Julia Lee

1. Why did you choose to go back to school for an MBA? And why RSM?

“I started my career at a Big Four accounting firm, providing financial statement assurance for the largest financial services companies in Australia and New Zealand. Throughout my career, I have led high-value client engagements, and cohesive and collaborative cross functional teams with local and offshore staff.

Managing Sustainability-Linked Loans (SLLs) at Macquarie University sparked my interest in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which I deepened by completing RSM’s Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) on Driving Business Towards the SDGs. I particularly enjoyed learning how Tony’s Chocolonely advances SDG 1: No Poverty through its slave-free chocolate mission.

I had aspirations to further my education at a university that encourages students to continually strive and learn to improve themselves, and RSM was the right fit for me. I believe studying at RSM in a dynamic in-class environment would be a great opportunity because I love new challenges, cultures, and learning new things. I decided to pursue an MBA with a strong focus on sustainability to broaden my perspective and to become a more well-rounded leader.”

2. How is the International Full-time MBA preparing you to do business in an uncertain world?

“The International MBA equips me with a framework, a toolbox and the confidence to navigate the uncertain world. One of the highlights was the business challenge for Brogent Technologies Inc. in the Living Management Project (LMP). We consulted with the company to come up with a business solution, we put our theory into practice in real business applications, met senior leaders, and offered innovative solutions.”  

3. How would you describe your RSM FTMBA experience so far?

“Studying for an MBA in 12 months is an intense experience. But working in a Big Four audit firm with executive teams and in fast-paced environments prepared me to manage competing priorities during my MBA studies. From evaluating the financial value of projects and investments of Carlsberg to navigating complex challenges and acting with sustainable impact in the Craft of Management (TCM), building a strong support network has enriched my MBA experience.”

4. What has been the biggest adjustment for you, while living in Rotterdam or the Netherlands?

“I like the Dutch saying ‘je bent niet van suiker’, which means ‘you are not made of sugar’ – so you won’t dissolve in the rain. Adjusting to the weather conditions in the Netherlands, especially in January, has been challenging. However, rain, hail or shine hasn’t stopped me from going about my day and getting things done.”

5. What has been the most challenging assignment or course during the FTMBA so far? How did it challenge you? 

“The Markstrat Simulation Project (MSP) has been one of the most challenging courses during the MBA because it immerses you in the dynamic role of a Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), where you make critical strategic decisions to shape the future of your firm.

Our firm started as the lowest performer due to incorrect market targeting, and low product quality. To improve, we refocused strategy, improved product characteristics, and invested in marketing and commercial teams. We increased Share Price Index (SPI) by 248 per cent, and exceeded forecasted demand by 5per cent, avoiding stockouts, and maximising market share.”

6. In what way has the Personal Leadership Development (PLD) component of the programme affected you?

“As part of the PLD, I reflected on a set of leadership strengths and challenges with the help of a 360° feedback survey. I am very grateful to my previous managers and colleagues for their contribution to my development, and for their constructive feedback on my leadership skills. This helped me to reflect on my performance to date, and to identify my leadership development goals. During my MBA, I took specific actions as part of Small-Scale Experiments (SSEs) to attain my leadership development and personal improvement goals.”

7. How are you planning to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals through business?

“I volunteer at the Salvation Army in my spare time. It signed the Green Deal Sustainable Care 3.0, an elaboration of the ambitions from the Climate Agreement and the SDGs for the healthcare sector. I plan to contribute to the SDGs by partnering with the Salvation Army to continue to make their operations more sustainable.”

8. How have you utilised the alumni network so far?

“I reached out to alumni from the Full-time MBA Class of 2024 before I arrived in the Netherlands, and I’m very grateful to them for sharing their MBA experience. One of them recommended ‘The Culture Map, a book by Erin Meyer. It was insightful to read about navigating cultural differences which helped me during my MBA and with PLD.” 

9. How has the Career Development Team helped you on your journey?

“The Career Development Team organised various career events during my MBA. In particular, I enjoyed Career Days, a three-day event which helped me to strategise, act and reflect on building my post-MBA career. I am also very grateful to my career coach, for supporting me on my career journey.”

10. What advice could you give to people who are considering doing an MBA?

“Before doing an MBA, consider reviewing your career goals and career plan to see if an MBA is the right fit for you because it’s a big commitment! I also recommend talking to alumni and becoming an ‘MBA Student for a Day’ to experience what it’s like to study for an MBA at RSM.”

11. Has your MBA journey changed your outlook on what your career might look like after you graduate? If so, how?

“Studying an MBA at RSM has equipped me with the skills and mindset to drive positive change. Specialising in Advanced Finance as part of my MBA has also broadened my perspective and given me the confidence to not only pursue a career that leverages my technical skills, but also to contribute to creating positive social impact.”

12. What does the future hold for you?

“Studying an MBA has definitely been a challenging but rewarding experience. I also enjoy learning languages and have been learning Dutch in my spare time. I’m looking forward to finding my next challenge in the Netherlands.”