Anton de Wet
Deciding to take on an MBA was driven by a desire to refresh some of the latest business school thinking and to broaden my outlook, with the view to moving from a specialist debt position (at the time) into mainstream general management. Next, I had to decide on the university and/or business school.
Some of the more important factors influencing my selection were:
- Internationally recognized institution
- Flexibility in the modular construct of the course
- The term allowed to complete the MBA
- The ability to connect with fellow students in study groups without necessarily having to do so
- Value for money
I found the study materials concise and well presented. They enabled me to snatch time out of a busy schedule, zone in on the relevant topic and work through the chapters, which include practice exam-style questions, etc.
During the course of my studies I transferred to Durban, took on a new role and was able to pick up where I left off, having started my first modules in Johannesburg. I spent a few years in Durban and then returned to Johannesburg, again to a new, expanded role within the bank. Organizing examination venues and excellent administration in dealing with these address changes were managed seamlessly.
I have been in banking for around 18 years and have been exposed to various business models, economic cycles, risk analysis and the challenge of deriving and marketing value-added solutions to our client base. Completing the MBA at this stage of my career was intellectually stimulating and provided a new perspective on some of the fundamentals of business. I applaud the academic and administrative staff of Heriot-Watt in compiling and administering the distance learning MBA programme. Thanks and well done.
Debra Bouwer
I started my studies with Edinburgh Business School in 1998 in part to fulfil an ambition to obtain my MBA and also to equip myself with essential business skills. I selected EBS out of several options because of its high standing in the MBA arena, the fact that it offered distance learning vs full time study and finally, because it worked on the basis of international business practices.
I completed the MBA over a period of 2.5 years and in that time, gained the confidence and expertise to move forward in my career to the point that I opened an Adventure Tour Company. The business acumen gained has proven beneficial time and time again, particularly in the fields of Finance and Marketing.
In completing the course, I cannot say that it was easy going, as each course requires a lot of dedication, focus and discipline. Having said that, the introduction of web-based study groups and forums proved highly beneficial and subsequently, I have made numerous international contacts.
The fact that one engages in self study means that one has to have a much clearer grasp and understanding of the course content, which, naturally, means greater knowledge retention.
The crowning moment came at graduation time, when I stood with many other people who were once mere names on web-based forums, and received my degree.
I have no hesitation in recommending the degree.
Edwin Mungadzi
It took me a long time (more than a year!) to decide on which MBA course to study. I eventually chose EBS for two main reasons:
1. The distance learning facility and flexibility that the programme offers its students.
2. The opportunity to study with an internationally recognized institution with impeccable standards that are formally recognized and whose course content is highly regarded for its quality and relevance by both current students and graduates.
I received my first course material in December 2004 and planned to complete the degree in as short a time as I could manage. My approach was to tackle a set of three modules at a time, starting with the ones that I was more comfortable with in order to gain confidence. The challenge was in managing the long hours of study required for success with a busy deadline-driven work schedule plus family time (wife and two kids aged 9 and 7). I committed to my study timetable, which entailed reducing my Saturday rounds of golf per month from the usual four to one and studying for at least 4 hours per day during weekdays (from 8pm, when my kids go to bed, to midnight).
It was a lot of hard work but I will forever be grateful that I’ve done it! The course has definitely sharpened my skills at work and this should catapult me to greater heights.
I would recommend this course to anyone who wants to study towards an outstanding and relevant MBA whilst in full-time employment.
