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Tuesday, February 28, 2012

An MBA - More 'Bout Attitude - than anything else

I took part recently in the MBA Advisory Group of my previous university where we discussed with alumni and staff on how to reposition the MBA to new students and potential employers.  There I again realised a belief I always hold in relation to MBA is that this degree is more of an attitude than a piece of paper. 

I think there are three variables working in a triangular relation that make a good MBA holder stand out from an extra ordinary one. They are - institution/environment, your own talent and external perceptions. 

If for example you naturally have some business acumen, entrepreneurial, with superior presentation, analytical and people handling skills and you happen to get a degree from IBA or NSU, chances are high that employers may have a better perception towards your capabilities or potentials. So all your three variables in the MBA triangle are strong and in your favour. If however you turn out to be basically an airhead with a lot of intellectual glamour but little or no flesh underneath, your institute's perception in the eyes of external parties like employers, your parents, friends, girlfriend can still save the day. Infact a strong institution has the power to teach a donkey how to run faster than other donkeys. However it can't still turn donkeys to horses as pure donkeys will not be able to figure out which race is for horses and which ones are for them. Worst is when you are planning to do an MBA and if you lack the talent or attitude and at the same time don't have the degree from a prestigious institute. I believe that if you have the right attitude between your eyes then you can always compensate not studying in IBA with a degree from 'left-right university' (one of any directional universities in Bangladesh will do). However even an MBA from Top B-school cant guarantee your long lasting success if you lack the basic attitude of an MBA. 

An MBA is not a prerequisite to succeed as an entrepreneur or a business leader. An attitude to succeed, innovate, initiate definitely are. Cultivate these first, a degree can follow later. There are too many examples in Bangladesh and abroad where businesses have been established and succeeded by people who didn't have any formal business education but had some basic attitude naturally or gained over time - all of which are attempted to be taught in a typical MBA course. So having the right attitude is important, then turn that into action.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

interestingly enough one must also ask what an MBA can do for them?many people consider what they can achieve after getting certified but rarely think about the quality of the process.a degree from abroad is not only good because of the quality of education but also for the man it turns us into. the attitude comes from the experience. it really doesn't matter if you are in IBA or NSU. Nor does it matter which race ur racing. as long as its good food or the owner treats you well. life is about seeking opportunities. certificates only make them legal. since you are already paying for a degree why not ask a few questions and let the teachers solve your problems.

Mohammad Ruhul Kader said...

Great write. I would like to add that what our Educational Institutions are teaching in the name education seldom meet the demand of real life. It does not make us street smart but bookish.

www.futurestartup.com

Esparanza said...

It was a nice read and insightful particularly for an undergrad like me.
Even though it is quite informal I would like to tell you that at our University ' University of Dhaka' we have a student run publication 'Voice of Business'-
Since the work for 5th issue is underway you could submit any of your fresh work.
Contact : tikvah_nadeen@yahoo.com if you want to know the details.

regards.