My Glasgow MBA Experience

Current MBA student Amal Abu Aisha tells Aspire why she chose to study the MBA at the University of Glasgow, what she has gained from the course so far and her career aspirations.

Why did you choose Glasgow to study your MBA? 

There were various reasons why I chose Glasgow. Firstly, the University of Glasgow has a very good reputation and is very well known around the world. Research at the University is very advanced and I understood the Adam Smith Business School as having good relationships with leading research centres.

Adam Smith was an alumnus at the Adam Smith Business School which also appealed to me as well as the good external business relationships Glasgow University has with local, national and international businesses. I also read that student satisfaction at the university is ranked third in the UK and I have had a wonderful student experience so far. Finally, my teachers in Palestine recommended the Adam Smith Business School as a great place to learn. I was offered a scholarship from Hani Qaddumi Scholarship Foundation and at that time I had four unconditional and two conditional offers from Universities around the UK; however, I decided that the University of Glasgow was the best choice.
 
Has the Glasgow MBA met your expectations so far?
 
Yes, they have been met in different ways. The Glasgow MBA teaches all the subjects you would need as a manager: Strategy, Human Resources, Economics, Finance and Marketing. It also allows you to choose the electives that are most suitable and relevant to your future expectations. 

What skills have you developed in addition to the knowledge you have gained? How important or valuable do you think these skills are? 

I've developed my analytical and critical thinking skills. The learning approach is very distinguished at as it combines both theoretical and practical competencies of the students to prepare them to be effective leaders. In addition, my English skills have improved greatly as have my academic writing skills.

The University of Glasgow has a real multicultural community and in my class we have students from Scotland, Japan, Azerbaijan, Russia, USA, India and Pakistan. Communicating with people from different parts of the world and from different cultures has helped make friendships and build bridges of peace and respect among nations all over the world.

From an academic perspective, the Glasgow MBA teaches you the basic skills any manager should have, for example the course Strategy and Organisational Performance integrates the key disciplines of strategy, marketing, finance, economics and HR which are all very important for a future career. 

What aspect of the MBA have you enjoyed the most? 

I have definitely enjoyed the multicultural community that the University of Glasgow and Glasgow as a city has to offer. We share our experiences and learn from each other. There are also different age groups in my class and I enjoy gaining perspectives from my older and younger classmates. The city of Glasgow is very ancient and attractive city with lots of museums and public places which we have enjoyed visiting.

What has been the most challenging part of the course? 

For me it was the Finance element. I completed an undergraduate degree in English Literature previously and I didn’t have a lot of experience in accounting and finance. I found this very difficult at first but I managed to explore every part of the course and I spent the first few days before an assignment reading and finding as much information as I could. I ended up with excellent knowledge and understanding of financial and accounting issues and got an A3 grade in my finals in Finance!

Did you feel supported by your classmates and the MBA team, especially when you were preparing to give birth to a baby during term time? 

Actually, it was a unique experience. My classmates were initially very shocked to know I was pregnant but quickly understood and were very supportive. It was a challenge juggling course work whilst looking after a new-born but I embraced the challenge and my grades have actually improved. When I told Dr Ignacio Canales (MBA Programme Director) and Fiona Baxter (MBA Programme Administrator) they were also shocked but were very supportive. I would like to extend my sincere regards to both Ignacio and Fiona. I knew it wouldn’t be easy but it was my decision and I was determined to carry on with the course. My scholarship was a once in a lifetime opportunity and I wanted to ensure I exploited the opportunity. I was also the only person from the Gaza Strip in Palestine to win a scholarship – this is my opportunity. 

I even named my baby Adam after the Adam Smith Business School! 

How would you rate the Glasgow student experience? 

Definitely a 10 out of 10. 

What advice would you give to potential students of the MBA? What advice would you give to potential female MBA candidates who want to do an MBA but are also planning to be new mums? 

Time Management must be the most important skill for any student. It is necessary to plan straight from the beginning and not to procrastinate. It is crucial to be prepared as it is not an easy year but if you are prepared it should be much easier. You need to attend all lectures no matter what and then you can have time afterwards to yourself once you know you are on top of everything. 

What are your career aspirations and how will the Glasgow MBA enable you to fulfil these?

Without going into too much politics, the economic situation in Palestine, especially the Gaza Strip, is very bad. We do not have a manufacturing industry and lots of non-profit organisations such as Oxfam operate there. After completing my MBA I would like to work for an international organisation, in development field that will be instrumental in the move from relying on international aid to redeveloping our economy and industry. 

On a final note, I would like to say thank you again to Ignacio Canales and Fiona Baxter as it is due to their support and understanding that I have reached where I am now. I would also like to show my appreciation for Hani Quddomi scholarship and for my sponsor, Faysal Al Alami, without whom I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to study the MBA at Glasgow, UK. I would finally like to thank my husband for all his help and support which has been invaluable.