Entries Extended For Griffith’s $130,000 MBA Scholarship Competition

Jessica Kahl, winner of the 2020 QBM Griffith MBA Responsible Leaders Scholarship. (QBM is now known as QBW following a rebrand).

The most recent winner of Griffith University’s annual MBA scholarship has described the study experience “like attending a meeting of the United Nations” as entries open for the 2021 competition.

Entries for the scholarship have been extended and will now close on September 27.

Jessica Kahl, the overall winner of last year’s Queensland Business Weekly (QBW) Griffith MBA Responsible Leadership Scholarship, combines a role at Sunwater with managing not-for-profit Dream Big Australia.

Jessica encouraged other business leaders to apply for the scholarship, which has a total  value of up to $130,000.

“Griffith’s MBA learning experience has provided me with the tools to navigate the world of engineering and strategy, but it’s also given me the opportunity to foster thinking beyond my current role,” she said.

“The experience (so far) has really enhanced my perspective because Griffith’s MBA Candidates come from diverse markets, cultures, and backgrounds.

“I often tell people that it’s like attending a meeting of the United Nations; there are just so many different mindsets in one place. Each experience rejuvenates me and broadens my view.”

MBA Director Associate Professor Stephanie Schleimer said Jessica’s positive experience echoed that of many other students and alumni who understand the importance of a business education focused on values.

“The QBW Griffith MBA Responsible Leadership Scholarship partnership with the Courier Mail is a wonderful opportunity for professionals to access a truly transformative MBA program,” Ms Schleimer said.

Jess is currently juggling three MBA subjects with her full-time role and Dream Big Australia commitments, but says the pandemic has led to innovation all round.

“With the transition to virtual engagement during COVID-19, and through my role as Managing Director at Dream Big Australia, I evolved in-person events to online, 10-week experiences with the development of the STEAM Ahead Program.

“Informed by my Griffith MBA learnings, the experience was designed to enhance employability skills for women studying science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics degrees across Queensland (and) I’m excited to see 53 women across metropolitan and regional areas gain resume writing skills, mentoring, and coaching, industry networking and paid employment opportunities with our industry partners in a challenging period.

“Griffith’s MBA has allowed me to gain practical responsible leadership, marketing and sustainability skills, which have already been applied across water infrastructure strategies and marketing campaigns advancing women’s development.”

Griffith University’s MBA program retained prestigious Tier One status in CEO Magazine’s 2021 Global MBA Rankings and Griffith Business School’s Online MBA program was ranked fourth in the country for the second year in a row.

For more information or to apply for a QBW Griffith MBA Responsible Leadership Scholarship, head online. The competition is open now.

Doug Estwick
Doug is an author for MBA News and Fixed Income News Australia. Doug has been a media and communications professional for more than 10 years, including working as an editor for News Corp's Quest Newspaper group.