MBA: the next step?

‘For some, an MBA is attractive because they’re looking to make a move from the finance specialism into more general strategic leadership,’ says Dr Diana Limburg, director of the Oxford Brookes Global MBA, which was developed in conjunction with ACCA. ‘Others want to update and enhance their skills to maintain their relevance in a fast-moving business environment. Some are aspiring entrepreneurs, looking to upskill before launching a new venture, while others simply enjoy learning.’

One graduate of the Oxford Brookes MBA, Rita Purdeen-Nandlal FCCA, internal audit manager at Angostura in Trinidad and Tobago, says she found that the programme ‘strengthened my knowledge base in critical areas including global mindset, strategic thinking and specialised skills in sustainability to think innovatively and lead change initiatives’.

Diverse perspectives

One of the most valuable aspects of an MBA is exposure to diverse perspectives. Professor Wan Wongsunwai, director of MBA programmes at CUHK Business School in Hong Kong, says that an MBA can offer both global and regional relevance. ‘It prepares candidates for Asia’s dynamic business environment and the emerging Asian Century,’ he says, adding that the school’s network connects students to CEOs, CFOs and policymakers, while the programme’s practical focus includes case studies grounded in Asia’s economic rise and digital transformation.

‘For ACCA members, this combination creates a formidable platform for leadership transition,’ he says.

Such diversity creates a rich learning environment where students gain insights from peers across different industries, roles and locations. Purdeen-Nandlal enjoyed ‘seminars filled with rich debates offering a myriad of perspectives from diverse industry sectors, which broadened my applications of the business concepts.’

Fellow Oxford Brookes Global MBA graduate Paul Bwiruke found that ‘the diversity of the programme offered me an excellent opportunity to meet global faculties and professionals from different fields’.

Progression catalyst

For many professionals, an MBA serves as a catalyst for career progression or transition. Dr Limburg points out that ‘for some, an MBA is attractive because they are looking to make a move from the finance specialism into more general strategic leadership’.

Bwiruke, currently associate director of finance and operations at the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) country office of non-profit FHI360, leveraged his MBA knowledge to design ‘the development strategy of one of the biggest agricultural programmes in DRC by integrating financial perspective, conservation and sustainable energy’.

Beyond professional benefits, MBAs foster personal development; Purdeen-Nandlal describes her MBA journey as ‘instrumental in accelerating my leadership development and providing a roadmap for future personal growth’. This sentiment is echoed by Bwiruke, who found that ‘the MBA taught me a lot about time management and resilience’.

Timing matters

Timing is important. Wongsunwai finds most successful MBA candidates are at a career inflection point and seeking to accelerate into leadership positions or transition into pan-Asian roles. ‘Crucially, they can fully commit to the programme, whether through full-time, part-time or executive formats,’ he says.

‘Conversely, pursuing an MBA too early, without sufficient professional experience to benefit from or contribute to the programme, would be inadvisable.’

Balancing work, study and personal commitments is perhaps the greatest challenge MBA students face; Bwiruke, in particular, had to deal with extreme conditions: ‘It wasn’t easy for me to work and study while living in a war-torn region,’ he says.

Dr Limburg estimates that students typically need 40-60 hours per month – 10-15 per week – for their studies. In addition, the cost of an MBA can be substantial, and may include travel and accommodation.

While many programmes offer scholarships, bursaries or employer sponsorship options, the financial commitment remains significant. Prospective students should thoroughly research available funding options and consider the long-term return on investment.

Having a strong support network of family, friends and colleagues is also crucial. Purdeen-Nandlal, who was awarded the ACCA prize for the best performance of an ACCA MBA student, expresses gratitude for ‘the unwavering support of my family and the stellar support of my organisation’, while Bwiruke highlights ‘the closeness shown by the programme administration’ during particularly challenging times.

Finally, finding the right programme fit is essential. Dr Limburg notes that ‘different institutions have different approaches to their programmes’, including in delivery format, cohort experience levels and programme culture.

Students should also consider whether they prefer a competitive or collaborative environment, a structured or personalised programme, and in-person versus online learning.

Informed decision

Before embarking on an MBA journey, Dr Limburg suggests asking yourself: ‘Why do I want an MBA? What are my personal and professional goals and will the MBA support these?’

For those who are clear about their objectives and prepared for the challenges, an MBA can be immensely rewarding.

‘Completing the MBA, despite the very challenging situation, is proof of a quality learning experience,’ Bwiruke says. ‘It immersed me in a practical and critical thinking world that is invaluable in a business context.’