Interested in a Career Change? A Student’s Perspective of The One Planet MBA at Exeter

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By Catherine Crane
One Planet MBA Student 2014/5

So you want to be an MBA student? Interested in developing your career? Perhaps you are toying with the idea of a complete career change? Maybe you are dissatisfied with the level of knowledge you currently possess and want the chance to learn and develop new skills? Or possibly the title “One Planet MBA” – a Masters in Business Administration and Sustainability – is unique enough to have caught your attention? world Those were some of the responses my cohort answered in reply to the question, “Why an MBA? Why Exeter business school?  And why now?”.  It was apparent that although the 2015 cohort is extremely multi-cultural, (colleagues as far as New Zealand, Thailand, Hong Kong, Colombia to name a few), the motives for attending this unique MBA were universal. This programme provides us with the opportunity to develop oneself, to become an inspirational leader and to apply these new skills and knowledge practically in the Business world. As a current One Planet MBA student, I feel it is my responsibility to share with you my own personal motives for embarking on the One Planet MBA and to shed a few rays of light on the benefits I have encountered so far… light My own personal journey into the world of business began over 10 years ago, when I graduated with a BSc (Hons) Chiropractic. What does this have to do with business you may ask? Well, after being churned out into the world as a fledgling health practitioner, with no previous experience of working in sales or marketing, I soon had to learn how to adapt to thrive in this busy and fast-paced business world. The highly competitive market of the health industry meant that I was constantly attempting to predict my competitors, to diversify to offer new products and services and to increase my business to customer marketing strategies in order to retain and build on my existing client base. It became evident to me that after 4 years of running a successful chain of businesses that I was far more enthusiastic and passionate about the business than the clinical aspects of the job. There was a nagging sense within me that I needed to reach out, to try something new, to develop myself and open myself up to new opportunities. And that is when it happened….Exeter University Business School jumped out at me! Building-One It was on my way to work one cold December morning in the midst of a commuter rush of busy workers, there it was “THE ONE PLANET MBA”, in full colour; an advert strategically positioned on the rail platform, not to be missed by anyone. What attracted me was that this MBA was like no other; it offered sustainability at the core of the programme. OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA This is an attractive calling to anyone who is forward thinking, innovative, conscientious about the environment and has the desire to be a modern, successful business leader and change agent. At this point I knew I was ready to read an MBA and now I was sold on the idea of  joining Exeter Business School, it seemed an amazing opportunity not to miss. I promptly found myself sitting in interview at Exeter Business School, ready to embark on my new career in the Autumn of 2014. Now, nearly 6 months later, I can recall so many benefits and opportunities of being here.

Topping it for me as a people person is the vastly extensive and multi-cultural cohort I am a part of. I have learned so much from my peers, not only their customs, values, beliefs and friendships, but how they apply their gifts, strengths and talents to current business situations. They are superb teachers and this is guaranteed; when you start your MBA, you will be surrounded by like- minded, intelligent and conscientious future leaders.

I have been extremely impressed by the quality of service I have received from the administration support staff. They are quick to respond to all of my questions and will go to any lengths to support me through my MBA as effortlessly as possible. I am truly grateful to know I can rely on their expertise.

Let’s not forget the lecturers who have dished up their thought-provoking and delicious courses, day after day, week after week.  If you want to wet your appetite for new, forward thinking skills and knowledge, this is the place to be. I’m still hungry to learn more and already half way through the course, I realise time is flying by too quickly. So, if you are considering the idea of a career change and a year out to develop yourself , I would highly recommend the One Planet MBA. I am so pleased I made this choice and I now have an exciting future ahead of me. exeter_sign I will be sharing more blogs over the coming weeks regarding my personal experience of the core and elective modules. If you would like to learn more, please stay tuned, or contact me directly on .

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