MBA - Master of Business Administration

What attracted you to choose Surrey and to study your course here?

I had dropped out of university originally, so didn’t have a first degree. I was in my mid-30's and had a massive chip on my shoulder because I knew that I was as good as the next man, apart from that magic piece of paper. I saw an advert in The Sunday Times for the transition course allowing non-graduates to go on to do an MBA. The choice was then quite simple.

What is your strongest memory of your time at Surrey – what do you picture first when you think of being here?

I remember the group work that we did together and how effectively we gelled as different teams working on different projects. On one we had to dream up a marketing campaign for wine. We came up with one-glass-sized bottles as a give-away. Guess what appeared on supermarket shelves about five years later!

What is the one thing you would say about Surrey, or the course you studied, to someone who doesn’t know anything about it?

Surrey is a great place to study. As a part-time student who commuted halfway around the M25 two evenings per week for two years, it must have been good to make that journey bearable, but I would start again tomorrow if I could.

How did you change as a person during your time as a Surrey student, and how has your time here influenced your life and career since then?

I think that I came to respect the opinions of others and working on the course opened my eyes to how many great people were out there in the same boat as me. Nobody is ever a failure, and we all have to find our own level in life. It also taught me you are never too old to learn. I have subsequently gone on to study Horticulture, NLP and Business Psychology.

What attracted you to choose Surrey and to study the MBA here?

The University was one that I had wanted to study at when finishing my A-Levels. Since I missed that opportunity on that occasion, I decided that should I do an MBA, I would study at Surrey.

The course also covered all the core subjects I wanted to study as part of an MBA. I was able to study the MBA part time as a distance learning student. I already had a demanding job and family commitments, so the flexibility of this course appealed to me. The course included a laptop computer and all the core course books. All in all, it had been well thought out.

What is your strongest memory of your time studying for the MBA?

The MBA course encouraged me to think differently. It stretched me and opened my mind.

What is the one thing you would say about Surrey to someone who didn’t know anything about it?

Surrey is an excellent place to learn. The resources and staff available provide an effective facility for learning. Whenever I needed assistance on the course a tutor was available to assist me.

What’s been the biggest benefit of doing the Surrey MBA?

On qualifying I was asked to take over the management of my current employer and I have been in the Managing Director role since 2006. I have also managed our US-based business.

What was the one most important thing you learnt on the Surrey MBA programme?

There are two things. Academically, hard work was required to complete the course, so to gain something so beneficial there is some pain along the way.

Professionally, I learned the knowledge to enable me to confidently carry out my current role, and through the role comes the experience to deal with many different situations.

What would you say to someone thinking of doing the Surrey MBA?

I would say that the Surrey MBA was the best thing I ever did. The course is very challenging and requires dedication but in the long run was very beneficial to my career.

"I plan to apply the business skill set which I learned from Surrey Business School for a managerial position, especially in marketing and strategy with commercial awareness."

Tae Kwang Kim, North American Transformer Business Manager, Hyosung Corporation HQ, shares his experiences studying for an MBA at Surrey.

Why did you choose an MBA at Surrey?

First, the reputation of the university. Second, the campus facilities and school's investments. Third, its great location, which has great transport links with an easy commute from London.

How do you plan to implement what you learnt in class at work?

I plan to apply the business skill set which I learned from Surrey Business School for a managerial position, especially in marketing and strategy with commercial awareness. Furthermore I look forward to improving the manufacturing schedule management/project management/suppliers management from an operational viewpoint.

What is the most useful skill you have learned during your time on the MBA programme so far?

My weakest area was accounting and financial management before MBA. From the accounting & finance modules, I’m improving my skills on how to interpret my company's financial condition. I’m also understanding the company and competitors in terms of financial figures and how to set an effective long term sales target & investment plan.

What new opportunities have you gained being at Surrey?

I have obtained new business knowledge from experienced professors and gained a lot of fresh ideas on business model/strategy/organisation management from the MBA class, as well as networking with professors, cohort, university staff, guest speakers etc.

"All I have learnt in class would definitely help me scale up my business and possibly help other start-ups as well."

Yejide Akiode, Former Managing Consultant, I-excel Education Consulting Limited and Social Entrepreneur shares shares her experiences studying for an MBA at Surrey.

Why did you choose an MBA at Surrey University?

Surrey offered me a 50% scholarship and it was a good attraction for me. I also found the that the admissions requirement and procedure was pretty straightforward and simple.

How do you plan to implement what you learnt in classroom at work?

All I have learnt in class would definitely help me scale up my business and possibly help other start-ups as well.

What is the most useful skill you have learned during your time on the MBA programme so far?

This programme has helped me tremendously. It has developed my confidence and presentation skills. I have also learnt to think critically and write sterling reports. Above all, my interpersonal skills and ability to work in teams (which we always did) has greatly improved.

What new opportunities have you gained being at Surrey?

I have enjoyed meeting with industry practitioners at a couple of MBA Business Breakfasts events held regularly as part of the programme. I greatly enjoyed working with my mentor who further exposed me to future opportunities.