Joan Withers - MBA

Prominent company director Joan Withers came relatively late to her Auckland MBA, determined to pursue the qualification that would take her career to the next level.

Joan completed her MBA from 1989 to 1990. "It was extremely hard work and I was completely immersed in it, studying intensively and working full-time," she says.

"I come from a family who all believe that working hard brings rewards and it was that work ethic that helped get me through my degree, together with a very supportive husband and son. They gave me every assistance I needed, but it has paid dividends and continues to do so now."

Joan left school after completing School Certificate and completed no further formal training. After working in business for some years, however, she recognised that a tertiary qualification would differentiate her from others.

She says: "The MBA provided an opportunity to enhance my confidence in my ability to perform in bigger roles. Despite having years of practical experience, the MBA showed me things I had not seen before and enabled me to build theoretical knowledge around practical experience.

"The knowledge I gained is something I use every day as a director. It's like a toolbox you keep going back to, refreshing yourself with new skills and ideas."

Joan is a member of the MBA Director's Advisory Board, supporting the director to achieve the programme's mission and vision.

"When I qualified, there weren't many people with MBAs. Now, as more and more people hold tertiary qualifications, it's even more important you study at an institution that can give you a comprehensive and well respected degree, such as The University of Auckland."

Formerly Chief Executive of The Radio Network, Joan spent 20 years in media management. She is Chairman and a Trustee of the Clinical Research and Effective Practice Foundation and a Trustee of the Counties Manukau Pacific Trust and the Royal New Zealand Ballet. She wrote A Girl's Guide to Business, published by Penguin in 1998.