A pharmacist by training, Liz had already built a career in commercial roles within the pharmaceutical industry when she decided to pursue an MBA. Studying part-time meant she could continue progressing professionally while applying what she was learning at work.
“Since graduating and completing the MBA, I’ve been promoted twice and moved into roles with broader leadership responsibilities. Firstly, leading a team, and now working internationally.”
Liz is equally clear that the MBA was one part of that progression, alongside her professional experience.
The MBA challenged my way of thinking through the diverse perspectives of my peers, their professional backgrounds, experiences and ways of thinking.
Liz Kim (MBA Alumnus '24)
Learning to lead
One of the most valuable parts of the MBA was Leadership Practice and Development, which Liz says helped her better understand herself as a leader and different leadership styles.
Its value became particularly apparent when she moved into people leadership.
“I remember going back to my notes and thinking, am I setting myself and the team up for success in building that team culture?”
Today, Liz combines coaching and motivating people with analytics, insights and performance measures. She describes this as taking a more holistic view of leadership, bringing together people and performance.
The diversity of her MBA peers challenged her thinking, exposing her to different approaches to problem-solving, decision-making and leadership.
“The MBA challenged my way of thinking through the diverse perspectives of my peers, their professional backgrounds, experiences and ways of thinking. I was taken out of my healthcare pharmaceutical bubble.”
Moving to the US, MBAs are highly regarded. So I think I did have an advantage when I was going through the interview process.
Liz Kim (MBA Alumnus '24)
Taking her career to the US
The skills Liz gained whilst completing the MBA now have an international application.
In her global marketing role, Liz works across different markets, cultures, time zones and priorities. Her work requires her to balance global strategy with local market needs, build relationships and influence without formal authority.
Her move to Chicago has also revealed another dimension to the MBA’s value.
“Moving to the US, MBAs are highly regarded. So I think I did have an advantage when I was going through the interview process.”
For Liz, the return on her MBA is therefore both tangible and personal: two promotions, broader leadership responsibility and an international career, alongside greater confidence in her own capabilities.
“The MBA was part of that journey: it really gave me a new perspective and helped me gain greater confidence as a leader.”
It is a combination that has helped take Liz from Sydney to Chicago and given her the confidence to keep backing herself as new opportunities arise.