With a gold medal in engineering and a work experience of over three years, I wanted to manoeuvre my professional path to a technocratic career. I searched for a course and university that would equip me with the required business acumen and build the right personality to pursue my goal successfully. Researching on universities offering MBA in the U.K., Strathclyde Business School (SBS) interested me as it offered a strategic curriculum that introduces the various dimensions of an organisation. Strathclyde University reinforced my decision by awarding me a scholarship of £5000.
Being a StrathyIt’s a tradition at SBS to name its cohorts after the Scottish mountains and mine, named ‘Ben Eibhinn’, gave a sense of belonging with Scotland right from the start. My class is an epitome of diversity. Comprising students from 17 different countries it widened cultural exchange, and adding to this are our diverse professional backgrounds; we are a cohort ranging from a Rock Band Manager to an Investment Banker. The intellectual curiosity, zeal to make a difference and motivation flaunted by every student created a conducive learning environment.
The unique feature of an SBS MBA is the emphasis on practical learning. For each subject we are taught, SBS invites an organisation to share its practical knowledge that is of relevance to each module. This year we gained insight into Edrington Group, a Scotch whisky company. We visited their bottling unit during our operations management module and the group’s CFO presented their financial management when learning finance and accounts management.
These experiences bridge the gap in on-the-job analysis that exists in a full-time course. Real-time application is emphasised even during our assignments where we are encouraged to write professional reports to the CEO rather than merely an academic report. To accomplish these tasks, we are supported by massive library e-services and encouraged to network extensively.
While SBS Strategy Management is ranked third in the world, entrepreneurship is also encouraged through initiatives like Enterprise Pathway which provide a platform to pitch our new ventures. We have Friday forums, where organisations provide opportunities to students to solve some of the persistent problems with creative and innovative thinking. The career services provided are invaluable and have played a vital role in me obtaining a job within the tough U.K. market.
It is not all work and no play at SBS. I, as a member of the Social Committee have organised events to celebrate the international festivals. We party when finishing assignments as well as when starting a term.
Life at GlasgowIf a top-notch MBA is offered in a place that can be buzzing, entertaining, culturally rich and peaceful and at a relatively low cost of living, what could be more rewarding? Glasgow exhibits great Scottish culture, presents different cuisines for food connoisseurs and a great arena for football fans. With Indian restaurants and groceries at every corner, Glasgow hasn’t disappointed me with food.
The writer is currently pursuing MBA in Strathclyde Business School (SBS), Glasgow, U.K.
Email: anisha.pola@gmail.com
