Four Reasons to Study Business as a Mature Age Student

Thinking of returning to university as a mature age student? Here are four reasons why there's never been a better time to study business.

Returning to study as a mature age student can present its own unique set of challenges. You may have more responsibilities and commitments in life, like taking care of a family or working full-time. But despite these challenges, mature age students are often equipped with the life experience and determination to set themselves apart and succeed in their studies.

We recently sat down with Azlan, an RMIT Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) student from Malaysia, to discuss his return to university after a 30-year hiatus.

Here are four reasons to study business as a mature age student:

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#1: Adapt to the business world of tomorrow

In all workplaces, staying up to date with current trends and practices is crucial.

“Prior to coming to Australia, I was in the corporate world for a long time,” says Azlan.

“I might have started in finance, but over the last 30 years, I’ve changed up my jobs in different industries. Currently I label myself as a project manager. I started in the stock exchange, went on to health care, then shipping and project development, and all sorts of things.”

After working in so many different industries, Azlan realised he needed to realign himself with contemporary practices and priorities, like sustainability and change management. He says that RMIT's EMBA program provided him with the tools to understand and implement new systems effectively.

“I must say, one of my lecturers, Dr Ninh Nguyen, who was teaching me Sustainable Business Models, he was very receptive and helpful. He helped me understand the subject matter in great detail.”

Throughout this course, Azlan explored different approaches for promoting social and environmental sustainability, while creating economic value for organisations. And as a university ranked 5th in the world for its impact against the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals¹, RMIT is the perfect place to learn about these new ideas.

#2: Gain critical thinking and problem-solving skills

When asked about the specific skills he’s gained throughout his studies, Azlan points to his coursework in design thinking. He says the hands-on approach of the EMBA ensures all his learning is relevant to current business challenges, and his newfound knowledge of design thinking is something he plans to implement in his own career.

“Associate Professor March, who teaches design thinking, I liked him very much, because he was to the point, so that an old fella like me can understand the concept of design thinking simply! If you ask what I remember specifically about my classes from 30 years ago, I can’t really tell you. However, what did I take away from my first degree? The thought process…a way of thinking. The way Dr March teaches design thinking is to revamp your thought processes.”

And evidence suggests that these new thought processes are a critical part of transforming businesses. Data from McKinsey reveals that organisations that regularly follow design thinking practices see 56% higher returns than those that don’t.²

#3: Build a diverse new network

One of the key advantages of returning to study is the opportunity to interact with peers from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Azlan says he’s found the interactions with his classmates to be a huge benefit, as they bring different insights and perspectives to the table. This networking not only aids in personal growth, but also creates new professional opportunities and collaborations.

"I truly enjoy coming to class. I enjoy the interaction with peers. Some have less work experience than I do, but they’re the ones who taught me to adapt to the new education system.”

Research has repeatedly shown that businesses that make diversity a priority outperform their peers, as more diversity means more breadth and depth of ideas. And as a university that’s proudly ranked 4th in Australia for the diversity of its MBA cohort³, RMIT provides business students with a dynamic and inclusive environment in which to build strong professional networks.

#4: Develop confidence and independence as a life-long learner

RMIT University equips its students with the skills needed to become independent learners. This is especially beneficial for those returning to study after a long break.

“Way back when I was at school, I’m not sure whether Google was around, so I’ve had to relearn the system. I believe the current education system [helps] you to be independent. You have support services like Canvas, Student Connect, and Business Connect to help you out.” Azlan also believes that prioritising his workload and balancing his studies has helped him to develop his time management skills.

“Having four classes is like having four jobs…your brain is torn in those four directions. But here’s the thing…it actually helps a lot with multitasking. The ability to partition things and deal with things if and when they’re required, that’s actually very useful. I’ve learnt how to compartmentalise things and be adaptable.”

This adaptability is a crucial skill in both academic and professional settings. According to a recent LinkedIn report, adaptability is the “top skill of the moment,” and is critical for all organisations and their employees. And since change is the only constant in the world of work, adaptability will help you stay versatile and confident amid these changes.

So, what’s next for Azlan once he graduates?

I believe all [the courses I’m studying] give me a different view of how things should be done. I’ve got eight classes to go, and I think after I’m done, I’ll stick around... to put my education into action. So, I’m thinking instead of going back home to Malaysia immediately, I’ll stay in Australia, apply what I’ve learnt in a work environment, and take that back on my CV.

Story: Sophie MacGillivray

¹ Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024

² McKinsey & Company, The Business Value of Design report, 2018. Accessed 16/07/24

³ QS MBA Rankings 2024

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