University of Sussex: MBA Success

Here in our June issue and kicking off our Education section, Sussex Business Times hears from Course Director of the Sussex MBA at the University of Sussex, Isabel Fischer

The University of Sussex offers a flexible MBA programme, which students can tailor around their interests, learning in a way that suits them. With our part-time MBA students can fit in their studies around work and family commitments. Delivered over two years, they can apply what they learn directly to their job after each module.  Our full-time MBA is a one-year programme and is ideal for those who wish to focus on their studies before launching a new career or business idea.

The Sussex MBA draws on cutting edge research taking place at University of Sussex, a top 20 UK institution. Taught by leading academics and industry experts, the Sussex MBA is preparing students for the next business challenge.

What does the Sussex MBA offer to ambitious managers in the Sussex area?

Isabel: Our MBA provides you with the tools for critical thinking and a global mindset, which is indispensable in today’s business environment. From the very beginning of the course, you start applying what you’ve learned in the classroom to real business situations – you’ll develop fresh ideas and the ability to apply critical view to contemporary business, political and social issues.

You get the opportunity to go on an extraordinary, transformational learning and life experience and do so with classmates on the same journey – the networks you develop can be lifelong.

We’re also very realistic about time commitment and the need to balance your studies with your work, which our students say helps enormously.

How has the course transformed the careers of students?

I: The course has given many of our graduates the confidence to develop the skills need to write a business plan and start their own business, while others have successfully progressed to more senior management roles within their organisations.

The transformation we see in our graduates is not only in their career development but also in their own transformational life journey. We’re very proud to see these extraordinary developments in our graduates.

What kind of backgrounds to the students come from?

I: We’ve had managers from a wide range of employers and backgrounds, including government, financial services, technology and aviation. They all have significant work experience and the diversity of backgrounds creates the perfect environment for learning not only from the faculty but from each other.

What kind of expertise do the tutors have?

I: University of Sussex management experts who teach on the MBA have a wealth of highly relevant academic and professional experience, specialising in fields such as operations management, accounting, HR management, organisational behaviour, public policy and innovation management.

They are leaders in their fields, producing cutting-edge research and often consulting to major enterprises. All of this is brought to bear in the classroom, which, combined with the experience of the students, results in innovative laboratories for new thinking

Are there any professional certifications?

I: Yes, we’re accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) – all Sussex MBA students benefit from automatic CMI membership, giving you access to all of their resources for career development, industry mentoring and curriculum enrichment. When you complete the MBA, you’ll receive the Chartered Management Institute’s Level 7 qualification in Strategic Management and Leadership.

We also caught up with some of the University of Sussex’s MBA graduates…

Alexandra Hentschel, (now Events and Training Director at Gartner) commented: “I reached a point of senior management I decided that I wanted and needed to add some theory and academic proof behind the experience I had in the real world.

“Completing my MBA has not only given my CV a great boost, but it’s really enhanced my ability to talk credibly and confidently to senior stakeholders. I’ve also been able to use my assignments to focus on my own day-to-day work which has been really valuable.

“I chose to study at Sussex because it has a solid academic record. Although I’ve never needed to defer a module, the fact that was an option if I had too much on my plate at any one time was also appealing.”

MBA graduate and current Compilance Manager, World Service EMEA, American, Luis Sorela also said: “I aspired to climb up the career ladder within my company by securing more senior leadership positions that also have an international scope.

The MBA helped my career goals by enhancing my CV and expanding my knowledge on a broad range of business functions and strategies, as well as an understanding of the internal and external factors that shape organisations.

I was attracted by the facilities of the business school and the reputation of the University, and as I work and live in Brighton, the MBA at Sussex was also very convenient. I chose to study at Sussex because it has a solid academic record. Although I’ve never needed to defer a module, the fact that was an option if I had too much on my plate at any one time was also appealing.

The course structure offered a lot of flexibility to help manage work commitments as well as studying, and I liked the fact that the course emphasised development of interpersonal skills and business ethics, something which is increasingly important.”

Find out more about the Sussex MBA by visiting www.sussexmba.com. There are some places available for those wishing to start in September 2017. Meet the MBA team at the next Masters Information Session taking place at the Sussex University campus in Falmer on Wednesday 14 June, from 4pm-6.30pm.