Importance of having an MBA
ACCORDING to the principal of SEGi College Kuala Lumpur, Dr See Hoon Peow, having an MBA degree is important in today’s rapidly moving business world.
However, he stressed that today’s MBA is no longer the one-way medium of transmitting knowledge to students as practised in yesteryear.
Instead, it has become an exclusive community that fosters collaboration and networking opportunities that graduates can tap into for a career boost or to develop the next billion-dollar start-up.
However, before committing to an MBA programme, it is essential to have a clear goal in mind of the direction to take after completing an MBA.
Below are five things that an MBA candidate must consider before applying.
Practical course structure
Most aspiring MBA candidates have to juggle full-time work with taking care of their families.
With only 24 hours in a day, it can be taxing to add in time to study for exams and attending classes.
“At SEGi, our MBA programme is entirely coursework-based and has no examination,” Dr See said.
“We also offer alternate weekend classes to allow students the flexibility of time to spend with their loved ones or to wind down after a long work week.”
Focus on case studies
SEGi along with its UK-based partner, the University of Sunderland, has developed a unique structure that is fully assignment-based.
“Such a structure is unique as it promotes critical-thinking skills and research methodologies that are vital for taking companies to new heights and steering them into new opportunities for growth,” explained Dr See.
“An assignment-based degree is also practical for working adults as it simulates real-life events, where discussions and collaboration are required to solve problems.”
Job placement programme
Some people pursue an MBA because of their ambition and desire to move up the corporate ladder.
For others, it is because they are aiming for a career change.
At SEGi, job placement programmes are available to accommodate such ambitious individuals.
Its career office works closely with MBA candidates to fine-tune their career pathway and helps establish a solid foundation that allows them to pursue their dreams.
“We believe that a strong support structure is vital to position our students to pursue their dreams,” said Dr See.
Learning from industry partners
A robust academic and industry experience cannot be gained by simply attending lectures and completing assignments.
SEGi understands that the future of business is fast-moving and gets disrupted every day, to the point that traditional academic lecturers are unable to keep up with the needs of the marketplace.
The university has established platforms for students to learn from the industry by bringing in industry partners to share current trends and solutions to both recent and future challenges.
Such platforms benefit the students, with many applying their acquired industry knowledge to solve problems in their companies immediately even before graduating.
Structured networking programme
With the assimilation of social networks, personal networking has been diluted into a series of likes and shares with no significant meaning.
Instead, SEGi strives to develop an alumni network that fosters collaboration and peer-to-peer learning with individuals from various industries.
Dr See said the alumni are a part of a professional network from diverse sectors such as manufacturing, pharmaceutical, academia and engineering.
This exposure to various industries provides current MBA candidates the chance to build their profile, network with alumni and develop life-long learning and friendship with their peers.
Those seeking to pursue an MBA programme that fits their busy work schedule can look to SEGi Group of Colleges.
Students can choose to do their MBA at one of four campuses: Subang Jaya, Kuala Lumpur, Penang or Sarawak.
MBA candidates can complete their degree within a realistic timeframe between two and four years.
Pursuing an MBA at colleges is different from a “detached” online MBA programme as it encourages collaboration and cooperation in teams, simulating a realistic working environment.
Those who opt to pursue an online MBA stand to lose out on this added advantage and the support received from lecturers and peers.
Also, the demands of an online MBA require students to be more self-reliant and disciplined, in addition to managing their time wisely.
■ Those interested in advancing their career with an MBA at SEGi Group of Colleges can visit www. segi.edu.my for details.