Abigail Davenport, head of Strathclyde Business School, UAE campus, underscores the importance of an MBA degree in securing better job prospects and advancing careers. As this valuable investment promises a multitude of benefits, Davenport provides key insights into the factors to consider when choosing the right MBA program.
What are some of the advantages of having an MBA degree? What tangible and intangible benefits can be gained by investing in an MBA degree?
An MBA degree offers a huge range of advantages and benefits to those that choose to undertake this very challenging but ultimately extremely rewarding career path. An MBA instantly conveys a great impression of a candidate’s skill level and expertise. Quite simply put, to have an MBA enhances job prospects and earning potential as many industries value the strategic, managerial and leadership skills it imparts. It can also help build a robust professional network, opening doors to opportunities and collaborations. Being part of a strong alumni network – such as the community in and around the University of Strathclyde Business School here in UAE and further afield – is nothing short of priceless for many of our graduates, who leverage strong connections to grow their career. At the University of Strathclyde Business School (SBS), we believe that the practical knowledge gained in business alongside the learning structure offered by our academic experts who are thought-leaders in their fields, is an advantage that gives our graduates a tangible edge.
The University of Strathclyde Business School MBA fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills, vital for career advancement. We believe that in today’s world, blending practical real-life skills with academic knowledge is the ideal combination. The prestige of our MBA boosts confidence and credibility, certainly. Strathclyde is a triple-accredited business school by the three accrediting bodies, AMBA, EQUIS and AACSB. The MBA exposes students to diverse perspectives and fosters a global outlook, vital in today’s interconnected world. While the cost and time investment are considerations, the long-term benefits in terms of career growth, versatility and personal development make pursuing an MBA a worthwhile investment for many.
Our students learn skills such as leadership and entrepreneurial skills on the program, not necessarily always to set up their own business –though this is quite a common experience for students – but to have an entrepreneurial mindset, to help them be creative and be able to problem solve in their field of work, and as regards leadership, to set them apart from others in their workplace. It helps students ‘pivot’ to where they need to go in the business world.
A highlight of the Strathclyde MBA calendar is the annual MBA Summer School, which takes place in Glasgow over May and June. The Summer School is open to all study routes of the MBA who have reached elective study stage, and is a wonderful opportunity to study elective choices alongside a group of like-minded international colleagues. In addition, as an international institution, Students who are not based in Scotland on the global MBA program, have the opportunity to study a module in another location such as Bahrain, Oman, Greece, Malaysia extending network and experience.
Read: Adapting education to bridge the skills gap in a rapidly changing job market
How in demand are professionals with advanced studies or MBA degrees in the UAE or in the Middle East in general? Would you have available statistics on their employability compared to those without MBA degrees/advanced studies?
Strathclyde Business School was ranked 7th globally and 2nd in Europe for Salary Uplift, with 155% increase in salary for MBA students (QS TopMba). This is a key benefit for return in investment for our graduates, as well as prospective students.
An MBA in the UAE in particular opens up the prospect for lucrative careers in the region. The UAE’s economy is diversified beyond the oil and gas sector, looking to thrive in alternative industries including tech, hospitality, healthcare, finance etc. Since this shift, MBAs in Dubai have reached top positions such as Vice President and Director in key sectors
On graduation, students join an alumni base spread across the world of over 150,000 graduates.
Given Strathclyde’s long history as an institution, how has it innovated in terms of teaching/learning methodologies or approaches?
Strathclyde has always prided itself as ‘a place of useful learning’. In 1796, our founder John Anderson left instructions and most of his estate to create a university in Glasgow “for the good of mankind and the improvement of science, a place of useful learning”. More than two hundred years after its foundation, the University of Strathclyde continues to make a contribution to society, which is distinct, broad and deep.
Almost 90% of research produced by Strathclyde has been rated ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021. Our research informs our teaching at every level: our internationally-acclaimed academics, active in research, also teach on the MBA programme. SBS was given a Pioneering Institution award by RRBM (Responsible Research in Business Management) in 2021.
‘Useful’ learning is key and something we’re proud to champion as an institution. As regards the MBA, we offer a range of topical and relevant electives subjects each year so that the MBA can be tailored to an individual’s personal preferences and interests. We recently changed the capstone MBA project so students can choose an option for the project that suits them best – students can now opt for the traditional research dissertation or opt for an entrepreneurial project or consultancy project.
What’s more, MBA alumni are eligible to undertake one elective per year for three years after graduation, subject to availability, which is an excellent way to keep knowledge and skills updated. We recognise the pace of change in Higher Education has accelerated, disrupting traditional operating models and driving innovation in the design and experience of the learning journey. In this shifting context, Strathclyde Business School introduced the Global Practitioner Initiative for academic year 2022-23 – an innovation aimed at placing practical expertise and content relevance alongside academic knowledge and intellectual challenge at the heart of a transformative student experience.
Bridging theory and practice, global practitioners play a crucial role in stimulating and facilitating learning for our MBA, executive education and specialist master’s students. Our Global Practitioners are a new class of colleagues from a diverse range of industries and backgrounds, reflecting the broad nature of subjects addressed in our general management programs and the rich variety of students and colleague profiles in our learning environment.
Starting September 2022, 30 Global Practitioners joined the business school to support development and delivery of the MBA and specialist master programs.
What skills are currently in demand in the market? What about 10 years from now?
The education landscape has to keep up at a faster rate than ever in response to the demands of the market. AI has become the next hot topic in the digitalization conversation here in the Middle East as elsewhere around the world, but employers still value communication skills, creative problem solving, leadership skills and analytical thinking.
In the UAE, we are seeing more interest for emerging in-demand fields including Spacetech, Water, Agritech, Fintech, Proptech and Sustainable Tourism – areas that fuel the future of the UAE economy. Our practical approach to learning has always, since our foundation, been developed with a deep understanding of practical skills and market needs. There’s always going to be a demand for the MBA and Strathclyde makes sure it incorporates the latest thinking into the MBA.
The business world is always going to need individuals who have a wide range of skills, coupled with leadership and strategic skills, and the MBA offers just that.
What’s your view on AI and/or ChatGPT being used in education/learning?
My view on AI, including technologies such as ChatGPT, in education and learning is generally positive but I believe it must be tempered with nuance; it’s still relatively new and the potential for misuse is equal to its positive uses. From my perspective, AI automates administrative tasks, which can free up time for teaching. AI can interpret vast amounts of data to guide and enhance educational strategy. Coupled with this, I think it is important to shine a light on transparency when it comes to AI use, as technology should always be used to support and augment education not replace it. Students should be aware of the ethical implications of using AI, as well as how its role can genuinely support their learning. Finally, I believe that skills such as analysis, critical thinking, communication and human interaction cannot be replaced, and with distance learning and virtual meeting the norm for many today, ensuring we continue to underscore their value and crucial importance remains key.
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