Balancing work, family and study isn’t easy – yet for Harshy Premarathne, taking on an Executive MBA opened up new opportunities for personal growth and career fulfilment.
When Harshy Premarathne decided to take on an Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) while working full time and raising two young children, she knew it would be a big commitment. But for her, this journey was about more than just adding credentials – it was about making space for personal growth, rebuilding confidence and finding work that felt truly meaningful.
Finding direction through human insight
Harshy's career path took unexpected turns. Originally from Sri Lanka, she moved to Australia to pursue a Bachelor of Accounting degree, a journey that spanned ten years.
"I never really enjoyed studying accounting," she admits.
"But I stuck with it because I wanted to finish what I started."
Although she completed her degree, Harshy never ventured into accounting. Instead, she trusted her instincts and transitioned into digital media, where she found her calling in understanding consumer behaviour and applying those insights to business strategy.
Harshy began her career in media buying at a digital agency, but it wasn’t long before she became fascinated by the power of research to uncover human patterns and predict market trends. That curiosity led her to advocate for a move to the strategy team, where she enjoyed honing her skills in understanding consumer behaviour.
“I loved science fiction growing up. I’ve always been into anything futuristic – and strategy kind of feels like that. If you can see a pattern forming, you can start to predict what might come next,” she says.
Her interest deepened during the COVID years when she stepped into a larger role in human profiling and behavioural research. That experience eventually led her to a role at the market research and data analytics company, YouGov, where she helps brands and charities use syndicated research tools strategically.
“There’s a technical side to my role, running research and delivering insights, but also a human side, where you're helping clients think through their challenges,” she explains.
“Then there’s the commercial aspect: ensuring the work delivers value and builds relationships.”
Amidst all these professional shifts, the idea of further education remained a constant in Harshy's mind. She had grown up in a family that genuinely valued learning not just as an end-goal, but as something to enjoy.
Some of the MBA subjects actually helped me process and manage my workload. They gave me tools to prioritise, rebuild my sense of balance, understand my mindset and approach work in a healthier way.
Deciding to study again – on her own terms
For more than three years, Harshy thought seriously about returning to study, carefully considering how it would fit alongside her career and family responsibilities. She approached the decision methodically.
“I tracked how I was spending my time – reading books, watching TV – and realised I could realistically find about 15 discretionary hours a week for study,” she says.
During that reflective period, she came across the Executive MBA (Entrepreneurship) at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS).
“If I was going back to study, it had to be something I knew I’d enjoy,” she says.
“What I didn’t realise the first time around when choosing a degree is that talent doesn’t matter as much as showing up – and you’ll only show up consistently if you like what you’re doing. It sounds obvious now, but it took me a while to understand that.”
The UTS EMBA struck the right balance. What stood out to her most was the structure: a combination of core subjects, practical components, and a mix-and-match element that allowed her to tailor the experience to her interests. That flexibility aligned with her instinct for self-directed, practical learning – and felt directly relevant to her career.
The admissions process also felt refreshingly personal.
“The interview wasn’t just a tick-the-box thing, it felt like a real conversation. They were genuinely interested in me, what I’d done, and what I wanted to get out of the course. It felt human,” she says.
The short, six-week sessions also gave her the flexibility she needed. Harshy began studying two subjects at a time but quickly realised it was too much and dropped down to just one.
“Studying one at a time let me actually absorb what I was learning and balance life's other commitments,” she says.
Even as classmates completed the program more quickly, she stayed focused on what worked best for her: prioritising depth of learning over speed.
Planning for success
Planning and communication with both her family and employer were central to Harshy’s approach to study. Before each subject began, she reviewed the course outline, researched the lecturer, mapped out key assessment dates and built a plan. She also sat down with her family to talk through the logistics and make sure everyone understood the short-term sacrifices involved.
"The reality wasn't always glamorous," she says.
"It was lonely sometimes, and the house wasn't always in top shape. Dinners were often simple. I missed things. But I always kept in mind why I was doing it. If you go into the process knowing this is what it's going to be like, it's easier to accept it as part of the journey."
Harshy also maintained open communication with her employer, often scheduling research interviews during lunch breaks and keeping colleagues informed of her commitments.
"Some of the MBA subjects actually helped me process and manage my workload. They gave me tools to prioritise, rebuild my sense of balance, understand my mindset and approach work in a healthier way," she says.
The experience also strengthened her empathy and understanding of people – a quality she sees as essential in any professional setting.
Finding confidence and community
In her final two years at UTS, Harshy was awarded the Women in Entrepreneurship Scholarship, which provided not only financial support but also a deepened sense of confidence and self-belief. She had first come across the scholarship in her first year but didn’t apply.
"I just didn't think I was qualified," she says.
"The next year, my mindset had shifted to ‘surely you can give it a try’."
The application process itself helped her recognise the impact of her work and the value she brings – especially through her community contributions like volunteering at school, running social groups and creating spaces for people to connect.
“The money was amazing,” she says.
“But someone believing in me was even more amazing.”
If there’s something you want to do, trust that you can do it. Even if it’s hard. Even if it means giving something up. Because it can absolutely change the way you think, lead and live.
A new mindset, and a new degree
Now several months after completing the degree, Harshy carries more than just an MBA – she brings a deep sense of accomplishment and a new way of seeing the world.
“I think differently. I approach problems in a new way. I’ve become more articulate. I understand leadership through a different lens now,” she reflects.
“It’s not just about getting results – it’s about how people feel when they work with you. That human side matters.”
Her studies sharpened her understanding of business complexity while reinforcing that leadership is, at its core, about people.
“We need to stop thinking of business as a machine. These are people you’re dealing with,” she says.
“The MBA reminded me how important it is to bring humanity into our roles.”
For anyone weighing up postgraduate study alongside work, family and life, Harshy is honest about the commitment, but clear about the reward.
“It’s a deeply personal choice. But if it’s driven by something meaningful to you, not just the credential, it’s worth it.”
“If there’s something you want to do, trust that you can do it. Even if it’s hard. Even if it means giving something up. Because it can absolutely change the way you think, lead and live.
“And when you finish,” she adds, “it’s a game changer.”
Harshy’s top tips for finding balance during postgrad study
- Be realistic about your time: Before committing to study, track how you spend your time. Understanding what you can realistically set aside will help you plan your workload more effectively.
- Choose a course you will truly enjoy: Passion always beats talent when it comes to showing up consistently. When you're genuinely interested, the hard work feels more meaningful and sustainable.
- Plan ahead: Before each subject begins, review the course outline, map out key assessment dates, set expectations with your family and workplace, and be open about the short-term sacrifices.
- Go at your own pace: Adjust your subject load if needed, prioritising depth of learning and your well-being over simply finishing faster.
- Stay connected to your ‘why’: There will be sacrifices but keeping your reasons for studying front and centre will help you keep going through the tough times – and make your wins even more rewarding.
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