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Plumbing boss taps potential with EMBA
A plumbing firm manager who enrolled in a new executive business degree at the University of the Sunshine Coast to tap into further career potential has gained a promotion while completing the program.
Mark Wardley, 35, was regional leader of national supply company Reece Plumbing when he started the USC Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) in early 2009.
Mr Wardley of Scarborough is now operations leader, managing 700 staff and thousands of products across Queensland, the Northern Territory and northern New South Wales.
“The University’s EMBA was a life-changing experience,” he said. “I’ve developed as a person and gained the knowledge to assist me to do my job.”
Mr Wardley was among the University’s first cohort of EMBA graduates at the 2011 Graduation ceremony on Wednesday 20 April. The 11 graduates were from small and big business, private companies and public service.
The USC program, designed to suit busy executives, was delivered via intensive weekend classes at the Sippy Downs campus once a month for two years.
“I’ve met a lot of great people and it’s given me a broader perspective in business and in life,” he said. “I have more skills and knowledge, along with a few grey hairs!”
Mr Wardley, who travels extensively for work, said juggling his commitments had been challenging but he chose the USC program because of its weekend study pattern as well as the campus location and facilities.
“I really had to catch up because I hadn’t studied since I was at school more than 15 years ago,” he said. “But the program was excellent and had all the resources I needed.”
He said he found courses on change management, leadership and economics particularly relevant to his own position.
– Julie Gatehouse