Source: http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Opinion&title=MBA-footprints&id=53030
In a couple of days, De La Salle University will declare me a master of business administration (MBA) at the Philippine International Convention Center -- yes, on my graduation day!
In a couple of days, De La Salle University will declare me a master of business administration (MBA) at the Philippine International Convention Center -- yes, on my graduation day!
Studying for an MBA degree is no walk in the park. One has to invest a great deal of time and resources to complete the program, which equips students with knowledge and understanding of management concepts and their applications that are critical for effective management in the real business environment.
The legendary Wash Sycip, who referred to himself as only a bookkeeper, wrote, "Basic credentials are not enough to ensure success in any profession. This means that learning will be, as it should be, a lifelong activity. We must be open to continuously retooling or retraining ourselves to remain competitive."
God created us with a desire to learn. In May 2009, my thirst for learning led me to enroll in the MBA program as a part-time student when I was still working for the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.
Many students take the program to advance their careers, to shift to more lucrative ones, or to increase their salaries, and having an MBA degree is a requirement or an advantage for them. I have classmates and friends with limited business background who are about to inherit or take over their family businesses; thus, courses such as finance, human resources, operations, marketing, and information management equip them for the exigent post.
Surprisingly, a handful of students go to school to release work-related stress; thus, taking classes enables them to learn, think, and conceptualize new ideas. And of course, there are the "outliers": people who crave mental stimulation and thirst for knowledge; consequently, learning is fun for them.
All my eight terms in business school teemed with challenges. As most MBA students know, it’s not easy to balance studies with a day job and/or business and to manage family and personal time. Moreover, some professors (and the subjects they teach) can be really tough. Because I took accountancy in college, I found my accounting and finance subjects easy. However, I had to burn my eyebrows for the other subjects such as management science, operations management, organizational behavior, and strategic management. Most of my classmates and I enjoyed ethics and corporate social responsibility as these subjects stimulated discussions and interactions that are relevant to day-to-day business situations.
Besides understanding frameworks and core concepts of management, I learned two important lessons during my MBA journey.
First, having mentors is one of life’s greatest gifts. Professors are there to mentor students. I had teachers who are known for their distinguishing teaching styles and classroom management. They taught with great erudition and passion. Just a tip: the best way to get hold of them is to invite them over coffee for "consultation."
While some of them may seem tough, they all aspire to help students develop their skills and realize their potential. Being in the Strategic Management class of Dr. Elfren S. Cruz was the most challenging time for me. Meeting with him was like going into battle. He passionately taught us how to use frameworks for decision-making. We had to go to class prepared. And, as class president, I was given a tall order: "Nobody left behind!" I had to ensure everyone would pass the class. I remember his telling me, "Ms. Ore, I’m preparing you to be CEO." In hindsight, I value every encounter with him. And for the record, everyone in our class passed the course.
Second, having an MBA degree is a huge responsibility. While going to school and acquiring higher education give us a chance to better our lives, we must not forget our greater calling -- to serve and better the lives of others. An MBA degree is more than just possessing solid business skills or carrying a powerful brand. It is more than finding business partners, or being class president, or getting a perfect GPA, or having the privilege to write for this column.
Finally, having an MBA degree does not guarantee success. It is our sovereign God (not our parents, bosses, mentors, or professors) who promised this: "For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." One thing I am assured of: When we commit everything to the Lord and trust Him, He shall bring it to pass, and our plans will succeed.
The author, a trustee and CFO of GreenEarth Heritage Foundation, Inc., is graduating with a perfect cumulative GPA of 4.0. The views expressed above are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official position of De La Salle University.
Studying for an MBA degree is no walk in the park. One has to invest a great deal of time and resources to complete the program, which equips students with knowledge and understanding of management concepts and their applications that are critical for effective management in the real business environment.
God created us with a desire to learn. In May 2009, my thirst for learning led me to enroll in the MBA program as a part-time student when I was still working for the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.
Many students take the program to advance their careers, to shift to more lucrative ones, or to increase their salaries, and having an MBA degree is a requirement or an advantage for them. I have classmates and friends with limited business background who are about to inherit or take over their family businesses; thus, courses such as finance, human resources, operations, marketing, and information management equip them for the exigent post.
Surprisingly, a handful of students go to school to release work-related stress; thus, taking classes enables them to learn, think, and conceptualize new ideas. And of course, there are the "outliers": people who crave mental stimulation and thirst for knowledge; consequently, learning is fun for them.
All my eight terms in business school teemed with challenges. As most MBA students know, it’s not easy to balance studies with a day job and/or business and to manage family and personal time. Moreover, some professors (and the subjects they teach) can be really tough. Because I took accountancy in college, I found my accounting and finance subjects easy. However, I had to burn my eyebrows for the other subjects such as management science, operations management, organizational behavior, and strategic management. Most of my classmates and I enjoyed ethics and corporate social responsibility as these subjects stimulated discussions and interactions that are relevant to day-to-day business situations.
Besides understanding frameworks and core concepts of management, I learned two important lessons during my MBA journey.
First, having mentors is one of life’s greatest gifts. Professors are there to mentor students. I had teachers who are known for their distinguishing teaching styles and classroom management. They taught with great erudition and passion. Just a tip: the best way to get hold of them is to invite them over coffee for "consultation."
While some of them may seem tough, they all aspire to help students develop their skills and realize their potential. Being in the Strategic Management class of Dr. Elfren S. Cruz was the most challenging time for me. Meeting with him was like going into battle. He passionately taught us how to use frameworks for decision-making. We had to go to class prepared. And, as class president, I was given a tall order: "Nobody left behind!" I had to ensure everyone would pass the class. I remember his telling me, "Ms. Ore, I’m preparing you to be CEO." In hindsight, I value every encounter with him. And for the record, everyone in our class passed the course.
Second, having an MBA degree is a huge responsibility. While going to school and acquiring higher education give us a chance to better our lives, we must not forget our greater calling -- to serve and better the lives of others. An MBA degree is more than just possessing solid business skills or carrying a powerful brand. It is more than finding business partners, or being class president, or getting a perfect GPA, or having the privilege to write for this column.
Finally, having an MBA degree does not guarantee success. It is our sovereign God (not our parents, bosses, mentors, or professors) who promised this: "For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." One thing I am assured of: When we commit everything to the Lord and trust Him, He shall bring it to pass, and our plans will succeed.
The author, a trustee and CFO of GreenEarth Heritage Foundation, Inc., is graduating with a perfect cumulative GPA of 4.0. The views expressed above are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official position of De La Salle University.
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