You don’t need to have your entire career mapped out before starting an MBA. For Michael Rey Balongcas, taking the leap meant building on what he already knew, challenging the way he thinks about leadership and gaining the confidence to make a greater impact at work.
With more than five years of experience as an HR practitioner and four years as a college instructor, Michael came to the Flinders Business School ready to broaden his perspective. Now in his second year, he shares what motivated him to study, how the MBA has changed the way he approaches people and strategy, and what he has learned along the way.
What was your background before starting the MBA at Flinders?
Before joining Flinders Business School, I worked as an HR Practitioner, and as a college Instructor. These roles allowed me to support people’s growth, guide teams, and teach future professionals, experiences that shaped my passion for leadership and human development.
Over time, I felt a strong desire to expand my perspective and challenge myself in a new environment, and that journey led me to Flinders.
Why did you choose the MBA at Flinders?
I chose the MBA at Flinders because of its strong reputation, industry connections, and practical approach to learning.
But more than that, I wanted a program that aligned with my purpose. I’ve always believed that people are an organisation’s greatest asset, and specialising in Human Resource Management felt like the natural path for me.
I wanted to deepen my ability to create workplaces where people feel valued, supported, and empowered to reach their potential.
Why specialise in Human Resource Management?
For Michael, specialising in Human Resource Management (HRM) was an opportunity to build on his existing HR experience while developing a broader understanding of leadership and business.
My HRM specialisation has encouraged me to lead with greater empathy, awareness, and intention. I’ve learned to recognise the unique strengths, motivations, and needs of each person, and to approach leadership as a responsibility to uplift others.
He says the specialisation has also reinforced that effective leadership is about more than delivering results.
True leadership isn’t just about achieving results, but it’s about creating an environment where people feel safe, supported, and inspired to grow.
What leadership and HR skills have you developed through the MBA?
I’ve strengthened my communication, conflict resolution, and constructive feedback skills, and I’ve gained a deeper understanding of different working styles. These skills help me build trust, navigate challenges with confidence, and support people in a way that feels fair, balanced, and empowering.
Effective leaders today are those who remain calm, adaptable, and open-minded in the face of change. They understand that leadership is not about control, but about guiding people through uncertainty with clarity and empathy.
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