Why I decided to do an Executive MBA
After nearly 11 years of working in finance as a fund manager I felt I had stopped progressing in my career and knew I ultimately wanted a job with more managerial responsibilities. Having ‘only’ managed equities until that point I felt that to enhance my opportunities I needed to enhance my skill set.
How did I select the programme? Selecting the right programme can be a daunting process. Te num- ber of programmes available is enormous and each has strengths and weaknesses, offering different degrees of specialisation. Tis is why the most important question during the selection process is: “What do I want to achieve?” Having worked as a specialist during my entire career, I wanted a programme that focused on a broader range of topics. Another issue to consider is location, i.e. how international is the
programme and does it attract a wide variety of applicants in terms of nationality and professional background. I also wanted a pro- gramme that I could combine with work. As my children where both little when I started the selection process I only looked at pro- grammes that had at least one European location while also being international in terms of teaching locations and student mix. Fees are very similar for most international programmes and cor-
porate sponsorship is very difficult to obtain, particularly in Europe. On top of the tuition fees, students have to cover travel expenses and in some cases hotel costs as well. Te costs of an Executive Programme are significant which is why it is so important to have a clear view on expectations before and after the programme.
How does the application process work? Te application process for many programmes is similar and in- cludes an extensive questionnaire about your motivation, back- ground, strengths and weaknesses and aspirations post- programme. It is usually completed by phone interview with one of the pro- gramme managers. Application deadlines are often staggered with the first deadline usually around nine months before the programme starts.
How was the experience ? In one word – fabulous!! Measuring the success of an EMBA programme is difficult and depends a lot on expectations and aspirations before starting the programme. Measures of success can include academic achievements, leadership development and last but not least personal development. For me it was this last point that had the most profound impact. Having worked in finance for all my career, the interaction with non-finance professionals was most refreshing, humbling and impactful in terms of my own personal development.
Most importantly, did it work? Te short answer is – yes, or at least it has been a meaningful part of my career change. I am two months into my new job as Head of Equity at an international asset management company, my first managerial role, and a big step forward in my career. Half-way through the MBA programme I joined another com- pany working as a multi-asset fund manager and asset allocator allowing me to add specialist knowledge across a much broader range. Ultimately, I believe it was the combination of the EMBA and the multi-asset job that finally provided me with the right skill mix to move to the next level. And as always in life – a little bit of luck is always part of the deal!!
Sonja Laud is the Head of Equity at Fidelity International. 24 FOCUS The Magazine November/December 2017
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