Testimonial

Why a MBA / Leadership Development Program (vs. direct hire)?
A Leadership Development programme allows individuals to try different roles and move around different parts of a business which is ideal after a MBA. A Leadership programme also provides opportunity to an increased access to other networks and to other senior members of the business which is very beneficial in any individual's career.

What are the key advantages / disadvantages of being on a MBA / Leadership Development Program?
The key advantages are:

1. Opportunity to move across the business.

2. Try different roles.
3. Senior management interactions.
4. Part of a network so you never feel alone.
5. Personal development opportunities.

Disadvantages:

1. You may find it difficult to compete for specialist roles.

2. Change in senior management strategy may affect the programme and it can get shelved.

3. You have to be more flexible to move locations, teams etc.

How does the MBA / Leadership Development Program fit in your career goals?
It allowed me to change my functions and try something new after my MBA. It offers me opportunities to interact with an amazing team of people.

The different roles during the tenure of the programme allows me to try and test different roles and then settle on something that I want to do long term.

How strongly did you weight the location of the program?
It really didn't matter!

What to look for in a MBA / Leadership Development Program?
In a MBA : Class profile , University reputation, Faculty profile, career development and support.

Leadership Development Program: Senior management buy-in , reputation of the programme, programme profile, content of the programme - tenure , kind of rotations etc.

Can you summarize the recruiting process you went through and how long it took?
Application form

Phone interview : 45 min

Assessment centre : interviews and case study - 1 full day
Role interview : 1 hour
Senior Leadership team interview : 30 minutes

What were the required skillsets and prior experience and how were they evaluated (behavioral interviews, case studies, assessment center, panel interview, etc)?
They looked for people who come from different backgrounds and asked for people with minimum 3-4 years of work experience. There are different methods that are used to understand the real 'you' so faking it doesn't help!

What advice and tips can you share with those interested in MBA Development Programs?
1.Know yourself and your career goals.

2. Shortlist the organisations that meet your criteria.

3. Speak to people who have applied to the programme before.

4.Link in with the program alumni and speak to them.

5. Understand the steps of the application process and prepare yourself accordingly.

6. Be yourself!