Make a career change
Dr Susan de Witt, Independent Consultant for Impact Investing and Outcomes-Based Contracting, MBA (2013)
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I had been working as a vet for 12 years, both in the UK and in South Africa, when I came to the realisation that my future lay outside of the profession. I became more interested in development and started spending a lot of my free time pursuing that through reading and volunteering. I decided I had a career change in me and after a year investigating what that could be, enrolled on the MBA at the UCT Graduate School of Business (UCT GSB) in 2013. Even though the UCT GSB has a strong focus on sustainable impact in African business and society, an MBA is not the obvious route for a career in social and international development. But it is an excellent choice for anyone considering a career change. I wanted to upskill in a way that was fast, that afforded maximum access to networks, and which took into account my transferable skills. The MBA draws on a very wide knowledge base and when you’ve been specialising for many years – as I had – that is very beneficial. You’re exposed to what’s going on in the world – government, business, civil society – and it’s completely immersive. It lifted my vision and gave me the confidence to take an ambitious step. |
Become a better leader
Dr Cheryl Jane Kuchenga, Interim Group Chief Executive Officer & Group Chief Financial Officer at Ascendis Health, (EMBA 2017)
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What stood out for me most on the UCT GSB’s MBA programme was the focus on leadership as an opportunity for self-development and to bring out the best in others. As opposed to just the theory of managing, I found the programme compelled me to be more reflective as a leader, to be more conscious of the decisions I make and to become more self-aware. It certainly made me a more capable leader. Initially, I was sceptical about some of the things we were taught but I came to see the value of these principles and it has made me a more effective leader. It helped me to get the best out of myself and my team and how to think differently about business and society. |
Hone your management skills
Kelly de Kock, COO of Old Mutual Wealth (MBA 2011)
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I believe that successfully managing people relies on the so-called softer skills and a great deal of self-knowledge, something I was able to hone during my MBA. The personal development aspects of the MBA – really understanding myself and the decisions I make, and delving into the psychological aspects of work – were in some ways more valuable to me than the academic content. Learning to cope under pressure, prioritise every day and work effectively as a team were part of that process too. |
Change your mindset
Fortune Gamanya, Founder and Chief Luminary of Luminary Advisory & Consulting, (EMBA 2018)
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I never thought of the EMBA as a means to access a better job. Instead it was the richness of the experience and its ability to shape and mould me that drew me. Part of the programme is based on the work of Professor Roger Martin’s theory of Integrative Thinking. One of his propositions is that “the ability to hold two opposing ideas in mind at the same time and still retain the ability to function is the sign of a truly intelligent individual”. It might sound simple but it is not easy because our worldviews are so ingrained and I found that the EMBA helped me develop this skill and I work on it daily. The other thing I would say about the EMBA is that if you are open to the experience, to the convergence of people – not only those teaching you but within your class – who are usually people with strong views and high intelligence, then everyone around you can teach you something. The beauty is not in the piece of paper at the end but in the process, which enriches you as it challenges and pushes you. It is a most worthwhile pressure cooker. |
Do good in the world
Mouna Akefli, Marketing Manager in West Africa and Morroco at Ericsson (MBA 2015)
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I believe that each and every one of us has a role to play in creating a more inclusive world, both within the business realm, and in society as a whole. This means calling out stereotypes and bias, cheerleading female peers, and encouraging young women to take a bolder approach to managing their careers. Speaking up and voicing your goals and aspirations is very important if you want to conquer higher ranks. Choosing to pursue my MBA at the UCT GSB in 2015 was another instance where I chose a road less travelled, but it paid off because it cemented my career in marketing. I fell in love with marketing because it’s a field that sparks both my analytical and creative personality sides. The UCT GSB also opened my eyes to a greater focus on sustainability and social innovation, which are vital facets when undertaking ventures in emerging markets. |
Find your voice — and the power that lies in it
Shivani Ghai, Independent Consultant and Founder of Vitrus Consulting (MBA 2019)
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Coming from a female in engineering background, prior to my MBA, I adopted one of two fail safe personas in the workplace- the “bro”, or the adorable young naive girl. Until my MBA I found shame in my presence in spaces that were often dominated by males, but today I find deep strength and wisdom in embracing the unique voice I can bring to the table when I harness qualities generally associated with women leaders. Today, instead of shying away from my superpower to relate, I use empathy, nurturing and listening skills to create stellar teams or coach both men and women to make wise career decisions. Instead of working twice as hard to prove myself as a female in male dominated industries, I revel in leading by example in creating a work-life balance and encouraging other young professionals to do the same. Instead of feeling ashamed of my effervescent personality, I harness it to create meaningful and lasting client relationships. None of this would have been possible without my deeply immersive full-time experience that taught me accounting and finance, yes, but more importantly, it taught me to fully, and whole-heartedly, embrace my voice, and speak, no roar- to empower others! |
