Starting a new role on the other side of the planet while in the final stages of her MBA, Mel Kerin provides her insights into work, study, collaborative learning and seeing her profession in a new, strategic, light.
In this edition of the MBA Communiqué, we speak with Mel Kerin, who will complete her MBA in 2025. Mel shares how the Deakin MBA has shaped her career and perspective. Now based in London as Head of Global Communications for CSL’s vaccines division, Mel reflects on the moments that made the program memorable; from a life defining MBA study tour in Europe to the connections formed with peers across industries. She talks candidly about balancing study with a demanding role, how the MBA has helped her grow as a strategic leader, and why the experience continues to influence her work today.
What made your MBA experience meaningful or memorable?
What made the MBA truly memorable for me was the people I met and the diversity of learning experiences available. I was constantly inspired by the calibre and generosity of my peers—people from different industries, cultures, and career stages who brought fresh perspectives to every discussion. The connections I built, both online and in person, created a sense of community that made even the most challenging units enjoyable.
Equally important was the flexibility of the program. Whether it was engaging in live webinars, collaborating on group projects across time zones, or diving into self-paced modules, I appreciated how the MBA was designed to meet learners where they are. This variety allowed me to tailor my experience to my schedule and learning style, making the journey both accessible and enriching.
How did you build connections and overcome the challenges of studying online?
I prioritised maximising the face-to-face course opportunities early, completing the study tours and residential programs on offer. I was also in a fortunate position to know other students through work ahead of beginning my course. That said, being open and active on the discussion boards was a great way to connect with likeminded students and form groups online. Everyone has their own motivation for studies – for some it’s about results and for others it’s about balance. I made sure to highlight my remote work and travel early to help manage expectations and find those in the same space as me. Once I had made connections, it was always good to see familiar names and faces from residentials and tours, to then connect virtually too.
Did you find your peers to be equally motivated, and how did that shape your experience?
Absolutely. The diversity of backgrounds and industries brought a richness to every conversation. Everyone was invested in their studies and driven, which created a dynamic learning environment where we challenged and inspired each other to think bigger.
What influenced your decision to do your MBA at Deakin?
Deakin’s reputation for flexible, high-quality education was a major factor. Many colleagues at work had completed or were completing their MBA with Deakin and encouraged me to explore the course. As someone balancing a corporate career in communications, I needed a program that offered both academic rigour and the flexibility to learn on my terms.
In what ways did the MBA contribute to your professional and personal development?
Professionally, the MBA has been a catalyst for elevating my strategic influence within the healthcare sector. As Head of Communications at CSL Seqirus, I work across all areas of the organisation. The MBA gave me the frameworks to approach this not just as a messaging exercise, but as a market-shaping opportunity—aligning regulatory milestones with brand positioning and stakeholder engagement across regions.
The program also sharpened my ability to lead cross-functional teams through complex, high-stakes scenarios. For example, during our crisis communications training and scenario planning for ACIP-related issues, I applied change leadership and risk communication principles learned in the MBA to ensure our messaging was both timely and empathetic. These experiences reinforced the importance of agility, stakeholder mapping, and scenario-based planning—skills I honed through coursework in strategic management and organisational behaviour.
On a personal level, the MBA reignited my passion for learning and gave me the confidence to step into more visible leadership roles. It also helped me reflect on the broader impact of my work—how effective communication in healthcare isn’t just about brand reputation, but about public trust, confidence, and ultimately, patient outcomes.
Can you recall a specific moment or turning point during your studies that shifted your perspective?
I can remember early on having a coffee with a work colleague who was also studying, and we were talking about the difference in undergraduate and post graduate studies. With my undergrad I was so focused on the result over the learning process, with my MBA studies I was more focused on maximising the learning experience, and when enjoying process the results would come. This really stood out to me with the group work, it was less about a competitive score and more about supporting each other to learn.
How has the MBA specifically supported or shaped the work you’re doing now?
It’s given me a stronger voice at the leadership table. I now approach communications not just as messaging, but as a strategic lever for organisational alignment and impact. I often joked that for years I was writing messages on behalf of senior leadership, using all of the ‘corporate speak’ terminology. Driving value here, bottom line results there and while I could use the terms all correctly in context, I had never paused to understand the concepts or theories behind them. Through my MBA studies I have been able to close that gap, I now know how the strategy is developed, the thinking patterns that have gone into it and that a temporary competitive advantage, it’s not a fool proof plan for sustainable long-term growth.
What role do you think experiences like the study tour and the residential played in your MBA journey?
The study tour* was a defining chapter of my MBA experience – and lucky for me it was very early on in my studies. Over ten days, I travelled with a cohort of peers through Milan, Paris, and Bordeaux, immersing ourselves in international marketing through site visits, cultural experiences, and well-designed assessments and reflections.
One standout moment, aside from my very impulsive shopping experience in Paris, was our visit to Sevengrams (7Gr), a specialty coffee company in Milan. The CEO, Mary Mauro, posed a provocative question to the group: “Can you grow without getting big?” That single line challenged my assumptions about scale, strategy, and success. As someone working most of my career in large corporate, it made me reflect on how growth can also mean depth, not just breadth.
The tour also helped me appreciate the nuances of culture in business. Whether it was understanding consumer behaviour in a Parisian boutique or discussing brand storytelling over a Bordeaux vineyard lunch, I came away with a richer, more human understanding of marketing. It wasn’t just about frameworks—it was about people, place, and purpose.
Equally, the residential component of the MBA grounded me in leadership practice. It was a space to test ideas, receive feedback, and build trust with peers. These immersive experiences helped me grow not just as a professional, but as a more reflective and globally-minded communicator.
How did the diversity of your cohort enrich your learning experience?
Learning alongside professionals from different sectors and cultures pushed me to think more inclusively and creatively. It was a constant reminder that there’s rarely one “right” answer—just different lenses through which to view a problem.
What advice would you give to someone just starting their MBA journey?
Be intentional. Know why you’re doing it and stay connected to that purpose. Also, don’t underestimate the power of peer learning—some of your greatest insights will come from your classmates.
What activities or passions outside of work help you stay balanced?
As I have matured in my career and studies, I have come to appreciate more and more the importance of balance. I seek to find my balance in the little things each day like taking the time to enjoy a really good cup of coffee, catching up with friends and family and watching the latest episode of reality television I am watching at the time. Outside of the day to day I am big on experiencing things live, be it music, shows or art galleries around the world.
What practical strategies did you use to manage your time and energy during the course?
The nature of my work means that it can be very reactive, a comment made by a public figure can result in whole days or weeks of my time spent on issues management and crisis communications which made it very hard to keep a routine especially for study. The flexibility of watching on demand was a life saver for me. If I was heading on a trip, I’d download that week’s lecture so I could keep up to date. I also found having a ‘study buddy’ in a group or unit worked for me, this helped us stay accountable, share ideas and keep to task.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go, and why?
Top of my list is seeing the Northern Lights. There’s something magical about witnessing such a natural phenomenon – a true representation of art and science in action (much like good communications). Following my recent move to the UK, this has now shifted from an idea to reality, and I can’t wait to book it in.
What’s one personal or professional accomplishment you’re particularly proud of, and why?
This month I moved around the world for my career – from Melbourne to London to lead global communications for CSL’s vaccines business unit. I am proud of this accomplishment for a number of reasons. Personally, it’s taking a chance and picking up a life I was very happy and comfortable with in Melbourne and starting again in a new city away from family and friends. Professionally, I know I would not be in the role I am now without the growth and investment I made in my studies, and myself. With only two MBA units left to go, I very much look forward to making the trip back to Australia very soon to collect my degree and to raise a glass of some of Bordeaux’s finest wine to an excellent chapter in the story of my life.
* If you are interested in undertaking the study tour in June 2026 or wish to explore other intensive and experiential MBA programs, contact the MBA Director, Paul Harrison for more information.