An MBA in International Business at the European Business School London (EBSL) helped Sarah Okin take her career to a new level. Former Operations Director and co-founder of PR company Quad London, Sarah is now working as a Director for the for-profit arm of a not-for-profit organisation in the USA. Sarah explains how postgraduate study helped her take the leap and enhance her career prospects.
Why EBSL and why the MBA International Business? EBSL’s programme is truly international; the speakers that are brought in are experts in their fields and the instructors have real business experience. I chose EBSL due to the international exposure and networking opportunities provided whilst studying; which have proved invaluable.
How has the course aided your career? Three aspects of the MBA programme have been instrumental to my career. Firstly, I learnt how to work productively in small groups of individuals from varying cultural backgrounds. Secondly, the programme provided me with the
opportunity to develop critical thinking about strategy, opportunities and challenges that face businesses - the strategy weekend is amazing! And last but not least, I developed my entrepreneurship skills - few MBAs are trained in feasibility studies and business plans and that knowledge has proved invaluable.
What ambitions did you have for your career during your time at EBSL? In terms of my academic career, from the first day of induction week, I decided I was going to get the ‘Top MBA’ award and I spent the next 12 months working towards achieving this goal. From a professional point of view, I always wanted to work for myself and own my own company.
How has networking helped you develop your business? Nothing gets done without networking. It’s an essential piece of the relationship-building process, the identification of suppliers or potential employees. It’s fascinating to find out what people do for a living and you always learn something new by talking to other entrepreneurs. Whether you get some advice on which internet supplier not to use, or a lead on an honest lawyer in London, it’s all about networking.
As an alumna of EBSL, what do you think are the benefits of being part of this dynamic network?
I made some very special connections with my peers and academics and I keep in touch with many people from my course. Their opinions, support and experiences have kept me sane, cheered me on and made me a more productive manager.
What did you do after you finished your MBA and what are you doing now? I stayed in London for a few years running my own digital media company that specialised in SEO. Last year I travelled through Africa and Europe for 5 months before resettling in the US. I’ve just started working as Director of the for-profit arm of a not-for-profit organisation.
Top left ©
iStockphoto.com/compassandcamera. Top right Bex Singleton
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