Why do an Executive MBA under 30 ?
I remember when I first decided I wanted to do an MBA. I was sitting at home and was browsing the different courses I could do. I love to challenge myself, and at the time, I was working in a small startup, and had reached C-level position, so I knew that this was as far as this role would take me. I began thinking about everything I had learnt in the last 5 years of my career, how far I had come, the hurdles that I had overcome and began to think – well what’s next?
And so my journey begun! I began looking at different academic institutions, and offerings but could not find an institution that reflected my entrepreneurial spirit and practical application of learning, that was until I found the Business School (formerly Cass). I felt that the Business School embodied the balance between academic theory and practical application, with lecturers and professors having been in companies and corporations, living and breathing their topic – and I knew this was the school for me.
When coming for interview, I knew that I had less experience than other candidates on the Modular Executive MBA with an average of 10+ years experience – but I knew that the richness of experience I had from working in start-ups/scale-ups and the multiple positions I had held, across sales, BD and product teams as well as experience in VC funding and opening offices internationally that there was a lot I could offer. I was accepted into the Modular Executive MBA in 2019 with a scholarship and began the course a few months after accepting the position.
So fast-forward to today – I am pleased to say that I am one elective and a dissertation away from completing my course, and have thoroughly enjoyed every moment. One of my favourite parts of the course has been cohort that I am part of. The Modular Executive MBA Class of 2021 is a class full of rich talent spanning the world of science, sport, engineering, oil & gas, finance, media, consulting and technology and the networking opportunity has been fantastic.
This MBA was the right time for me as I was at a crossroads and knew that I had some gaps in my knowledge. Three months into the course I joined one of the largest technology corporations in the world, and I have managed to use the skills learnt in the course immediately into the corporation. From corporate finance, to corporate strategy to understanding the world of M&A, I have been able to practically apply the knowledge in the course and better navigate the world of business.
So, if you are thinking about doing an MBA and are under 30, my advice to you would be the following:
- Are you willing to be out of your comfort zone, often and frequently?
- Are you willing to sacrifice weekends, birthday parties (before COVID-19)and nights out (OK you can have nights out, but with your MBA cohort post-essay submission)?
- Do you have someone who can listen to you moan/vent/ cry about how much work you have to do?
- Are you hungry for the next leap (not step) in your career?
- Are you prepared to work hard for what you want ?
If the answer is no to any of these, the MBA might not be for you.
If it’s yes, then let’s go.
See you in the boardroom.
Georgia Matthews, Modular Executive MBA (2021)