From Average to Outstanding: Kelvin Murdoch’s BBA Journey

18 October 2024

Written by Milpark

Kelvin Murdoch, the top student nationally in Milpark’s 2023 Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) class, achieved an extraordinary 24 distinctions out of 24 - while balancing a demanding banking career and embracing fatherhood. His story is one of perseverance and personal growth, where hard work and determination led him to exceed his own expectations.

His approach to balancing work, studies, and personal life serves as an inspiration to anyone striving to achieve greatness in their career and education. Read on to learn more about his journey and discover practical tips that can help you set and reach your own ambitious goals.

A Personal Goal

Kelvin admits he wasn’t always a top student. “I was generally someone who just got by at school.” That all changed when he scored an unexpected 80% in the third module of his BBA. “I realised that when you apply yourself, anything is possible. So, I set a personal goal to achieve a distinction (80% and above) in at least four modules.”

By the end of his degree, Kelvin had achieved distinction in every module, finishing as the top Milpark BBA student in the country. His drive wasn’t fuelled by competition with other students – it was a personal challenge to prove what he was capable of.

Juggling Parenthood, Work and Study

Shortly after starting his studies at Milpark, Kelvin and his wife learned they were expecting their first child. While this added pressure, it also gave him greater motivation. “It wasn’t just about me anymore. It was about investing in my self-development for my family’s future."

Balancing full-time work, fatherhood and studies wasn’t easy, but Kelvin’s determination never faltered. He credits Milpark’s structured distance learning approach with helping him manage these multiple demands. “The paced approach, with weekly tasks, worked perfectly for me. By the time exams came around, I didn’t have to cram – the consistent workload kept me on track,” he explains.

Milpark’s active learning model also had direct benefits in his job. “I could immediately apply what I was learning to my work.”

Now, having completed his BBA, Kelvin is pursuing a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Administration (PGDipPA), with his sights set on a Master of Business Administration (MBA).

Overcoming Challenges

Kelvin’s journey hasn’t been without hurdles. He’s had to navigate a highly competitive job market, economic uncertainty, and the need for continuous skill development. Here are the strategies that have helped him overcome these challenges:

Competitive Job Market: “The banking sector is tough, with many people vying for the same roles. I’ve positioned myself through diligence and determination, and because of that, recruiters often approach me for new opportunities.”

Economic Fluctuations: “I’ve faced the threat of retrenchment due to industry instability, but maintaining a strong track record of performance has helped me avoid job loss.”

Continuous Skill Development: “To advance in banking, you need to keep developing your skills. For me, studying is not about ticking boxes; it’s about gaining knowledge that I can apply to my job and future growth.”

Advice for Ambitious Professionals

Kelvin’s journey has taught him many valuable lessons that he’s happy to share with others looking to advance their career:

Be clear about your goals: “When I started as a bank teller, I knew what I wanted next. I applied myself fully in each role, which often led to being recruited for the next opportunity.”

Start your studies early - if you can: “It’s much easier to balance work, life, and studies when you’re younger and have fewer responsibilities.”

Surround yourself with positive people: “In every role, I’ve looked for people who could give me good advice and help me progress. I didn’t have a formal mentor, but I’ve been fortunate to have supportive colleagues and friends.”

Study what you can apply to your job and life: “Studying is an investment. Choose courses that will impact your life and career.”

In Conclusion: Anything is Possible

Kelvin didn’t expect to graduate at the top of the class, but his hard work and dedication made it a reality. “When they called my name as the top graduate, I was surprised. But it just shows that if you apply yourself, anything is possible.”

Kelvin’s rise from bank teller to top BBA graduate serves as a powerful reminder that with persistence and focus, no goal is out of reach. Are you ready to take the next step in your career? Explore Milpark’s flexible distance learning options and start building a brighter today.