Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Northumbria University Graduate (2021)
What drove me to pursue my MBA was the desire to gain new knowledge and learnings that are relevant to what I do in my current job.
The modules covered were very relevant and were the most beneficial part of the programme to me, and they helped me gain the knowledge necessary to lead my business. The programme allowed me to apply what I had learned in real work situations, such as in managing people, financial management and strategy planning.
For example, in the Strategic Marketing module, the various theories and models related to branding helped me to review and apply my internal and external brand positioning in my business. In the module, Managing in the Digital Economy, I learned to relate strategic issues such as technology adoption, digital marketing platforms and more, and consider how these could be broadly applied across business lines.
Furthermore, there was the opportunity to learn through group discussions and research work. As part of my assignment in the Leader Identity and Leadership module, I had the opportunity to interview a leader to understand his challenges and analyse his leadership style. Through this, I could reflect on my own leadership style.
My advice to those thinking of pursuing an MBA is to be mentally prepared that the end goal is not just the certificate, but the opportunity to expand one’s learnings and business knowledge through classes, study groups and research. Networking is certainly the best part about taking up an MBA programme. I had a regular study group where we met up regularly to catch up about work, apart from discussing assignments.
In my opinion, those who aspire to grow into a leadership role should take up this MBA programme.
Neo John Ji
Neo John Ji
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Northumbria University Graduate (2021)
I was driven to pursue an MBA as I felt stagnant in terms of my level of knowledge and desired a breakthrough in terms of my professional network. The in-depth and stringent MBA programme broadened my knowledge in managing the business with a practical approach, allowing us to apply knowledge learned through the assignments.
Networking is the best part about taking up an MBA. In my cohort, there was a surgeon from a public hospital and there were many students in senior positions in large companies from various fields. This helped me to grow my connections.
My advice to those who are thinking of taking up an MBA is: Don’t think, just do. Taking up an MBA is not just a career-propelling act, but has taught me to prioritise the things I do daily while advancing my knowledge and challenging what I thought I knew, having managed a business for a decade. Furthermore, have an open mind and practice good time management while learning, re-learning and challenging yourself to greater heights.
With a growing percentage of the population holding at least a Bachelor’s Degree, it is imperative to have an MBA to stand out among your peers. From middle management executives to busy business owners like myself, taking the time and effort to achieve an MBA qualification will bring you a new skill set and mindset. Because Kaplan offers a manageable timetable for the programme, it is not difficult, speaking as a married man with three kids, similar to many peers in my class.