The New Year was always a time for me to reflect on my accomplishments and milestones over time. I was mentally listing out my bucket list; from new places I wanted to explore; and taking risks due to fear of going out of my comfort zone. There was a longing to improve myself with new skills and cutting-edge courses that would make me exceptional and boost my confidence level. While brainstorming and writing down my goals for the year, my mind shifted to a colleague’s pleasant transformation over the two years while she enrolled for her Executive MBA with Lagos Business School. Within a few months of starting the MBA, I began to notice her confidence level drastically changed, her communication style improved and how she analyzed events and came up with conclusions was impressive. Having weighed my options about cost, rating, value for my money, and learning in the African context, I decided to take a leap of faith and enroll for my MBA at Lagos Business School.
I was reaffirmed that I made the right decision during the Orientation Programme. The facility was world-class and we were given a briefing on the Academic Programme, Extracurricular Club activities, Assistance with Job Opportunities, and a supportive Alumni Association. The Faculty used an innovative style of teaching, was extremely knowledgeable, and accessible always. I met many amazing people from different backgrounds, industries, and personality types.
The next few weeks were challenging but rewarding. I had to adjust to a new lifestyle. I had to think of ways to balance my work schedule, personal life, attend the Brush-up sessions while in traffic, and meet deadlines to submit assignments by staying up late at night. It was tasking in the beginning, but as the days went by; I learned to effectively manage time. I always outsourced or delegated anything that had to do with Financial Accounting or Analysis, but I realized anytime I tried to dodge it, it always came back to stare me in the face. I concluded that I had to face this now or never. In my first Pre-Module class with the Faculty of Corporate Financial Accounting, I was fascinated by the way he taught the course. I sat afterward thinking – if only my previous Faculty had taught me accounting in this manner, I would have been a Guru by now.
Over the years I have made some personal decisions and ventured into different businesses that did not yield favourable results. A few sessions in the Analysis of Business Problems course made me realize that in every aspect of decision-making, there is the need to carefully analyze the problem; identify the objectives; present alternatives; come up with criteria; analyze the presented alternatives, and take a decision. I now apply this process of analyzing problems to my work, personal, and other important areas of my life. I found out I save more time, money and make clear decisions.
In conclusion, taking this MBA has been one of the best decisions of my life. It has given me a sense of direction and purpose. I am looking forward to the rest of my MBA journey and I am grateful for this awesome experience.
