My experience within the short period of starting the MBA program at LBS is unravelling and revealing. The facilitators have helped reinforce a few things I knew but was rarely uncertain about. There are instances where I have received different positions on a few things in the past, and I had no confidence to take a position on the ideal applications until now. I have learnt new ways and approaches to many things, and I am most astonished at how I found immediate application for many of these learnings at work and home.
The data analytics class is a typical case in this instance. Before I started the course, I had pending work on some seemingly extensive data analytics. It required thorough investigation and analysis of some data that comes daily. They have substantial cost implications for the company, and I needed to make sense of them; otherwise, they would become a source of dispute with another party. I had moved it to another time when I could dedicate many more hours. I later found out from the class that my approach to this work was challenging and exhausting. Sadly, I have been doing it this way for many years. Finding an easier way to sort and analyse this data, I did the whole job and came up with some findings before returning to the office the following week. This is an instant gain from my decision to go on this academic journey. I will discuss my enlightening experience with Corporate Finance Accounting in another post soon.
The facilitators are comfortable in their own skin and reflect it in their classes. This resonates throughout the sessions, and it is always a calm atmosphere. The classes are always engaging as they encourage massive class participation from students. Relatable real-life scenarios, instances and analogies are constantly used as either references or examples to illustrate or buttress their points. The interactive session allows us to actively participate in the learning.
It has, however, been very demanding. The folks that named the “Intensive week” were deliberate and meant every word of it. The week was intentionally designed to be intense. My classmates and I could barely catch our breath for the whole week. Marathon reading, studying and analysing cases in preparation for the following classes would hardly allow one to sleep. The impromptu assignments and presentations bring to mind the boys’ scout motto – “Be Prepared”. As an executive, you must be prepared for the unexpected and respond rightly and adequately to such situations or crises.
Now aware of the substantial cost, in actual effect and all ramifications, I am still fully prepared to go through it. It is an investment for the future, and I am willing and committed to the worthiness of this cause. Like the farmer, my hands are on this plough, and there is no looking back.
