It pays to go back to school even after you get a job
Continuing education offers tangible and financial benefits for professionals in just about every industry, at any stage of their careers. From moving up out of an entry-level job to snagging their dream career, Dubai students seem to be benefiting tremendously from going back to school.
In the academic year, 20152016, 60,310 students were enrolled in 56 higher education providers (HEPs) all over Dubai, including full-time and part-time students. According to a higher education landscape report by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), this is a 64.3 per cent growth in the overall total number of students and an increase of 29.2 per cent in the total number of HEPs, since the first census in 2008.
Prof. Marianne W Lewis, dean of Cass Business School and professor of management, highly recommends juggling work and study but also calls it a tremendous challenge. The business school is affiliated to City University in the UK, and they offer an internationally acclaimed part-time Cass Executive MBA (EMBA). Over 500 students have completed their Executive MBA with Cass Business School in Dubai.
“Regardless of where you are in your career, you and your profession are always changing. Continuing education lets you get a new view of the context and pushes you to think more about yourself. It makes students ready for the next level of leadership,” she said.
Practise what you study
Marianne noted that the most significant benefit of continuing education is students have an immediate opportunity to practise what they study. Furthermore, age is not a barrier when students choose to pursue their masters.
Yiannis Vafeas, the managing director of Golin MENA, is currently seeking his masters in consulting and coaching for a change from INSEAD Business School. Vafeas is 44-years-old and has completed three masters and one graduate diploma, including MBA in economics, banking management, human resources and leadership.
He said: “We live in a fast-evolving world, and we need to be able to adapt to new generations constantly. I love studying, it is something like a hobby, and I also think people should have multiple careers in life…. It opens up doors in the future, and I see so much change in the way I act as a leader.”
Vafeas admits that managing time is tough. “I exercise every morning from 7am to 8am, and the environment in the office also helps. My colleagues give me time to study, and Golin has a good employee structure that gives me the space to pursue my studies.”
Managing stress and time
Marianne admits that the dual demands of work and study can get physically taxing on the student. “We have periods that focus on the individual, wherein we break for a sort of self-reflection and group reflection.”
Yuliya Shepitko, lecturer of fashion design at College of Fashion and Design (CFD), said: “The university adheres to the schedules given to the students as their development and growth is a key to their progress. The teachers and personal counselors give them coaching as to which jobs align with their skill set and also give them tips about time management and skill management.”
Continuing education lets you get a new view of the context and pushes you to think more about yourself. It makes students ready for the next level of leadership.”
Prof. Marianne W Lewis, dean of Cass Business School
The teachers and personal counselors give them coaching as to which jobs align with their skill set and also give them tips about time management and skill management.”
Yuliya Shepitko, lecturer of fashion design, CFD