Choosing the right MBA programme for me

Executive MBA student, Tribeni Chougule, describes her process for deciding which MBA to study and explains why the Executive MBA London format was the best choice for her.  

Going back to studying after twenty years wasn’t an easy decision, but it was the only way that I could fulfil my long-time dream of doing an MBA. It was also the time when I felt that I needed to rediscover myself and determine the future course of my career. So, in late 2018, I found myself giving the MBA serious thought and making a plan.

My first step was a conversation with my husband and daughter, who would be directly impacted as a result of me embarking on my MBA journey. Their unwavering support was a huge impetus in making me take the next steps. I started shortlisting institutions based on rankings and reached out to alumni of these institutes from my network to get their views. As I was going to be self-sponsored, the fees and scholarships were important criteria in my shortlisting. I decided to attend open days at these business schools before making my applications.

I experienced very positive vibes when I attended a WBS open day at The Shard. The ambience was undoubtedly conducive to a great learning experience, and the admissions team were super helpful, not only on that day but throughout the process, answering my unending list of questions and helping me with my application. One thing that struck me during the WBS open day was flexibility. The modules are taught face-to-face, but students can also choose to pursue elective modules from the Distance Learning MBA, providing flexibility to manage studies even if work or life meant that I couldn’t keep to my designated schedule with my cohort. Little did I realise then how valuable this aspect would be.

Six months into the course and Covid-19 struck, taking away the possibility of face-to-face learning. WBS promptly switched to an effective online delivery mode for those wanting to stick to the schedule, giving others the chance to defer if they preferred. This flexibility has been invaluable for me personally, because despite illnesses, extreme business at work and Covid-19, I have been able to be on track overall for the number of modules I wanted to complete this year.

The weekday evening option is the least disruptive to work and yet wasn’t the suitable one for me, therefore, I opted for the Friday and Saturday fortnightly classes, and it has been ideal. Having also attended a couple of my modules in the Warwick mode (Wednesday to Saturday), I have found that the pattern works well to keep you focussed on the subject, but my preference is still for the London weekend pattern.

A significant factor in deciding on which business school was the diversity of the cohort as I was aware that the learning in the classroom was driven by the professor’s teachings as well as the discussions generated by the students sharing  their experiences. The conversations have been fascinating and it has been a tremendous learning experience so far – from the modules, the excellent professors and guest speakers, exploring new industries and domains through assignments and interacting with great professionals who have been fellow students in the modules. Another crucial benefit has been discovering facets about myself and planning the course ahead with the superlative WBS CareersPlus team through 1-2-1 support, group workshops and webinars.

I look forward to another year of learning, and with certainty I can say that while it has been a tough and challenging journey, I am delighted that I have chosen to pursue my MBA with WBS, a worthwhile investment to fulfil my penchant for learning and curiosity.

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