Adrian Dudok, a UniSQ Bachelor of Business graduate was always destined to be a highflyer. By only 24 years of age, Adrian had become a licensed aircraft maintenance engineer on a type rated aircraft, a goal for many which takes years longer to achieve.
Critically aware of the continual technological advancements being made in the industry, Adrian was determined to stay ahead of the game and chose to diversify his interests within aviation by studying a business degree with UniSQ, majoring in aircraft maintenance management.
'The 'smarts' and automation made the future of aircraft maintenance engineering less challenging…I wanted to be a part of the journey in developing and advancing technology and with my passion in entrepreneurship, engineering, and aerospace, I decided to study my business degree.'
Choosing UniSQ was the easy part for Adrian. Needing to remain in full-time work, Adrian required a university which offered him the freedom and flexibility to fit study in around other commitments, which at the time included not only his wife, but also the beginning of a whirlwind journey co-founding a new start-up business. 'It was a challenge to juggle a full-time job, part-time study and my side hustle working on a start-up, if you asked my wife, she thought I was crazy'!
Adrian credits his time studying his business degree at UniSQ as a crucial learning experience, helping to develop his decision-making skills which was of increasing value as the business grew. The range of subject selections at UniSQ were a real highlight for Adrian; he found the law and accounting subjects to be particularly interesting and beneficial.
Not stopping at having simply started his own company, Adrian continues to be more determined than ever, wanting to thrive both professionally and personally. His goals this year are to continue the growth of his successful business while also growing his own family at home.
'Success isn’t achieved by saying you own and run a business. Success is when you’ve grown a business that delivers a service or product that has a market share and adds value to your customers.'
Founded in 2015 by Adrian and his business partner Michael Creagh, Skyborne Technologies is now a thriving aerospace company whose mission is 'to develop and produce high quality robotic Defence products and software.'
Adrian says that 'being a co-founder and executive director, I have a career that is better than I imagined'.
'If you’re passionate within a field or topic, studying can be enjoyable… My philosophy has been not to chase the money but your passion and interests.'
Whilst acknowledging that financial stability can often be a motivator for individuals to pursue tertiary education, Adrian advises others to simply follow your passions. 'Just do it and don’t delay it. If you’re passionate within a field or topic, studying can be enjoyable… My philosophy has been not to chase the money but your passion and interests. When you find your passion and interests and do it well the money will chase you!'
