by Jennifer Liu
Current MBA student
I am surprised at how quickly time has flown by. In September 2023, I arrived at ÂãÁÄÖ±²¥, warmly welcomed by Cranfield staff at Heathrow Airport. It was there that I met and bonded with my MBA classmate, who has since become my best friend!
Introduction to ÂãÁÄÖ±²¥
Since the start of Term 1, I haven’t had a moment to feel bored. There was an MBA welcome party on the night of my arrival, where I met many new faces, including my course director, Dr Leila Alinaghian. The excitement was palpable, with everyone enthusiastic and eager to embark on a new life path at Cranfield. I was excited too, anticipating a unique learning experience in the UK that would transform my future career pathway and allow me to contribute positively to society. After working for many years, the desire to return to my studies had been growing within me, and I knew that the time was right.
Why I Chose Cranfield’s MBA Programme
Cranfield's appeal during my decision-making process was rooted in its unique environment and strong reputation and rankings in Europe. Renowned for practical learning and robust alumni connections, the university promised not only academic focus but also the cultivation of strong interpersonal relationships. Situated in the beautiful countryside with its own airport, the regular sounds of airplanes taking off and landing have become a familiar part of everyday life. Watching them has proven to be a relaxing pastime.
Although situated just outside of London, it is still relatively close compared to many other universities. For students who relish city life, the option to head to London is readily available, as it takes less than an hour by train. Some students preferred the flexibility of buying a car whilst they were studying at Cranfield to reduce the reliance on the bus and train network, although the campus is served by a regular bus service. The Cranfield full-time MBA programme offered numerous opportunities and support for personal growth and self-transformation. Prior to my arrival, several staff members promptly responded to my learning concerns, leaving a positive impression on me.
Highlights of the Legendary ‘O’ Week
During the Orientation Week (or ‘O’ week as it is affectionately known), the intensive activities kept me highly engaged with my classmates. Each morning, we participated in wake-up dances, followed by team dances in preparation for evening social activities, and various games designed to acquaint us with school resources and facilities. The details of this academic year's courses were thoroughly explained during this time. Additionally, I had the opportunity to receive valuable learning tips from previous MBA students (or Orienteers) through these activities.
Though the schedule was tiring, it was enjoyable, allowing me to get to know my classmates, discover their talents, and embark on this journey together. Coming from diverse backgrounds and cultures, it was enlightening to hear about their work experiences, providing valuable insights for my own career transformation. Their life stories were equally inspiring.
First Term Experiences and Activities
The first two months of my experience felt as if a year had passed. I attended day courses and engaged in evening activities, such as the MBA speaker series and Entrepreneurship speaker series – both unique to Cranfield. During these events, inspiring speakers from Cranfield’s vast alumni community shared their life stories, broadening my perspective and providing opportunities for us to connect with them and ask questions after their speeches.
Additionally, I actively participated in numerous group meetings to discuss assignments. Student Social representatives organised festival parties to celebrate our diverse cultures and customs, fostering cultural understanding among classmates. I even participated in a competition with my classmates, and although we did not advance to the final, the experience was wonderful. I am eager to try other competitions in the future. In this short period, I have already gained a wealth of experiences and grown in confidence, whether through learning boxing (!) or expanding my network.
Continuous Learning and Personal Growth
In the Transformation MBA, professors and alumni consistently reiterate that your test scores are just one small aspect of the programme. What you learn and accomplish and how you develop during the academic year personally and professionally are equally important. One module that I found inspiring was 'Organisational Behaviour: Developing Leadership.' In these sessions, we delved into topics such as self-awareness and interaction behaviours with others. Our assignment required us to self-reflect on the tools we learned and applied within our learning teams to achieve our goals. We were divided into small groups (learning teams) and I have spent a significant portion of Term 1 collaborating with them, really bonding in the process.
Learning from Peers and Teamwork
My learning team has taught me valuable lessons on effective teamwork and how to work as part of a diverse team. Writing the self-reflection assignment at the end of the year, I realised that knowing and applying learned knowledge are two distinct skills, emphasising the importance of practical application during the study. Reviewing my team members' self-reflections offered a deeper understanding of their thoughts and perspectives. I look forward to working even more effectively with my learning team in the coming days as we continue to grow together.
Stepping Out of Comfort Zones
The facilities at Cranfield are second to none. We have use of a live TV studio where we get to practice presenting to live audiences via webinars and masterclasses. One exciting feature of the MBA programme is the opportunity to do what is known as an ‘Elevator pitch.’ I spent a lot of time practicing the delivery of my personal elevator pitch (which has to be about a topic I am passionate about) in the studio. Here, I could learn how I appear on video, receiving feedback from my peers and the careers team, which is essential for self-improvement.
To prepare for this, MBA students have sessions with executive coaches and their tutors in the learning team. The smaller cohort size means that we really get to know our tutors on a personal level, and although they are busy, they are always willing to help. I often seek professional advice from them because of their wealth of experience in dealing with various challenges.
Looking Ahead: Future Opportunities
The time spent on campus is fleeting, as MBA students are set to embark on the international exchange program in Spain or Italy during the summer, followed by individual internships. Therefore, cherishing the moment becomes crucial. Someone once advised me to fully enjoy my time studying abroad, stating that it would create unforgettable memories for a lifetime. Indeed, as I step out of my comfort zone and experience a different life, every moment becomes precious. Acknowledging that life is a one-time journey, I am committed to focusing on the present while gearing up to write more exciting chapters in my future beyond Cranfield.
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