Oxford Brookes Global MBA
With a job that demanded too much of me, I was looking for a world-renowned school and a flexible programme that could allow me to balance work and study.
With its rankings and accreditations, the flexibility of Oxford Brookes University's Global MBA programme and its highly structured, well-calibrated courses had caught my attention. The programme aligned well with both my professional and personal aspirations.
It wasn't easy for me to work and study while living in a war-torn region.
However, the flexibility of the programme and the structure of the course made it easy for me. The Oxford Brookes MBA team supported and guided me along the way. This has enabled me to balance work and study. I'm also very grateful to my family who, despite the very difficult times, continued to encourage me and I finished the programme by winning a place on the Dean's List.
Firstly, the diversity of the Oxford Brookes Global MBA offered me an excellent opportunity to meet global faculties and professionals from different fields.
I gained more skills and invaluable experience that enabled me to see the business world from a different angle, with a more global, strategic and sustainable dimension. The MBA programme taught me a lot about time management and resilience. And, with the MBA experience I designed the development strategy of one of the biggest agricultural programmes in DRC by integrating financial perspective, conservation and sustainable energy. The programme gave me the opportunity to learn through knowledge sharing, creativity and industry insights and culture perspectives, but it also allowed me to build a professional and personal network, and a very strong relationship with so many of my classmates.
The synchronised virtual seminars and face-to-face sessions are filled with very rich and constructive debates.
What's more, the programme being more business orientated, the different case studies, the comparison of different business strategies, the entrepreneurial spirit and, above all, the Saras Sarasvathy's notion on effectuation still resonate in my mind. All this has strengthened and broadened my application of business concepts with a deep understanding of all sectors. The analysis of the macro environment and the 4Rs of Surja Datta remain part of my daily professional life and decision steps. The constant support of the MBA team from the Programme Director Diana Limburg, Cristina and the academic team through all the modules is exceptional.
The last part of the programme was exceptional.
It took place at a very difficult time in terms of security in my region. However, the closeness shown by the programme administration, in particular Diane Limburg, and the coaching and mentoring attitude of my capstone supervisor, Gillian Moorse, were a great source of motivation for me. Thanks to Gillian for her support and challenging feedback. It pushed me to deepen my academic analysis and critical thinking during the development of my dissertation. It drove me to go beyond my expectations and I got rewarded a place on the Dean's List for academic excellence, social responsibility and environmental sustainability.
From recruitment through to the completion of the programme,
the university and its staff were very supportive. I really appreciated the academic support available at all times throughout the programme, the career development service and the extensive access to the library. In particular, I appreciated the proximity of the lecturers to answer any questions and the group work with the fellow students.
Completing the Global MBA with an award for academic excellence, social responsibility and environmental sustainability despite the very challenging situations is proof of a quality learning experience. It immersed me in a practical and critical thinking world that is invaluable in a business context. The programme strengthened my knowledge and skills to critical thinking, driving creativity and innovation in social life and business. It helped to develop my leadership style and provide me with competences for my future and community development.