An MBA… So What's It Really Like?
Semester and Grading Structure – so what do you actually do?
Each semester has 4 modules (subjects). You'll be assigned, by the school, to your study-team with 4 other classmates which will last for each semester. Some modules will be fully graded on the basis of a combination of individual or study-team assignments. Others will be graded by means of assignment (team or individual) coupled with an end of semester exam. If you have never experienced the delight of the Exam Hall in the RDS –this pleasure awaits! Some of the team assignments involve studying a particular case study or topic and formally presenting this to the full class. Your team's class presentations will include low cost US airline Southwest Airlines (HR Strategy aspect) and Online UK supermarket Ocado (Supply Chain aspect). Every two weeks the Competitive Strategy module will require your team to prepare a one page assessment report in response to a problem outlined in the assigned case study on topics ranging from the Asian airline industry to an online dating company. You will learn.
The program will take you out of your comfort zone straight away. If you are a reluctant orator / presenter, the program will assist in the development of your skills. In the opening orientation week Paul Slattery will give you a small taster of his Presentation Skills Workshop. You will have an opportunity to sign up for a 1 day workshop with Paul later in Semester 1 – make sure you sign up! You will have plenty of opportunity to practice and refine your presentation skills (and gain confidence) in front of your class as part of your presentation assignments. You will develop.
You'll figure out that your resilience is put to the test. Semester 1 is "full-on" – by week 5 you will wonder if you (or anyone!) can manage the combined workload of (1) your commitments to team assignments (2) your own assignments (3) your preparation for next week's lectures and (4) all the while doing the regular 9 to 5 day job. By week 12, you will know that somehow you made it and that you won't have left anyone behind. You'll figure out how to make it work, how to find time and how not to waste time. You'll get your reading and preparation for the next classes done before work a few mornings a week and you'll spend one day out of the weekend between study-team meetings and assignments. Occasionally on weekends you'll need to do more but life will go on. By Semester 2 – you'll feel much more in control, less daunted and more organised. You will balance.
You've heard lots about the emphasis on teamwork. Trust me, you'll form close friendship bonds that will last beyond the 2 years of the program. You will quickly learn to trust your assigned teammates not just in the narrow sense of the course work but in a broader sense. You'll get to know them on a personal level and them you – you'll closely share the ups and downs of the MBA life experience with them. Just before the end of semester 1, when final exams are closely coming into focus, you'll find that you've given up a whole Saturday to coach your fellow teammates and some other classmates on an exam subject that you studied before. You're motivated to ensure that no one is left behind. You will impact.