Royal Holloway MBA puts careers on fast track
When choosing an MBA course to further their career, business executives should have very clear objectives in mind. Programmes can differ widely in terms of core curriculum, electives, teaching methods and practical relevance, so students need to select wisely and understand how and where they are likely to benefit most.
When choosing an MBA course to further their career, business executives should have very clear objectives in mind. Programmes can differ widely in terms of core curriculum, electives, teaching methods and practical relevance, so students need to select wisely and understand how and where they are likely to benefit most.
Dave Chow did just that when opting for the MBA in international management offered by the Royal Holloway School of Management, University of London and overseen locally by HKU SPACE. After five-plus years as a sourcing specialist with a relatively small trading company, he could see there was limited chance of career advancement without all-round business skills and the theoretical knowledge to back them up.
Having to juggle work, travel and study commitments, Chow therefore wanted a part-time course which offered academic rigour, new perspectives to apply in the workplace, and a timetable with a certain amount of flexibility. Starting in 2008, he completed most of the compulsory courses within two years and is now putting the final touches to his 12,000-word dissertation on how IT systems help to align business strategy.
“I wanted to enhance my academic knowledge, but this MBA has also given me insights, inspiration, and a different way to look at business issues,” says Chow, who is now vice president of Direct Sourcing Group, a buying agent for US-based retail giant Wal-Mart. “Changing company was not originally part of the plan, but the opportunity came up and it was a chance to use the management skills I’d learned in a much bigger organisation.”
Specifically, his role now brings him into daily contact with a wide range of people – subordinates, suppliers and customers. Understanding the disparate needs and dealing with them effectively is the key to success. It takes leadership and communication skills, as well as a comprehensive grasp of how functions like sales, operations, quality control, finance and supply chain all fit together – and how they can be improved.
“In my position, it is now more important to encourage and guide the team, not do everything for them,” Chow says. “I know when to push, when to hold back. In the past, if colleagues asked me a question, I would basically give them the solution. Now, I give them the tools; I give managers the autonomy to do their own jobs; and I see how to make better use of their different talents and abilities.”
He adds that the MBA has also made it easier to co-ordinate the activities of various departments and plan strategically. For instance, the full implications of securing new orders – perhaps additional suppliers, more quality inspections, or different shipping requirements - are quickly apparent and readily assessed.
“I can see what the extra workload will mean for staff across the company and convert that into the right message for customers, so they can see everything is under control,” Chow says.
Vince Fung is similarly sure about the benefits the MBA has brought. As the current managing director, Asia, for logistics firm Catapult International, she took a significant step up earlier this year and is now setting up new offices around the region. This requires short-term action to hire staff, establish procedures and integrate systems, while also formulating medium- to long-term plans for business acquisition and revenue growth.
“The MBA covers theory and techniques, everything from accounting and human resources to corporate social responsibility and the philosophy of management,” says Fung, who began the course in 2009 and expects to complete later this year after rescheduling final exams. “I now have the chance to put all that into action.”
In particular, she notes how insights and ideas from the programme have helped her budget effectively, establish a competent support team, and keep a close eye on costs and overheads. Besides that, the knowledge gained has given her a new level of self-confidence when it comes to organising and presenting proposals to board members and winning approval for them.
“That can be crucial if, for example, we are taking on new staff, looking for third-party vendors to support the IT function, or talking about contractors,” Fung says. “As a result of taking the MBA, I understand the way senior executives and all the other stakeholders are likely to think. That definitely helps in communicating objectives and in decision making.”
Everyone can accumulate on-the-job experience, she adds, but it only gets you so far. Realistically, anyone hoping to reach the higher echelons of management – whatever their sector – can only benefit from the academic grounding, professional outlook, and network of influential contacts which the Royal Holloway MBA gives.
“The school organises a special networking dinner every month where students can meet new faces and people from different industries,” Fung says. “We also participate in alumni activities, and HKU SPACE gives a lot of support to make these events and every aspect of the course a success.”
13th July 2013, Saturday, 1:30 – 2:30pm, at ADC302, 3/F, Admiralty Centre
13th July 2013, Saturday, 2:30 – 3:30pm, at ADC303, 3/F, Admiralty Centre
