4 lessons from Memory Dukuswa after studying online at the University of Birmingham

When Memory Dukuswa began her online MBA at the University of Birmingham, she was balancing her studies with work and family commitments. She felt excited about what lay ahead, but also uncertain about whether she could keep pace.

Here, Memory shares four lessons that helped her through the more demanding parts of the experience.

1. Small goals can carry you a long way

The early days were tough. Instead of stepping away from the struggle, I chose to work through it.

Discipline and grit became important. I set small, consistent goals and allowed them to build towards the bigger things I wanted to achieve. I did not have to do everything at once. I just had to keep making progress.

2. Ask for support

I learnt to reach out rather than wait until I had all the answers.

Mentors, peers and professors offered guidance, feedback and encouragement throughout my MBA. My family also supported me along the way, as did my colleagues at Deloitte Papua New Guinea.

That support mattered.

3. A setback can still move you forward

Not everything went according to plan. When I made mistakes or faced a setback, I tried to understand what had happened, adjust my approach and begin again.

It changed the way I thought about progress. A difficult moment did not have to mean that I was going backwards. Sometimes, it was simply part of learning.

4. Ambition needs self-compassion

Balancing an MBA with work and family taught me that progress is not always linear.

There were times when I needed to be patient with myself. I could remain ambitious without expecting every day to be perfect. Every step forward still counted.

Looking back at the journey

I’m endlessly grateful to God, my family and everyone who walked this path with me. I’m especially thankful to Lutz Heim for providing my initial reference and to Deloitte Papua New Guinea for the support I received throughout my MBA journey. I’m also grateful to Matthew Salter for his guidance and support during the final dissertation, which I genuinely enjoyed.

Studying the online MBA from the University of Birmingham has broadened my business knowledge, strengthened my resilience, expanded my network and given me a clearer sense of purpose.

What to keep in mind if you’re planning to study your master’s online

My advice to anyone beginning a demanding journey is simple. Stay the course, lean on the people around you and recognise the small wins along the way. The effort compounds, and the future you are building is brighter than you can imagine. As University of Birmingham Chancellor Dr Sandie Okoro OBE said in her speech, when opportunities arise, “Say yes”—growth often hides in the next step.

The effort builds over time.