In the 1960s, when the University of Wollongong’s John Glynn started his career, it was almost unheard of to chop and change between different jobs and industries.
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But, after starting as a cadet in the British aerospace industry and facing redundancy early in his career, the former Executive Dean of Business made a habit out of knowing how to change tack.
And, as he is awarded the prestigious title of Emeritus Professor at UOW graduation ceremonies this week, Professor Glynn hopes young graduates who are just beginning their careers will learn from his experience.
“I was unusual when I started work – I should have joined British Aerospace and been there today collecting my gold watch,” he said.
“But statistics tell us graduates will have at least six or eight jobs in their life.
“I want to encourage them to take the challenge, take advice, be adventurous and I guess that’s it – it’s worked for me and I hope it will work for them.”
From aerospace engineering, Professor Glynn retrained as an accountant, going on to work in London’s hospital systems and a management consultant before he began life as an academic.
UOW was the third university he worked at, and while he initially intended to stick around for about five years, he stayed for 19 years and is still heavily involved despite retiring late last year.
On Thursday, he will be recognised by Vice Chancellor Professor Paul Wellings as a driving force behind the development of the Faculty of Business, and the university’s creation of a Sydney Business School.
“Initially, I think some people in Wollongong thought ‘is this a bit crazy’,” Prof Glynn said, of the decision to install part of the institution in the Sydney CBD.
“But Sydney Business School in Circular Quay is really a strategic front door for the university, and while the business school is there it’s an asset for all part of the university to use.”
Despite leading the business school to expand Sydney and overseas, Professor Glynn said his proudest moments have been being part of a strong community.
“This is a fitting cap to my career. And it’s really a time to give back for all the university has done for me and get back to the essential things like teaching and working with research students, which is what got me here in the first place,” he said.
Almost 1000 students will receive degrees over the next two days.
Kate McIlwain
For more than a decade, I've helped the Illawarra Mercury set the news agenda across the region. Currently I'm the paper's health reporter - covering the stories of Illawarra workers and residents in the wake of a global pandemic and at a time where our health systems are stretched to the limit.
For more than a decade, I've helped the Illawarra Mercury set the news agenda across the region. Currently I'm the paper's health reporter - covering the stories of Illawarra workers and residents in the wake of a global pandemic and at a time where our health systems are stretched to the limit.
