Life on the MBA

Olatunji Adegbite (MBA- 6)
Undergraduate major: BSc Geology

I chose LBS because it provided me with two things I wanted in an MBA programme: global awareness and local relevance. I was also looking forward to the case study pedagogy. Twenty-one months after, I can comfortably say that I am now well-armed with the necessaries for success in the business world. I have learnt not only the hard skills but also the soft skills of business.

The class discussions and debates were particularly exciting yet challenging, not forgetting the assignments, projects, presentations and career management tips. Being in LBS has made me appreciate the fact that our country Nigeria can be great if only we do things right and also do the right things. No wonder it is referred to as 'the oasis of sanity'.

My internship experience was at the strategy and business advisory unit of Resources and Trust Company Limited where I conducted a competitive intelligence analysis for one of the top ten Nigerian banks, using strategic management and banking industry analytical tools. I was also involved in the preparation of a monthly business review report on the Nigerian economy. Competencies developed in the first year of the MBA particularly from the analysis of business problems, strategic management, economic environment of business and socio-political environment of business courses provide me a solid foundation on which to build.

A recount of my MBA experience wouldn't be complete without a mention of the SME LOGIC Club ( a student enterprise club aimed at providing voluntary business advisory services to Small and Medium scale businesses), which I presided over during my second year. The experience garnered during the Expert-in-Residence (EIR) sessions and visitations to the Goldman Sachs' sponsored SMEs, as well as the opportunity of leading my peers have enormously contributed to my personal and professional growth.

The final highlight of my MBA experience was the business strategy game, which brought to fore all that I learnt during the programme, including the fact that the unexpected may happen!

I am grateful to LBS for the dual opportunity provided MBA students to put into practice concepts discussed in class and develop career long contacts. The twenty-one months have no doubt been worth the time, energy and money!