What does it mean to have a global MBA degree where students from diverse backgrounds come and join? A B-school that focuses on imparting knowledge through industry insights, involving corporate experience for its students to thrive globally. We got in touch with a few of the UBS alumni who are working in different fields across the globe. What was the kind of career path they experienced after passing out from UBS and how the learning from the institute stayed with them in every step that they took in their respective careers? This and a lot more were discussed in this interview with Ruchie Raj, Dr. Swati Gogawat, and Manik Kataria. Here are the excerpts:
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- A BTech, BDS degree and then joining UBS, how did this decision take place?
- Manik: Prior to joining UBS, I did exhaustive primary and secondary research about the college, its faculty, systems, and education facilities and for the same, I visited and stayed at the campus for 3 full days, during which I spoke to the then students, their faculty as well as the Chairman and Founder too. I found out that it was the only Indian college at that time offering a 1-year Dual International MBA. A year saved in a career was a huge advantage. Besides, it was the only college that was endorsed by 60 CEOs with a pool of faculty that were CEOs, Presidents, and VPs of leading MNCs. On top of it, the fees were reasonable compared to other Indian colleges. For me, thus, it was a no brainer.
- Swati: For me, it was primarily a choice between just dentistry or self-improvement in life. I started looking for MBA courses after pursuing dentistry for a few years. I understood that I would need an understanding of managerial subjects and an MBA qualification would definitely give me an edge. UBS seemed just perfect in terms of course structure, the duration for me.
- Ruchie, tell us a bit about the MBA Cardiff program at UBS that you took up?
- Ruchie: The Cardiff MBA programme is one of it’s kind MBA programme in India. UBS was and I believe still is the only business school that offers a programme like the Cardiff MBA. One of the main differences between the traditional modular MBA programs and the Cardiff MBA is the way they are structured. Studying for an MBA degree from Cardiff forces you to get out of the comfort zone. You'll explore the latest international business trends, apply the newest management tools and techniques, while also constantly challenging yourself to improve your business knowledge, team management skills, and ability to collaborate.
- Were you always inclined towards having a B-school degree or is it something that came your way as you went on with your set of experimentations?
- Ruchie: “Why MBA after Engineering?” - was a question I used to get asked a lot! So after I completed my engineering in computer science, I had worked in the IT sector with a major tech firm for some time during which I learned a lot about the hierarchy and the organizational structure of the tech industry. I had realized that for me to be able to progress through my career and get to the decision-making table, I was looking at nothing less than 10 years in the industry. In their defence, when you join as a developer, you have very little exposure to the business side of things and it will genuinely take you that long to learn about the various aspects of the business that are taken into account while making a business decision. However, an MBA prepares you for the real-world problems. You understand the role of human elements in business. You pick up concepts on communication, human resource management, enterprise management, time management, and other such. These skills are critical for anyone who aspires to take on managerial roles in their career. It has been five years since I graduated from the Cardiff MBA programme. There hasn't been a single day when I’ve regretted my decision.
- Manik, take us to the moment when you represented UBS at a Global Conference in Cardiff, UK. What do you think that entails for a student in terms of their confidence? Also, tell us a bit about heading the Global CEO series at UBS.
- Manik: This was one of the milestones for me, for I was selected to represent not only my college but my country, all the way in London. Every year, one student from the entire college gets this opportunity. This opportunity pretty much prepares anyone for their future corporate life, the knack needed to excel and ace the interviews and put your best foot forward. UBS provided me the opportunity to not only network and invite the corporate hot-shots but also interview them LIVE on Camera.
This bore fruit as I was able to invite and interview the CEOs, and MD of HBO, Reliance, ABP News Network, Hinduja Group among others. The most coveted achievement was when I succeeded in getting the Dep. Director of FBI – The Federal Bureau of Investigation, all the way from Washington DC to our college, on his own expenses! Such experiences instilled massive confidence in me, for, at a time when my batch-mates were busy completing assignments, whiling away time, or prepping for interviews, I was already networking with the CXOs and interviewing them!
- Ruchie, how has your journey post-B-school been, having worked with Citibank and then joining Gerson Lehrman Group? What were some of the major learning?
- Ruchie: While there are many paths to get to your career destination, the first job is disproportionately important. In my case, I was fortunate to have had amazing mentors at UBS who guided me through every step of the recruitment process. I bagged my offer with Citibank in the 10th month of my MBA via campus placement while I was still pursuing my course. My mentors and the placement head knew that as a finance student, the first stop on my career journey needed to be a firm in the financial services space to help me experience all that I had learnt in the classroom. Citi was the best company from a training and reputation perspective and so it was the most logical choice to help propel me towards my goal. Having started my post MBA career with Citi, helped me learn about the product structure and the operational side of banking from a grassroots level. After Citi, I had the opportunity to go to Gerson Lehrman Group (GLG) which is a multinational consulting firm in the investment research space. While the job was still in the financial services space, it gave me an opportunity to build competency in client engagement and investment-driven research. While at GLG, my work involved working with clients from across the globe. It helped me gain expertise in leading and building cohesive cross-functional teams and collaborating with senior executives.
- Swati, from B-school, you joined one of the largest chains of diagnostic companies Metropolis. Take us through to your experience right after your B-school and how do you think your two years at UBS helped you become a better manager?
- Swait: After dentistry and MBA, diagnostics was another field to explore and it was an exciting opportunity at Metropolis. I used my sales and marketing knowledge and learning gained from the MBA course and implemented it practically into my work. It helped me manage a team and develop both personally and professionally.
- Manik, you refer to yourself as an ‘Integrated Content Marketing Professional’. What does that mean in today’s world and how have you evolved over the years post your MBA degree?
- Manik: Gone are the days when only print or TV ruled this space. Now we have different platforms in the social media space, OOH Billboard Hoardings, activation events, web banners, Subway, cab branding, articles, infographics, and even skywriting along with the usual radio, TV, and print. The usual trifecta of TV, Radio, and Print are no longer enough to generate buzz and get the messaging across to the desired target audience, and bring in sales revenue. This is where the term “Integrated Content Marketing” comes into play. We, as marketing professionals now have to ensure we tap into every platform available which will work the best in terms of reaching out to our desired audience and generate results. Over the years, I have evolved into a calmer, pragmatic person, much the wiser might I add, who is adept at knowing his priorities well and at the same time able to keep distractions of any kind at bay, maintaining a fine work-life balance while keeping a determined, focused eye on my goals.
- Manik, you currently work in a Canadian multinational mass media and entertainment company with a vast portfolio of channels. How has the global journey of yours been so far from a B.Tech degree to now working for one of the mass media giants in the world?
- Manik: The journey has been a pure blessing, and a lot of it in disguise, which we are only able to understand and disrobe in retrospect. Looking back, I can comprehend with laser accuracy why certain events unfolded, and why major or minor circumstances came to be, all to ensure I reach where I always desired to be by this time in my life and career. And needless to say, a LOT of it is certainly owed to my life and opportunities at UBS. Feel free to quote me as a PROUD UBSite!
- Swati, you are working at Pure Smiles currently in the UK. Looking back, how would you reflect upon your journey so far?
- Swati: It has been a phenomenal journey and I think I have achieved significantly. After my MBA at UBS, I started my journey with Metropolis, Mumbai followed by Dentsply Sirona, Bangalore, and currently working at Pure Smiles in London. These have all been very different and unique roles. I have adapted, learnt, and succeeded in excelling in each one of them. I am currently managing a team of 10 in the UK and managing two high-end posh dental practices (a country known for its diversity). I have been able to use my business acumen and marketing skillset gained from my MBA course with an added advantage of dental background and years of work experience in various managerial roles.
- Ruchie, you joined the AI DIH network in 2017. Tell us a bit about your role and what were the few learning from UBS that you took along with you that helped you in this career progression?
- Ruchie: In 2017, I had the opportunity to work with the federal government of Canada. I joined the AI DIH (Artificial Intelligence Durham Innovation Hub) which is a facility funded by the government of Canada for research in Artificial Intelligence to help SMEs (Small and mid-size enterprises) adopt AI ( Artificial Intelligence) in some way or form - either to optimize their operations, or enhance their customer experience, or create new product offerings. My role here required me to manage a project portfolio of $2M that consisted of AI research projects funded by the Federal and Provincial governments. I was accountable for managing the delivery of critical government-funded projects, and for providing managerial support for all the projects conducted by the facility, communicating program objectives and strategic alignment to stakeholders with a variety of technical and non-technical backgrounds. My responsibilities also included costing, estimating, and planning projects with clients from multiple sectors. During my time here, the one thing I realized all throughout was that leaders, clients, and even subject matter experts always respected my opinion and appreciated the value or change I brought to any discussion or process because of the credibility I brought to the table. A huge piece of this was my MBA. They value you not just for the brand name but for the intensive coursework that your MBA comes with. People around you know that your opinions have, presumably, been formed by a number of super-smart people, great professors, and rigorous study. Your degree becomes a pedigree that your future employers will come to rely on.I recently joined a Montreal based FinTech firm. It is a digital arm of one of the banks here in Canada. Fun fact - the reason they reached out to me was because of my experience with a bank in Asia and my understanding of tech. Bank in Asia - was my campus placement while at UBS! :) It’s funny how an MBA can change your life and literally define it all throughout your career.