Prospects Postgrad UK 2007/2008 - (Page 105) SPONSORED BY www.prospects.ac.uk/PostgradUK BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT/MBA 105 IMAGE: BRUNEL UNIVERSITY BUSINESS AT BRUNEL Saradha L. Cabral completed a degree in Commerce, specialising in management and marketing, at Deakin University in Melbourne. After a few years in industry, Saradha decided to return to his studies and took up a Masters of Business Administration at the Brunel Business School, Brunel University. CRITICAL THINKING I always wanted a career in marketing or advertising, as I believe I have a creative edge in my work. I chose to pursue a commerce degree as opposed to an arts degree, though, because I wanted to get into the strategic area of business rather than the creative side, as it is what I enjoy the most. I also believed that specialising in management and marketing would enable me to apply myself to a variety of careers. Having come from a marketing and management background and having worked in that area extensively means that a lot of things covered on the MBA are not entirely new to me. But the MBA has given me a new perspective of the things I already knew and has made me think more critically, which I think is the key for me at this level. After my first degree I returned to Sri Lanka and worked As much as the MBA has given me some good academic for Reckitt Benckiser Plc, a multinational marketing foundations, what I really think I am getting out of it is the company, as a Brand Manager. I also worked for Leo structuring of my knowledge and experience in more rational Burnett Advertising, a global advertising conglomerate as a and logical directions. I believe it has grounded my thinking Corporate Communications and PR Manager. During this more than my first degree and polished my knowledge. time, especially at Leo Burnett, I progressed upward within Since an MBA is more of an ‘all-rounder’ degree I the organisation in a short span of four years. believe there are many areas I could work in. However, I However, I had to make a conscious decision to put my would like to focus on general management and/or career on hold and complete a Masters, as had I continued, marketing (corporate/brand or strategic) as these are two I would never have got down to doing an MBA. key areas I have an interest in. GLOBAL RECOGNITION PROFESSIONAL MIGRATION I chose to study in the UK because I wanted to pursue my postgraduate studies in a more western, fast-paced environment. The UK has some of the world’s best universities and education structures, which I wanted to experience. In addition, London is a city I love, because of its diversity and rich history, which is one of the reasons I chose to study at Brunel. I had several criteria in mind when I evaluated which university to study at; global recognition, value for money, and flexibility were the key factors. I chose Brunel University’s MBA because of its AMBA accreditation, which is a global recognition of a good MBA. It was important to me as an international student that the qualification I obtained stood out in any market I wished to pursue my career. In addition to this, the affordability and the modular flexibility to study at my own pace made Brunel attractive. Another factor that persuaded me was that my father had completed his PhD in Brunel in the 1970s, and I kind of wanted to follow suit. Depending on what opportunities I may get, I am willing to consider other areas if the challenge is worthwhile. I have already received indications of some compelling job offers back in Sri Lanka but at this point I want to keep my options open. I would like to remain in the UK after my studies and work for a couple of years to put my knowledge to the test. I am also considering professional migration, as it is more of a challenge for me to work in a mature market. The decision I will make will be based on my long-term career prospects and my family commitments. The main advantage of being an international student in the UK is the exposure and experience one can gain from a mature commercial market. The complexity of business and the competitiveness of the market give managers many more opportunities to learn and perform. Another key point is the exposure you get to all countries of the EU. It makes the learning experience even richer. I would like to see more career opportunities for international students who complete MBAs in the UK though, as work restrictions can limit one’s true career potential. http://www.prospects.ac.uk/PostgradUK
For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.