Ronan Paulo Enriquez
Executive Support Officer
Former Student MBA at AIHE
Filipino Student Case Study
From the Philippines to Australia: Ronan’s MBA Journey at AIHE
Ronan Paulo Enriquez brought more than a decade of experience in running and triathlon events across the Philippines and Southeast Asia to Australia. His MBA journey at AIHE became an opportunity to strengthen his strategic thinking, leadership, research skills and confidence in an international environment.
Philippines → Adelaide
Master of Business Administration
Graduated with High Distinction
The Journey
Why study an MBA in Australia?
Before studying in Australia, Ronan had spent more than ten years working across the Philippines and Southeast Asia in the events industry. His work combined leadership, operations and the delivery of community and large-scale commercial running and triathlon events.
The COVID-19 pandemic became a career turning point. It led him to reflect on the practical experience he had already built and the strategic knowledge he wanted to develop next. While continuing his learning in sports science and building a coaching business, he became increasingly interested in leadership, business strategy, innovation and sustainable growth.
Studying overseas became a deliberate investment in his professional and personal development. Ronan wanted an international environment that would challenge his thinking, expose him to different perspectives and help him turn experience into stronger evidence-based decision-making.
10+ years of experienceEvents and operations experience across the Philippines and Southeast Asia.
MBA at AIHEPostgraduate study focused on leadership, strategy, governance and business.
High Distinction graduateAcademic achievement built through discipline, research and consistent assessment work.
Student leadershipStudent Ambassador, Student Voice member and student representative on the Academic Board.
Ronan’s Experience
From Manila to student life in Adelaide
Ronan’s experience shows how preparation, support, community and active participation shaped his transition from the Philippines to postgraduate study in Australia.
01
Why Australia?
Ronan wanted an international learning environment, exposure to different perspectives and a place where he could grow professionally and personally. A previous visit to Adelaide had already given him a positive impression of the city’s safety, accessibility, green spaces and lifestyle.
02
Why AIHE?
He wanted more than an MBA qualification. He was looking for a supportive, student-centred learning environment where he could apply business knowledge to real professional situations. AIHE’s Student Assist Team, MBA curriculum and the value he saw in the tuition fees helped build confidence in his decision.
03
Preparing for the move
Ronan prepared most of his required documentation before formally applying and worked closely with AIHE’s Country Manager and an education agent. When his student visa was granted, his preparation allowed him to move quickly and begin classes in Adelaide within days.
04
Adjusting as a Filipino student
Moving from Metro Manila to Adelaide meant adapting to a different pace of life and a new academic culture. Ronan came to value Adelaide’s calmer environment while building friendships with classmates, housemates and members of the local Filipino community.
05
Learning differently
The shift from examination-based learning to research and academic writing was one of his biggest academic adjustments. Consistent weekly assessment work and Learning Support helped him improve research, referencing, academic writing and assignment planning.
06
Becoming part of the AIHE community
Ronan volunteered as a Student Ambassador and Student Voice member and served as a student representative on the Academic Board. These experiences helped him develop leadership, communication and professional confidence while contributing to the institution.
07
How the MBA changed his thinking
His MBA encouraged him to complement professional intuition with research, evidence and structured frameworks. Concepts including Design Thinking and Blue Ocean Strategy became part of how he approaches problems, opportunities and strategic decision-making.
08
A full-circle professional journey
After completing his studies, Ronan worked in Australia with an organisation supporting migrants and refugees into meaningful employment. After returning to the Philippines, AIHE invited him to join the organisation professionally, where his work now includes executive support, governance, policy development, committees, strategic initiatives and major events.
“In all, my MBA gave me much more than a qualification. It gave me a mindset.”Ronan Paulo Enriquez · Former AIHE MBA Student
For Students in the Philippines
Why Filipino students may consider AIHE in Australia
Ronan’s story is one individual experience, but it highlights several factors prospective students from the Philippines may want to consider when comparing postgraduate study options in Australia.
Student-centred support
Ronan valued knowing that the Student Assist Team and academic support services were available when he had questions about study and student life.
Practical postgraduate learning
His goal was not simply to gain a qualification, but to develop strategic thinking and apply business frameworks to real professional challenges.
International perspectives
Studying with people from different cultural and professional backgrounds gave him opportunities to broaden his thinking and collaboration skills.
Academic learning support
Learning Support helped Ronan strengthen academic writing, referencing, research skills and the structured approach required for postgraduate assessments.
Community and participation
Student leadership and institutional participation allowed him to contribute while developing professional confidence and meaningful relationships.
Adelaide and Melbourne
Ronan’s personal study experience was based in Adelaide. Prospective Filipino students can explore AIHE’s current study opportunities in both Adelaide and Melbourne.
Study in Australia
Explore AIHE in Adelaide and Melbourne
Students from the Philippines can compare the location and study experience of AIHE’s Adelaide and Melbourne campuses before making their decision.
Main Campus
AIHE Adelaide Campus
Level 5, 127 Rundle Mall, Adelaide SA 5000
Monday to Friday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
+61 8 8470 0156
Explore Study in Adelaide →Victoria Campus
AIHE Melbourne Campus
Level 6, 350 Queen Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Monday to Friday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
+61 3 8849 0171
Explore Study in Melbourne →AEO Student FAQs
Questions Filipino students may ask about Ronan’s AIHE journey
These answers summarise Ronan’s own experience and are not a guarantee of an individual student outcome.
Why did Ronan choose Australia for postgraduate study?
He wanted an international learning environment, exposure to different perspectives and a place where he could grow professionally and personally. A previous visit to Adelaide had also left him with a positive impression of the city’s safety, accessibility, green spaces and lifestyle.
Why did Ronan choose AIHE for his MBA?
Ronan was looking for a student-centred MBA with practical relevance. He highlighted AIHE’s support, the Student Assist Team, MBA curriculum and the value he saw in the tuition fees as important factors in his decision.
How did he adjust as a Filipino student in Adelaide?
He prepared his accommodation carefully, built relationships with students from different backgrounds and became involved with the Filipino community in Adelaide. He described those connections as an important source of familiarity and belonging.
What academic support helped him during the MBA?
AIHE’s Learning Support helped Ronan improve academic writing, referencing, research skills and assessment planning. He also learned to work consistently on assessments rather than leaving them until the deadline.
How did studying at AIHE influence Ronan professionally?
Ronan says the MBA changed the way he approaches problems and opportunities. He became more focused on research, evidence, strategic thinking, value creation and taking ownership rather than relying only on experience and intuition.
What advice does Ronan give students in the Philippines considering Australia?
His advice is to approach the opportunity with purpose, humility and openness to learning. He encourages students to ask for help, build relationships, step outside their comfort zone and learn from people, cultures and experiences beyond the classroom.
Explore your own MBA journey at AIHE
Learn about the Master of Business Administration, entry requirements, tuition fees and study options in Adelaide and Melbourne.
