Despite more than a decade spent in the international corporate environment, I have seen the shortcomings in my experience. Coming from technology and design, when I shifted towards business management, it quickly became clear, what are the fundamental areas I should develop. This was my deciding factor to join Bayes Business School for an Executive MBA program. Here are a few lessons I've learned that help me stay motivated in my studies

Know why you're there

Everybody takes the Executive MBA program for a reason. They are accomplished professionals who want progress in their careers. For some it's a promotion or learning new skills, others want to start in a completely new industry, or become entrepreneurs. Having a clear idea of why you're taking the program will keep you motivated throughout the program.

Leave the comfort zone

Take the modules and assessments in the areas completely new to you. My focus was to attain tangible, transferrable skills in the fields I knew little about. Being a tech-oriented person, I chose accounting, finances, and economics. It's not easy, but this is the way you learn, and the way you grow. The ability to understand a wide variety of subjects, while being an expert in a certain field will turn you into a valuable T-shaped professional.

Embrace the negative feedback

You will learn more from your biggest critics, than from the people who agree with you. Work with people who have different skills than yours, so you can both learn from each other and complement your competencies. It's difficult to critically assess your own work, so rely on others to do this for you. You will definitely know how to improve in the future.

Time management is king

We have to balance work with studies, and personal life. Even though the executive program is available part-time, it is crucial to plan way ahead of time. Be clear of the requirements of the studies with your employer. Make sure the private commitments are considered. Start early on the assessments and don’t let them pile up. Commit to a consistent study schedule, especially in an at-home setting, where it is easy to lose focus on the studies. If you can, create a space where you only study. When you enter that space, you're always in one mode, with no distractions.

Maximise focus, then relax

EMBA is a demanding program, both on the studying and assessment sides. The volume of work makes it easy to forget to rest or neglect the close ones. Typically, you'd plan for periods of deep work. What a lot of people forget is to develop the ability to do the same for moments of rest. It's not only about scheduling a vacation. It's taking a time to read a fantasy novel, instead of a textbook. We underestimate the small, everyday things, but they are essential for sustaining a high level of engagement in our studies.

Being a strong believer in life-long learning, taking the Executive MBA at Bayes is one of the steps that will take me to the next level. Like being bi-lingual, it opens new opportunities in professional life and allows you to work with a truly talented people. Imagine what will that do to you, commit to it, and enjoy the experience!