As most of the companies, globally, prefer scientific approach to management, Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree has become the most sought-after degree for professionals from various fields. It not only helps professionals to learn the major aspects of business and strategy, but also allows people to switch fields and accelerate career growth. MBA attracts many top minds from multiple disciplines; many of whom are currently in a full-time job. This article shares the summary of discussions the writer had to show a glimpse of the challenges MBA candidates face while working in a full-time job.
Despite the difficulties of juggling a full-time job and a professional degree, professionals have compelling reasons why they do it. Tasfia Mehreen, assistant manager, Group Finance at Bangla Trac Limited says, "Having a full-time job and handling MBA simultaneously does take a toll on my health. But career progressions in managerial roles becomes difficult without MBA. Hence, eventually I will have to do a post grad some time in life; so I decided to do this earlier when I have fewer responsibilities."
Pursuing an MBA while working has many upsides. There are a lot of things a business student will not realise until they step into the industry and business world. It can be safe to say that young professionals who are enrolled in MBA programme and do a full-time job can truly compare the extent to which theories are applicable in practical world. Faisal Rashid, team lead, Business and Strategy at Inovace Technologies, says, "I have already done a few term projects relating to my work and conducted a market research assignment with a real business scenario based on my job and company. Besides, many practical life situations make more sense because of what I learnt in various courses in my MBA programme." On the other hand, Mehedi Hossain, national director of JCI Bangladesh and business development executive at Pidilite Speciality Chemicals (BD) Private Limited, states, "While I was pursuing my MBA at IBA, I was working at my family business. As I was in the family business, it was sort of a testing ground for me. Since I am an engineer, MBA content was pretty new to me. So whatever I learnt, I used to implement it at the office. Some processes succeeded, while some failed, but overall I learnt about the need for improvisation in the process."
However, anyone who signs up for two years of business school education besides doing a full-time job should be aware of the time and effort necessary. Days may end at ridiculous times consistently. Insufficient sleep, lack of socialisation and work filled weekends will become the norm. Faisal Rashid further mentioned, "My day usually starts at 8 am and ends at 11 pm." In addition, Mehedi Hossain added, "Besides my MBA I worked in my family business, consulting at Mir Group, teaching Leadership to high school students at Academia and taking math classes at Mentors. So I was pretty much bogged down with a lot of work along with a lot of studies. The journey of MBA was very hectic, but I got it done anyway. It depends a lot on your will to put in that extra effort and stay dedicated all throughout. '
Furthermore, an MBA degree will feature team assignments in almost all courses. Coordinating and working with others who are also tied to jobs is not easy. However, digital and online platforms such as Google docs and sheets have helped people work together during any time from any place. Faisal Rashid further added, 'Most of my team assignments are prepared via shared Google docs or slides." In absence of discussion sessions (a common case in this scenario), division of labour is key. Mehedi Hossain also added, "Each person takes one portion of the assignment and does it after office at night. And then one person compiles it all. At times we used to meet during weekends at coffee shops to get assignments done."
In the context of Dhaka, distance is a critical factor, especially when someone packs their schedule with a full time job and an MBA. Commuting times due to traffic are very long and if someone needs to travel long distances on a tight schedule it may be impossible to maintain. Media and Digital Partner at Unilever Bangladesh Limited, Ahnaf Zabee faced difficulties regarding this and shared, "Distance was a massive issue as I had to go from Bashundhara to University of Dhaka by 7 pm while working for a top priority project. I unfortunately ended up dropping out by the end of the first semester since I missed many classes." The distance factor not only contributes to the dropping out factor, but also impacts the performance in class. The ambition of doing well is often lost, according to Fahim Hossain, manager-Finance and Accounts at Shun Shing Edible Oil Limited. He mentioned, "If your office and university are fairly far away from one another, then you'll regret your decision to pursue both every day. I lost enthusiasm and appetite for good CGPA during my very first semester due to this."
Despite all difficulties, an MBA classroom can provide an escape from the hassles of the workplace. It can be a place to meet new people, make friends and foster meaningful professional connections. Besides, for many MBA candidates distance is not an issue. Product Manager at Citi Bank NA, Naim Khalid adds, 'Distance is not an issue if you enjoy attending classes and get extremely helpful classmates like Mark Anupom Mollick da and Farhana Jahan Upama apu. I did an MBA to pass my free time after office and I did not find it difficult despite traveling from Gulshan to IBA, University of Dhaka. In fact, it gave me a refreshing feeling after a long and unhappy day at work.'
It all boils down to one's ability to remain focused and dedicated all throughout the process. It is understandable that many find it to be stressful and they have all the reasons to find it so; however, those who succeed have highly benefited from this.
The writer is a second-year student of BBA programme at the Institute of Business Administration (IBA), University of Dhaka. He can be reached at
zariftajwar4@gmail.com