Kellie Davis joined the Royal Australian Air Force in 2008 as an Air Combat Officer (ACO). But after 10 years of military service, she was ready for a new challenge.
One of Kellie’s Australian Defence Force career highlights was deploying as part of Operation OKRA to combat the terrorist threat in Iraq and Syria. She also completed an instructional tour at the School of Air Warfare, where she taught Allied Command Operations starting their career skills from navigation basics to how to control a battlespace.
It was important to Kellie that as she transitioned out of defence she too would continue to learn and grow. That’s why, 6 months after leaving the Air Force, she commenced the Master of Business Administration (MBA) at UQ.
Why the UQ MBA?
The UQ MBA empowers students to learn core business management capabilities from some of the most awarded teachers in Australia. But one of the biggest drawcards for Kellie was the program's reputation for having a diverse, highly qualified cohort of peers.
“I knew from the start that I was only interested in face-to-face delivery," she says.
"After some research into different universities, I discovered one of the best MBA programs was right here in Brisbane.”
The UQ MBA challenges students to think and see the world differently. I was able to connect with students from a variety of backgrounds who challenged my thinking, as well as a great professional network of local and global alumni.
After attending a UQ MBA Information Event, Kellie learnt there was another benefit of studying her MBA at UQ – the MBA scholarships on offer.
The MBA scholarship that helped Kellie take the next step
UQ provides up to 3 Wandering Warriors MBA scholarships each year to Defence Force members or veterans actively making the transition to civilian life. These scholarships are available to outstanding domestic students commencing their MBA studies who can be ambassadors for the Wandering Warriors initiative. The scholarship ranges from 50% to 100% tuition and is available to both full-time and part-time MBA students.
“Military skills don’t always translate readily or practically into the civilian world,” says Kellie.
“As a transitioning veteran, it’s important to further educate myself and upskill to gain employment in the civilian world.”
“The Wandering Warriors Scholarship and my MBA studies have given me the chance to expand my education and step into a new career. I’ve had a great experience transitioning from the Air Force into a career in consulting working on ADF projects.”
Empowering change through education
Thanks to her MBA scholarship, Kellie was able to complete her studies while working full time and maintaining her status as an active Air Force Reservist.
“The different course offerings of the UQ program (weeknight, weekend and intensive study options) have meant that I have been able to continue my current lifestyle while studying," she says.
"There are definitely surge periods required for study and assignments, but I make sure to balance those periods with downtime."
Kellie is passionate about encouraging other Veterans to consider how study can facilitate a career outside of the ADF and to see if there are scholarships available to help make this transition.
In particular, she encourages women in the Australian Defence Force to apply.
“Organisations today have realised the value of women in the workplace," says Kellie.
"Many have their own opportunities and initiatives in place to support and encourage them."
“I believe it's important for women to continue to grow through education. This is something the Wandering Warriors Scholarship can empower you to do.”
Since graduating from the MBA, Kellie has continued to go from strength to strength in her career. From project and program manager roles at major international organisations to her current role as technical stakeholder lead at Brisbane Airport Corporation, Kellie is living proof of how an MBA can kickstart a successful career change.
Other MBA scholarships available at UQ
The Wandering Warriors scholarship is only one of many MBA scholarships available to students commencing their studies at UQ. In addition to a wide range of UQ scholarships, other MBA scholarships available include:
- MBA Student Scholarship – Women
- MBA Student Scholarship – Indigenous
- MBA Student Scholarship – International
Learn more about MBA scholarships and fees Discover where a UQ MBA could take your career
