Personal Reflections on the value of an MBA

Written by Administrator
Tuesday, 05 July 2011 14:43

Charlotte Nkuna - I studied my MBA in 2003/4, at the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS). At the time of my studies, I was marketing manager at Novartis Animal Health. Being a veterinarian, I had picked up some business-management skills working at Novartis. It was after enrolling for the MBA programme that I realised how limited my business understanding was. I realised how diverse the backgrounds of the students were.

The diverse, stimulating discussions were invaluable. I met some very successful individuals. I had always considered myself a high achiever, but in the programme I came to realise that outside my world, people were doing great things and breaking new ground. In the programme I made new friends, business partners and acquaintances I have kept to this day.

The programme made me a more rounded business person with a much greater understanding of the business world and how the pieces of organisations fit together. For me the area that was most beneficial was getting a better understanding of financial principles and applications. I got a good grasp of the finances within my own area of work.

Furthermore, I believe in setting myself apart from my colleagues. This was my motivation for joining the programme in the first place.

I planned to maximise the benefits of the qualification to push myself up the professional ladder. I moved up within Novartis South Africa to be the head of sales and marketing for the animal-health business unit. I believe that by doing the MBA I demonstrated my drive, ability and desire to move up. I could commit and stay the course and see things through.

My next move was an international assignment to the UK to head up farm-animal business marketing for Novartis Animal Health. In the programme I learnt to be a generalist. I switched disciplines to brand strategist at Interbrand Sampson with absolute ease. I realised that I could take up any position and be excellent. For me professionally, the sky is not even the limit.

I would strongly and always recommend to my friends who have the opportunity to enrol for an MBA to go for it, if for nothing else then for setting themselves apart from their peers. It demonstrates the level of commitment one has. To be in the presence of highly successful and ambitious individuals motivates one to aspire to better and greater things.

I benefitted most from the informal discussions held among classmates. The informal learning is even more valuable than the programme itself. I now plan to enrol for my DBA to further my growth. In spite of the strenuous workload, an MBA is worth the pain – and I loved my time at GIBS. Oh, by the way, the choice of school is very important and was a really big deal for me.

Connie Nkosi – knowledge is power

The MBA degree is highly valuable in that it provides knowledge and skills in a number of disciplines. One gets to understand finance, marketing, human resources, economics and other critical facets of running a business. The MBA also teaches business skills and instils that entrepreneurial spirit.

Business is complex. In order to succeed as a business person and make profits, one must have skills.

Today’s business landscape has become highly competitive because of globalisation. South African businesses now have to face international competition. For example, Wal-Mart has bought Massmart, a South African retailer. The significance of this buy-out is that companies such as Pick n Pay, Shoprite Checkers, Woolworths and others must now sharpen their skills and start being more alert.

Having an MBA opens doors. But you must still make yourself competitive. The MBA provides the base, but you need to study and acquire a deeper understanding. Knowledge is power, and the acquisition of an MBA fits that adage very well.

The MBA has helped me to stand my ground. There is so much prejudice against women in all spheres of life, and I believe the MBA has helped me to ward off prejudice and discrimination.

I have been able to offer my opinion and views on any topic, thanks to the MBA. People should respect you for what you know and not for who you are. In most democratic societies you actually become who you are because of what you know. I have come to like and respect the American democracy.

I am a sceptic by nature, and I was very sceptical of the prospect of Barack Obama being elected to the highest office in America. Yes, it happened because Obama is smart. He is knowledgeable and has been perceived as someone who can lead the Americans out of their problems. Despite going through tough times, he seems to be doing a relatively good job. Democracy is a competition of ideas, and those people who are knowledgeable must win.

Businesses drive a country’s economy. A country’s gross domestic product is a function of business output. What this then means is that people running a business must at least have a business degree. An MBA is a wonderful degree to have as it helps you understand what business is all about. Countries such as China and India, whose GDP is growing in double digits, have as political agendas the education of their youth.

In China we are told that when they send students to America, it is imperative that they return and contribute to the economic growth of their home country.

Most entrepreneurs have become aware that they must equip themselves with a recognisable degree. An MBA certainly stands one in good stead. Entrepreneurs create jobs. President Jacob Zuma is urging the country to create jobs. People that understand what job creation means will be the first to take heed and help with job creation.

Having an MBA also helps graduates to acquire the necessary negotiation skills in a world where deal making and joint ventures require these skills.