CBA executive using MBA to compete in business

Haseda Fazlic, General Manager for Regional and Agribusiness Banking Queensland, Commonwealth Bank
Haseda Fazlic, General Manager for Regional and Agribusiness Banking Queensland, Commonwealth Bank

Bringing together her extensive professional experience with an MBA from Deakin University allowed Commonwealth Bank Executive Haseda Fazlic to adapt to the highly challenging business world, directly preparing her for an executive position.

With a strong 21-year career with the Commonwealth bank already behind her, Haseda was looking to advance her career. Working within many different divisions of the business she knew she had the experience but lacked the formal qualification needed to move up.

“I wanted to understand the theory behind it,” she said. “The classroom learnings allowed me to draw on and utilise my professional experience and bring the two together which was powerful,” she said.

Drawn to Deakin’s flexibility and high quality teaching, Haseda found the school’s approach to learning and interaction equipped her with a real world advantage.

“The experience was extremely positive,” she says, “I had the pleasure learning from worldly lecturers with a high level of experience and commercial acumen. The different study modes, plus the quality subject matter was extremely relevant to today’s competitive business landscape. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Deakin and really value what I have gained from the experience,” said Haseda.

While juggling two young children and a demanding full-time career Haseda embraced both the internal and external study options, completing some units on campus before completing her final subjects online after moving to Brisbane for her current position.

Taking full advantage of Deakin’s MBA opportunities she also valued taking part in a Deakin study tour to China, allowing her to foster close friendships and relationships with fellow MBAs.

“Creating networks and meeting like-minded people – especially with the residentials – is a huge advantage. You will form strong relationships and long term friendships.” said Haseda. “It was a wonderful experience; you simply cannot get that out of a textbook,” she said.

With law degree possibly in her future Haseda believes her MBA has given her more knowledge and a deeper understanding of the business environment than she ever expected.

“We live in a fast paced, rapidly changing, highly competitive environment. The MBA has prepared me for that,” she said.

“The MBA was my long term goal and Deakin allowed me to achieve it, to work full-time and maintain my family life, caring for my children,” said Haseda.

Ben Ready
Ben Ready founded MBA News in 2014 and is the Managing Editor. He is a former business and finance journalist with Australian Associated Press (AAP) and Dow Jones Newswires in London. Ben completed his MBA in 2012 and was awarded the QUT GMAA Entrepreneurship Prize. He is also the founder and Managing Director of RGC Media & Mktng (rgcmm.com.au).