Looking back at my experience on the Executive MBA

Tomasz Jakubczyk, joined the first Executive MBA (London) programme in 2015, in this blog he shares his experience and advice for future participants.

Completing an Executive MBA programme was one of the most significant decisions I have made in my career. The programme has impacted my career in many ways and has helped me in achieving my professional goal - a transition from the ‘cosy’ corporate world into the start-up and technology domain, where wearing different hats every day is the new normal. In this blog post, I will share my experience and provide advice for future Executive MBA participants.

When I started the Executive MBA programme, I was already an experienced professional with more than a decade of work experience, gained working mostly for well-recognised financial brands in Poland. However, the programme exposed me to new ideas, skills, and perspectives that have transformed my approach to setting up new business models and boosted my entrepreneurial skills. The curriculum was rigorous and comprehensive, covering all aspects of business, including finance, marketing, operations, leadership and creating more efficient and cohesive organisations.

One of the most significant benefits of the MBA was the opportunity to network and collaborate with other seasoned professionals from diverse industries. My MBA cohort consisted of individuals from different countries, market segments, and with different cultural backgrounds, experiences, and portfolios of lessons learned. The programme's collaborative environment enabled us all to share our domain knowledge, different working ethics, and perspectives and learn from each other, which broadened my business and personal perspective immensely.

The Executive MBA has also helped me to develop my leadership skills, which turned up to be essential in my forthcoming business transition. The focus on leadership development equipped me with the necessary skills to institute effective collaboration with the start-up scene such as: creating concise communication for a diverse group of recipients, motivating remote teams towards a common goal, and quick decision-making.

In terms of advice for future Executive MBA participants, I would say that it is essential to have a clear idea of what ultimately you want to achieve from the programme. This includes both short-term and long-term goals. The MBA is intensive and requires a significant investment of time, effort, and resources, so having clear goals will help you to stay focused and motivated.

Furthermore, do not hesitate to take advantage of the programme's resources, including networking opportunities, career services, and mentorship programmes. These resources can help you to maximise the benefits and achieve your career goals.

Lastly, it is important to think in advance about how you are going to balance your work and personal life. The Executive MBA is intense, and it can be challenging to juggle work, studies, and personal life. However, taking care of yourself, staying organised, and prioritising your responsibilities can help you to manage the workload effectively.

In conclusion, completing an Executive MBA has been a truly transformative experience for me, both personally and professionally. The curriculum, networking opportunities, and leadership development have helped me to achieve my transition goal and become a better solopreneur.