Rachel Cara

Too busy to take on an MBA? Think again. New mother Rachel Cara proves that balancing Master of Business Administration (MBA) studies with an already hectic schedule is not only achievable – even with a newborn in tow! – but highly enjoyable and rewarding, too.

Having led operational teams for the past fifteen years, Rachel felt that studying for an MBA could enhance her critical thinking, problem-solving and strategic outlook. “I wanted to feel uncomfortable, to be challenged, to be exposed to new information, to view different perspectives and ways of working,” she says. “The MBA programme definitely delivered this and more!” She chose the University of Auckland Business School’s MBA programme due to its “industry-recognised strength”, as well as the fact that it’s delivered in person: “I wanted the social interaction, networking and hands-on experience that face-to-face learning offers.”

The joyful discovery that she was pregnant with her first child when she was a third of the way through the programme did nothing to derail her studies. “The University offers a certain level of flexibility in how you structure your MBA, affording me the option of reducing papers while pregnant, or delaying my last quarter for six months,” explains Rachel. “I chose to complete it within the 18 months, as I didn’t want to lose momentum and I wanted to complete the final paper with my cohort – we’d shared so much, and I’d made incredible friends that I wanted to continue the journey with.”

The overwhelming support from her cohort and the University, coupled with that from her husband and her employer (Auckland Transport), made the prospect of embarking on ten weeks of study with a new baby less daunting than it sounds. “My colleagues at Auckland Transport showed genuine care in providing me with flexibility in my work schedule,” explains Rachel. At the university, “The MBA Executive team are extremely approachable and take an active role in seeing you succeed. They’ll do anything they can to help make the journey as smooth and accommodating as possible,” she enthuses. “I [also] had incredible support (and encouragement) from my husband and my MBA cohort. I never once felt that my commitment or contribution was questioned or affected by having a baby along for the ride.” She was even able to go on the study tour, a feature of the programme which offered her and her cohort the opportunity to meet with leading industry figures and innovators in Singapore. Her husband and baby son (then only six weeks old) simply tagged along. “The University ensured that my husband and son felt welcome throughout our trip,” says Rachel.

The MBA programme itself delivered key insights and valuable experience that Rachel describes as “incredibly rewarding”. “One thing that has really resonated is taking an ecosystems approach to problem-solving. Collaborating with a wider network of players helps solve problems more robustly, faster, and with greater benefits and outcomes.” She particularly enjoyed having the opportunity to work with a New Zealand start-up for her capstone project. “Being able to deliver an international growth strategy to guide their next steps was an accumulation of all the knowledge gained throughout the MBA in a practical and meaningful way.”

While acquiring new knowledge and skills was obviously challenging, this quickly became one of the aspects Rachel enjoyed most. “I remember many late nights thinking ‘I don’t know how to do this’, only to be reminded that that’s the whole point of an MBA! The intensity of learning and mastering new concepts becomes highly addictive, quickly rewarded by the sense of achievement and new-found confidence.”

But it's not all about study. The highlight for Rachel was the opportunity to share insights and experiences with a wide variety of people, including fellow MBA students, lecturers, and guest speakers. “The cohorts are full of diversity, bringing a richness of thought and perspective. You learn just as much, if not more, from the people you work with as you do from the content that is taught.” It makes returning to work after maternity leave an exciting prospect (Rachel is the Real Time and Response Manager for Auckland Transport). “The knowledge and confidence gained has accelerated my career progression and I’m excited to apply my learning.”

For those apprehensive about adding an MBA to the mix, Rachel’s advice is simple. “You can do it all – and thrive while doing so. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, and to accept it! People around you will rally with support to watch you achieve your dreams.”