REFLECTIONS ON LEARNINGS FROM THE MBA: MY JOURNEY TO LBS

After graduating over 13 years ago, returning to classroom academics was never an easy decision to take, as it was obvious that I would have to unlearn old habits and relearn new things with each day. My working experience began in financial institutions and as I rose through the ranks, I began to see the need to build upon the experience to be able to fit into the future business environment.

I decided to enroll for an MBA program during my final days with my last employer as I saw the need to equip myself in general business administration because the business terrain was changing and evolving at a rapid pace. I had earmarked up to 10 business schools across 10 countries based on recommendations and ratings. I finally settled for the Lagos Business school after a careful and thorough decision making process.

Starting the MBA program in October of this year, I thought I would have been able to manage my time between running my business, schooling, parenting and other ancillary daily functions. However, reflecting on the learning and experiences I have had so far; it has taught me the importance of planning my time properly.

As a former banking professional, I have a deep appreciation on how the corporate financial accounting course is simplified and how to properly interpret financial information or decision making. As part of our pre-banking requisites, we were trained to prepare financial reports, bookkeeping and ensuring the integrity of the financials of a company. The most important learning on this course is the understanding of proper interpretation of the financials of a company and guarantee that when preparing this report, we ensure that the users of this reports properly interpret the financials we prepare which guide them in making an informed decision.

Over the years and from my days as a banking professional, Microsoft excel (M.s excel) has been a work tool which I have mastered the use. As I advanced in my career, where almost all processes are highly automated, the dependence on excel for reports has been eliminated, thereby limiting the everyday use of M.s excel. Data analytics has brought back the use of M.s excel and the formulas, use of M.s excel in preparing reports which I have lost touch with is being restored gradually. Other learning in data analytic i intend to grasp is the understanding of probability and decision tree analysis and how I can apply it in my everyday business life.

While still in the early stages of courses like; Nature of Humans, Analysis of Business Problems and Data Analytics; the overall approach to the courses and the various cases treated so far, are interestingly a new dimension of academics to me.

I am also learning how to effectively make use of my calendar and put in all activities I have for each day from business, school run, work out, reading my e-mails, attending meetings, attending classes, studying and even completing my assignments on time. This phase is bringing out a new side of me I never knew existed and is improving my overall efficiency in my daily life.

Happy reading.

#MMBA5