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Having worked in the higher education sector for many years, I quickly realised that my educational journey bore little relation to my professional path. My academic career extended from undergraduate studies to a doctorate in Political Science and International Relations. Despite this, my journey included an incomplete Master’s in History, halted due to work commitments and compulsory class attendance.
In the interim, I embarked on an MBA (Master of Business Administration) programme in my country. I completed all coursework but withdrew during the thesis stage to return to my roots in Political Science and International Relations.
It might appear unusual for someone with my educational background to discuss the topic of MBA education. Some might ponder, “How could someone who didn’t complete their MBA offer advice?” Yet, assessing someone’s decisions without understanding the context is akin to evaluating historical events without their backdrop — both lack a complete picture.
In Turkey, my birthplace, the past two decades have seen a governmental initiative to establish a university in every city, thereby diluting the value of certain degrees due to an oversupply of graduates. Establishing Business Schools often marked the first step for these new universities, leading to an oversaturation of Business and MBA programmes and a subsequent decline in quality. This resulted in the diminished appeal and practical value of an MBA from a Turkish university, prompting my decision not to complete my MBA.
Nonetheless, the MBA programme is fundamentally interdisciplinary, providing a broad-based understanding that transcends any single field. The complex nature of today’s business world requires the collaboration of professionals from diverse backgrounds towards common organisational goals, necessitating a holistic understanding of business operations. The MBA aims to meet this need by equipping individuals from various disciplines with comprehensive business insight.
The objective of the MBA is to furnish students with theoretical knowledge and practical skills in business management fundamentals, encouraging specialisation in particular areas. It strives to equip students, regardless of their undergraduate discipline (Engineering, Business, Economics, etc.), with the capabilities necessary to assume managerial responsibilities or establish their enterprises.
Participating in such an all-encompassing programme at a leading institution like Frankfurt School offers the opportunity to join an elite network of top performers. Essentially, the theoretical aspects of an MBA can be self-taught through books.
However, the true essence of an MBA extends beyond academia; it is found in the experiential knowledge shared by faculty and the networking opportunities provided. A quality MBA programme can act as a springboard for career advancement, achievable not only through academic learning but also by engaging in a distinguished network.
Furthermore, the evolving global business landscape necessitates professionals to possess not only a deep understanding of their discipline but also a comprehensive view of how their work integrates into the broader corporate ecosystem. An MBA equips you with this perspective, teaching critical thinking, strategic planning and the capability to anticipate and adapt to future trends and challenges.
The curriculum of an MBA programme is designed to challenge students to step out of their comfort zones, encouraging them to view problems from various perspectives and find innovative solutions. This approach prepares them for the complexities of the business world and instils a lifelong habit of learning and adaptability.
Moreover, the collaborative environment of an MBA programme fosters a rich exchange of ideas and perspectives. This diversity is invaluable as it broadens one’s understanding and appreciation of different cultural and professional backgrounds, enhancing the ability to work effectively in multinational teams and navigate the global business landscape.
This question is entirely dependent on your personal situation. If you’re working full-time and are seeking a more flexible study schedule, a Part-time MBA might be ideal for you. Otherwise, the obligation to attend classes every weekday from Monday to Friday could pose a challenge. In a Part-time MBA, the average age of your class is likely to be higher, consisting of individuals with more work experience. This has been statistically established at Frankfurt School.
In conclusion, the value of an MBA extends well beyond the classroom. It represents a transformative journey that shapes you into a versatile, forward-thinking leader capable of making a significant impact in your field. By pushing the boundaries of your capabilities and expanding your network, an MBA opens doors to opportunities you might never have imagined, marking not just a milestone in your educational journey but a pivotal turning point in your career.
Frankfurt School gGmbH
Adickesallee 32-34
60322 Frankfurt am Main
