I am passionate about the MBA because what it teaches extends far beyond the confines of the classroom . In the third week of March , we took a group of MBA students to Greece for their international study visit . For one of the activities , the students were divided up into teams , and each team visited a different Greek start-up as consultants , where they were presented with a challenge faced by that business that they had to help solve . It was beautiful to see our students putting into practice some of the skills they had learned in the classroom . It inspired them . And inspiration is what we need in Africa . Our continent is fraught with challenges . It ’ s so important for MBA students to master the skills we are taught in class to help us confront these challenges . For instance , we need entrepreneurial skills in South Africa and across the continent ; we need people who are fired up and think outside of the box , and this is what the Henley MBA teaches you to do . I ’ m not saying that an MBA holds the answers to all our problems , but it ’ s a degree that makes you think differently . It takes you to an uncomfortable place , and you start to move away from thinking like a manager to thinking like a leader . And that ’ s when the importance of growing those around you and making a meaningful contribution to your community and society comes into sharp focus . All of these things are important on an individual level but also much more broadly in South Africa and across the continent . As individuals , we should always be aiming to improve ourselves , and qualifications are part of that . Having an MBA definitely opens doors . It increases your chances of securing management and leadership roles . And one can ’ t underestimate the value of networking with fellow students , with faculty and with the business world . When I did my MBA , I made acquaintances with whom I continue to network , and I also made lifelong friends .
My top tip for new MBA students is : You don ’ t have to go it alone . Yes , of course , it ’ s the fulfilment of a personal goal , and the theory you ’ ll gain from the programme is vital , but there is so much to learn from those around you : from fellow students to staff and faculty . In fact , this goes for all the people that you ’ ll meet on your life ’ s journey . That ’ s where some of the greatest lessons come from .
Wisest is he who knows he knows nothing ( Socrates ).