Life as a GIBS PDBA student
TESTIMONIALS AND PRACTICAL TIPS FROM PREVIOUS STUDENTS
- Ensure that you have a good support system at home and at work.
- Leverage off your syndicate members – they can be your lifeline when things get tough!
- Pre-preparation for all sessions is vital as this raises the level of engagement and class participation.
- Have a dedicated study schedule and stick to it.
- Communicate openly and honestly with your syndicate members – the PDBA is not a solo project!
- Have lots of fun!!!
MY LIFE AS A PDBA STUDENT – MABLE-ANN LAMBE
What qualifications and work experience do you have?
I hold a BComm degree in econometric analysis and a BComm (Hons) in Statistics. I started out as a data analyst and I am currently a process engineer in the financial services sector.
What led you to your decision to do a PDBA?
I wanted to gain a general understanding of business principles to add value to the technical knowledge I have acquired.
Why GIBS?
I completed a junior management programme offered by GIBS the year prior to the PDBA and really enjoyed the approach GIBS takes to allow learning and growth to happen. GIBS also has a great reputation as a leading business school which further supported my decision to continue my studies with GIBS.
What aspect of the PDBA have you found the most challenging thus far?
Maintaining the balance between studies, work and home (and finding the time to do so)! Although I had a sense of how difficult it would be, this is a challenging part of the PDBA where prioritisation and effective time management is key.
What business and personal insights have you gained from the PDBA?
Teams can accomplish so much more than individuals and this is reiterated throughout the programme. Each member contributes a unique set of experience and knowledge which is critical to success. On a personal level, I have learned the importance of planning and effective time management.
Which aspects of GIBS’ facilities do you enjoy most?
The electronic database offered by GIBS is a wonderful resource while studying, preparing assignments and for further reading. The electronic database combines so many sources to really allow students to have access to the best research conducted!
MY LIFE AS A PDBA STUDENT – JAMAL SAHIB
What qualifications and work experience do you have?
I hold a B.Eng in Metallurgical Engineering from the University of Pretoria and I have a PDBA from Gibs. With regards to experience I have three years’ experience as a restaurateur and I have four years’ experience as a metallurgical engineer in the mining industry.
What led you to your decision to do a PDBA?
I had a very technical undergraduate degree and wanted to gain exposure to the management side of business. I also felt that I was still too young to pursue my MBA and would prefer to start an MBA at the age of 30. Therefore the perfect choice for me was the PDBA. It is the perfect foundation for an ambitious young person.
Why GIBS?
GIBS has an excellent reputation in the business world. They have also been extremely professional in all correspondence with me before and after my PDBA. Their administration is excellent and the manner in which they present their courses is brilliant. The lecturers and course content are of the highest calibre and the facilities are great.
What aspect of the PDBA have you found the most challenging thus far?
The volume of work covered in the short space of time makes it very challenging.
What business and personal insights have you gained from the PDBA?
The PDBA has definitely helped me keep on track with my personal career aspirations. It has helped me understand the various functions of a business and therefore enables me to have a conversation with people across different functional areas of the business world. Even though my undergraduate degree is in engineering, I now understand the HR and finance department’s objectives much better. This definitely helps me shine like a star in my work environment.
Which aspects of GIBS’ facilities do you enjoy most?
I absolutely loved the classrooms with the layout that promotes conversational learning. They were always fully equipped and neat.
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