Testimonials
My life as an MBA student by Israel Skosana
What qualifications and work experience do you have?
My background is based in the Information Technology arena with an undergraduate degree in IT from Tshwane University of Technology. My career included systems and business analysis roles in banking and ownership of a networking and customer relationship management software company.
What led you to your decision to do an MBA?
I held a number of specialist roles focused on my expertise, but I was curious about the other elements of the business. This interest led me to investigate what academic offerings would provide me with a complete view of business and the levers that influence business.
Why GIBS?
GIBS has a stringent entry criteria, so even though I selected it as my first choice based on reputation, facilities, industry acclaimed lecturers and location, I knew that GIBS only accepts high calibre individuals. GIBS creates an environment where talented individuals can debate, challenge and solve global and local business problems.
What aspect of the MBA have you found the most challenging thus far?
The challenge that I faced was removing myself from my comfort zone, by humbling myself to learn new concepts, meet new people and challenge traditional thinking.
What business and personal insights have you gained from the MBA?
The business insight gained is that the winning formulas that I applied in the past will not always be relevant. Thus it is imperative to understand the macro and micro environments at the current point in time in order to navigate to success. My personal insight has been based on the importance of relationships to make my dreams a reality. It is for this reason that I took the time to get to know everyone in my class and maintain relationships with my classmates even after I completed my MBA.
Which aspects of GIBS’ facilities do you enjoy most?
The Information Centre was a cornerstone to the after-hours learning process. With access to industry and academic journals it allowed me to have sight of the latest and seminal work on specific topics.
My life as an MBA Student by Lisa Orleow
The MBA has been far more than an educational process for me, it has been an enriching life experience ...
Having come from a marketing and commerce background, and having been in a general management position for five years, I embarked on the programme wanting to broaden my understanding and deepen my insights about general management beyond my industry. My intention was two-fold: to build both my skill as a leader in terms of thinking more strategically and holistically about my challenges at work; and also to build the confidence that would act as a platform to further career growth.
The process has been exceptionally rewarding in a way that extends far beyond the programme content. It has been through the process, rather, that I have grown so much as a person. The subjects were diverse and were all global in their thinking, yet firmly rooted in the South African context. With the diverse people on the programme, class discussions were textured, at times heated, yet always enlightening. The assignments encouraged me to apply my learnings back into the workplace to make them real and relevant while through the syndicate work I have been exposed to others’ strengths and perspectives, and through the class implementations and presentations I have learnt to persuasively communicate my ideas, defend my answers, think critically about my assumptions and always be open minded to listen and learn from others.
I am also exceptionally grateful to have chosen GIBS as my place of study. The lecturers were passionate about their respective areas, the environment was modern and dynamic, my peers were both students and teachers, and the process itself was superbly managed. There is an energy at GIBS!
The output of this journey has been a degree.
The outcome has been the building of portable skills, the deepening of trust in myself and my potential, the strengthening of my personal resilience to handle pressure with perspective, the development of many rich and treasured friendships, and a renewed pride and passion to learn and lead in South Africa.
My life as an MBA Student by Kelefetswe Mokoto
What qualifications and work experience do you have?
I have a BCom in Information Systems. My work experience is in Management Consulting and Sales.
What did you enjoy?
The GIBS faculty make the course what it is. They bring real world experience to the class, these real world insights together with the rich class debates were some of my highlights. I enjoyed the compulsory log book; it forced us to document our MBA journey keeping personal insights, which we can always refer to at later stages.
What aspect of the MBA have you found most challenging so far?
Juggling between work, family and school commitments without compromising quality in each area. As frustrating as it may be, this constant juggling is a necessary evil which we can’t get away from in these changing times, but it is one we must master.
What business and personal insights have you gained from the MBA?
We all have a role to play in making South Africa successful. We must view our challenges as opportunities to create new services and industries. And we must also remember that every country has its own problems; we are not alone.
How has the MBA influenced your management and business insights to date?
It has influenced me in questioning what we assume to be “common understanding”. It has influenced me to question more of the status quo.
My life as an MBA Student by Leon Nel
What qualifications and work experience do you have?
I have a Masters degree in Information Technology from the University of Pretoria. My professional career started at a small ICT firm in Pretoria where I was mainly involved in Consulting and Programme Manaqement. After some time at the ICT firm I moved to Business Connexion as Business Development Manager. I am currently still working at Business Connexion as a multinational IT vendor, SAS, focusing on Business Intelligence and Analytics.
What led to your decision to do an MBA?
I wanted to continue my formal studies and had to decide between either a D. IT or an MBA. After having discussed the MBA degree with other MBA graduates, I was persuaded to take the MBA route.
Why GIBS?
GIBS provided me with more classroom time (face time) than other institutions. I consider more time in the classroom as a very important aspect of the GIBS methodology. Group dynamics and discussions opened up a new world of decision-making perspectives to me. Secondly, four of the five MBA graduates that I consulted, before making my final decision, recommended GIBS.
What aspect of the MBA have you found most challenging so far?
The work / life balance. The easiest way in which I can explain my life during my MBA studies is to see myself as a triangle with work, personal life and MBA studies at the corners of the triangle. The challenge is to switch focus between these three areas and to be able to prioritise according to the demands of the moment.
What business and personal insights have you gained from the MBA?
Firstly, I have learned that one is not as 'clever as one may think'. MBA students are very competitive, but also very insightful, willing to share their experiences and insights with other students. Classroom discussions assisted me to make decisions with ease and precision in both my private and business life. Secondly, I have gained a broad understanding of the social, political and economic landscape of both the developed and developing world. This understanding brings a lot of context to my life. It assists me to have thoughtful discussions with my peers. Lastly and most probably the most important aspect is that I can now see myself in context to the world. I have learnt to place a sense of trust in my decisions, as I now analyse situations, taking into account more than just one or two aspects before making up my mind.
Which aspects of GIBS facilities do you enjoy most?
The Pretoria Campus. It is difficult to attend class at night, but the Pretoria Evening Group is great and the atmosphere / 'vibe' in the class is amazing.
How has the MBA influenced your management and business insights to date?
I have made a bad business decision in my past and although I have managed to forgive myself for that decision, I am aware that I would have taken a completely different route if I had completed my GIBS MBA. I have gained insights in so many areas that it is really difficult to say in which area I excelled the most. If forced to choose, I will say that I can now make better business decisions based on calculated risk taking. It feels as if social, economic and political aspects have become part of my instinctive decision making framework.
My life as an MBA Student by Paul Deppe
What qualifications and work experience do you have?
I have a BSc Engineering (Mechanical) and 25 years work experience. I am now 45 years old and have been a director of companies since the age of 34.
What led you to your decision to do an MBA?
I became a manager at a very young age and have always felt that an MBA would add value to my career. For the last ten years I have been serious about doing my MBA and until now I had felt that I could not afford the time to adequately focus on my work, my family and my studies.
Why GIBS?
I have attended a number of course at GIBS and have always been impressed with their level of academic standard, their professional and progressive approach to leadership development and their modern facilities. GIBS is also one of the top business schools in South Africa and offers a modular programme which suited my needs perfectly.
What aspect of the MBA have you found the most challenging thus far?
The sheer volume of work and time management.
What business and personal insights have you gained from the MBA?
The MBA has given me an opportunity to explore many facets of my job academically. I have been able to put into practice a lot of what I have been taught and because of my work experience I have also been able to provide input to class discussion. I have found the course content to be topical and highly relevant to my work. I have improved my ability to work in a team environment under huge pressure. The MBA has added incredible value to my knowledge and intellectual capital.
Which aspects of GIBS’ facilities do you enjoy most?
The lecture rooms, library and of course the restaurant.
How has the MBA influenced your management and business insights to date?
I have expanded my business network immensely and have befriended many incredible people and I hope that these friendships will last for many years into the future. The MBA has been none other than an incredible and amazing journey that I would highly recommend to any serious leader.
My life as an MBA Student by Ross Liston
Right from my first formal introduction to GIBS through to the 60 Second Challenge I knew this was where I wanted to complete my MBA. If I tried to put my finger on the deciding factor, I would have to say it wasn't just one thing, but most notably the combination of the 'fresh' approach; the contact time, networking opportunities; faculty; and the facilities.
Now at this juncture, just past half-way through the two-year journey, I realise the value of these factors and how much I have learnt. This learning comes from exposure to a diversity of disciplines, a variety of lecturers and a broad cross-section of young bright minds who make up my classmates. However, my greatest learning has been learning about myself - the MBA is an amazing vehicle to challenge your paradigms, test your capabilities (trust me on this one) and discover the many opportunities that are out there (locally and abroad).
It's definitely an experience that you never forget!
My life as an MBA Student by Naim Rassool
What qualifications and work experience do you have?
I studied for a BSc(Eng), MSc(Eng) at Wits and then obtained a PrEng (professional engineer) qualification after practicing as an engineer for five years. I then moved into project engineering management for two years before moving into the venture capital industry specialising as a commercialisation manager of high technology innovations using governmental funding.
What led to your decision to do an MBA?
Having moved from an engineering environment into the investment arena, I lacked critical business skills and hence the MBA was the ideal degree to complement my technical qualifications and allow me to practice as a commercialisation manager. Furthermore, being an active entrepreneur in my spare time, the MBA was a degree I always had aspirations of pursuing to further my entrepreneurial ambitions.
Why GIBS?
I researched South African MBAs for many years before even considering applying for an MBA and when the time came to apply for an MBA there was only one institution I considered and that was GIBS. A key aspect in choosing GIBS was Nick Binedell who is very highly respected as a business school leader by both academia and business in South Africa. Other aspects for choosing GIBS include the global elective component, the two-year modular format and recommendations from past managers and business leaders. Finally, there are many institutions offering MBA’s and hence, for an individual to differentiate oneself from the rest, the school at which one studied would be critical and hence for me GIBS is currently the best in South Africa. I am positive that it will be amongst the top global business schools in years to come judging from how well they have done in the ratings is such a short space of time.
What aspect of the MBA have you found most challenging so far?
The balancing act between the MBA, work pressures and family commitment has been the toughest challenge. However, if managed carefully then it is possible to successfully complete the MBA journey. The volume of work and pace at which the MBA is taught is unbelievable but once you are into the groove of things it’s like sitting back and enjoying the roller coaster ride. Finally, syndicate work is also a challenge since one has six managers / leaders all trying to impose their own ideas and ways at the problem on hand.
What business and personal insights have you gained from the MBA?
The business insights in key areas such as marketing, economics, finance, HR and strategy has been astounding to such a point that it has had a significant impact on my ability and contributions that I plough back into my professional and entrepreneurial environment. I find myself analysing situations much more in-depth and broadly hence leading to more informed and confident decisions.
My personal growth in terms of the manner in which I interact with peers, colleagues and subordinates also underwent a positive change since the MBA gives one the ability to critically evaluate one’s organisational behaviour and be a more effective leader in society.
Which aspects of GIBS facilities do you enjoy most?
Having visited other business schools, GIBS in my view has fantastic facilities in terms of their lecture theatres, syndicate rooms, information centre and restaurants. These facilities just add to making the GIBS MBA experience a thoroughly enjoyable one.
How has the MBA influenced your management and business insights to date?
To my amazement I have found that the people I interact with in the work environment, entrepreneurial networks and social circles suddenly turn to me to significantly contribute to idea generation and problem solving. The MBA body of knowledge changes you in a positive way and propels you into a leadership role.
Key highlights of the GIBS MBA for me were the level of my fellow MBA colleagues in terms of their knowledge, experience and intellectual ability together with the high quality of faculty that teach on the GIBS MBA programme. Another fascinating outcome of the GIBS MBA is the inclination towards consideration of the social problems prevalent in South Africa and creating opportunities within the informal economy.
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