I remember when I first decided I wanted to do an MBA. I was sitting at home and was browsing the different courses I could do. I love to challenge myself, and at the time, I was working in a small startup, and had reached C-level position, so I knew that this was as far as this role would take me. I began thinking about everything I had learnt in the last 5 years of my career, how far I had come, the hurdles that I had overcome and began to think – well what’s next?

And so my journey begun! I began looking at different academic institutions, and offerings but could not find an institution that reflected my entrepreneurial spirit and practical application of learning, that was until I found the Business School (formerly Cass). I felt that the Business School embodied the balance between academic theory and practical application, with lecturers and professors having been in companies and corporations, living and breathing their topic – and I knew this was the school for me.

When coming for interview, I knew that I had less experience than other candidates on the Modular Executive MBA with an average of 10+ years experience – but I knew that the richness of experience I had from working in start-ups/scale-ups and the multiple positions I had held, across sales, BD and product teams as well as experience in VC funding and opening offices internationally that there was a lot I could offer.  I was accepted into the Modular Executive MBA in 2019 with a scholarship  and began the course a few months after accepting the position.

So fast-forward to today – I am pleased to say that I am one elective and a dissertation away from completing my course, and have thoroughly enjoyed every moment.  One of my favourite parts of the course has been cohort that I am part of. The Modular Executive MBA Class of 2021 is a class full of rich talent spanning the world of science, sport, engineering, oil & gas, finance, media, consulting and technology and the networking opportunity has been fantastic.

This MBA was the right time for me as I was at a crossroads and knew that I had some gaps in my knowledge. Three months into the course I joined one of the largest technology corporations in the world, and I have managed to use the skills learnt in the course immediately into the corporation. From corporate finance, to corporate strategy  to understanding the world of M&A, I have been able to practically apply the knowledge in the course and better navigate the world of business.

Whats my advice for starting an Executive MBA under thirty?

• Are you willing to be out of your comfort zone, often and frequently?
• Are you willing to sacrifice weekends, birthday parties (before COVID-19)and nights out (OK you can have nights out, but with your MBA cohort post-essay submission)?
• Do you have someone who can listen to you moan/vent/ cry about how much work you have to do?
• Are you hungry for the next leap (not step) in your career?
• Are you prepared to work hard for what you want ?

If the answer is no to any of these, the MBA might not be for you.

If it’s yes, then let’s go.

See you in the boardroom.