Ticket to the good life

Anjana Asar

Why an MBA: I always wanted to pursue a career in finance and after completing my bachelor's degree I had a dilemma whether to go for a Master of Science (MSc) programmeor an MBA. Finally my gut instinct prevailed:I chose a global MBA programme from S PJain Center of Management, Dubai campus.Apart from the obvious degree in business management, the course helped me upgrademy skills in finance and offered a valuable window into management issues.

The best part is: developing a big-picture experience of solving problems and thinking forward. In addition to boosting my level of competency, post MBA I definitely feel more confident in my interactions with people from diverse backgrounds and approach problems and situations in a completely different way.

In hindsight: Since I pursued a one-year MBA, it was very hectic and rigorous. Though most people do this to save time, my suggestion now would be to opt for a two-year course because that gives you more time outside the classroom.

The whole idea of an MBA is to spend a fair share of time getting hands-on experience and networking with professionals through meetings and seminars. A full-time, one-year course hardly leaves you any time for such activities, since it is the equivalent of a nine-to-five job along with take-home assignments.

Arjun Sahu

Why a BBA: Coming from a business family background, I was always keen on starting my own venture. That's why I wanted to pursue a BBA hoping it would help me understand the basic concepts of business. I did my BBA from Manipal University, Dubai Campus.

The best part is: The course gave me an overview of the way things operate in the corporate world, which was of great help while setting up my business. It also boosted my confidence, which, I guess, plays a major role in marketing any product you're dealing in. It also equipped me to do business with other organisations in a more professional manner.

In hindsight: Though I was happy with the course, I would have definitely liked to undertake more projects, presentations and do more of practical work and an internship for a longer period rather than focus on theoretical studies.

Abhishek Sen

Why an MBA: A degree in management is like a visa to land jobs in listed companies. That's why after completing my graduation in commerce, a postgraduation in management was my obvious choice. I did my MBA from Lucknow University, India.

The best part is: The modules on marketing and organisational behaviour are the best parts of an MBA. However, these help only if someone meticulously implements them, especially in manufacturing and products sales. Since I spent my initial years in the FMCG sector, I found the course structure in sync with my job profile.

Management gurus Peter Drucker and C.K. Prahalad have already given a specific pattern to marketing and taught us how to position our products, but ultimately how you close the deal depends on personal skill sets. As you grow, it's all about converting the MBA theories into practice.

In hindsight: If I could change anything about the course, it would be the way we dealt with case studies. I believe they should be based more on practical experiences rather than hypothetical situations. For instance, students can be attached to corporate groups and made part of a solution process that a company is pursuing for better understanding and knowledge.

Bhavishya Kanjhan

Why an MSc: While studying computer science, I realised that though I was passionate about the technology industry, I didn't fancy myself in the role of a nerd, aka a computer programmer. I wanted to have a job where I would need to work with technology, but my role would involve making business decisions. That's why I opted for an MSc in international business and marketing from the University of Birmingham in England.

The best part is: While my degree in computer science taught me to create codes, my MSc helped me think beyond the code and align my thoughts with the need of the business. The course covered all aspects of management — from marketing to human resources, from finance to operations — which not only gave me the knowledge of the entire workings of a business but also helped me develop an eye for its holistic functioning.

A perfect mix of theory and case studies helped us gain a thorough understanding of how we could implement in real life the stuff we studied in classrooms.

In hindsight: I do wish I had more time for internship. However, since the MSc was by design a one-year intensive course, the limited opportunity for internship was something I was aware of right from the beginning. It's too early for me to assess how the course has helped me since I have not yet reached a critical decision-making position in my career. But the management course has certainly helped me better understand the strategic functioning of an organisation and develop the acumen for it.

Pooja Pandey

Why an MBA: I am pursuing an executive MBA from Management Development Institute in India to take my career forward and develop a comprehensive understanding of business. Once I finish the course, I believe it will help me better align my role with the overall business objectives of the organisation and thereby accomplish my own personal objective of career growth as well.

The best part is: Though I'm only halfway through my course, I'm now able to understand how the entire organisation is working towards one goal. It helps me appreciate what other departments are doing and release myself from my own departmental myopia. The course has broadened my professional perspective.

Deepak King

Why an MBA: I did my MBA from the University of Wollongong in Dubai primarily to enrich my CV. I believe an MBA gives you better skills — whether in finding creative solutions or improving your financial acumen.

The best part is: The course has taught me that I can multitask and juggle things far more comfortably than before.

In hindsight: I believe there's no substitute to experience and no business course can teach you how to deal with problems in the real world. But they can equip you with the right tools to deal with problems. I feel success depends entirely on 3Ps — patience, practice and persistence.