment. Consulting emerged as a clear direction, yet repeated application barriers made entry difficult. Rather than wait, Nadia reframed the constraint.
“The reapplication timelines were about two years. That’s when it clicked that I could use that time to build the skills and positioning I didn’t yet have.”
The MBA gave me both the skillset and the environment to make that transition. It wasn’t just theoretical; it was directly applicable.
Nadia Wahika Putri
Nadia enrolled in the MBA (Leadership and Enterprise), drawn by its academic standing and program structure that integrates technical capability with leadership development, alongside the opportunity to re-establish herself in Sydney.
From the outset, she approached the MBA as a transition mechanism rather than a standalone qualification. She secured a part-time role with EY-Parthenon while studying, managing a demanding schedule that combined coursework, professional experience and independent study.
By the time she completed the MBA, she had transitioned into a full-time role with EY-Parthenon, supported by visa sponsorship.
“The MBA gave me both the skillset and the environment to make that transition. It wasn’t just theoretical; it was directly applicable.”
Beyond career progression, the program reshaped her approach to problem-solving and leadership. Exposure to diverse perspectives strengthened her ability to think more critically, adaptively and with greater commercial awareness.
Nadia remains actively involved in the MBA community, through MBA careers and information sessions, supporting prospective students as they evaluate their own next steps, and reinforcing the strength of the Business School’s alumni community.
For those considering the MBA, her advice is clear: “You get as much as you give. If you’re open-minded and willing to challenge yourself, it can be one of the most rewarding investments you make.”