by Yuto Arai
Current MBA student and Cranfield Leadership Prize winner
Before embarking on the Cranfield MBA journey, I was a manager at an international consulting firm in Japan. Based on my experience, I noticed that many Japanese companies struggle with a lack of global leadership.
My goal was to become a global leader capable of introducing cutting-edge technology to the Japanese market and expanding business globally. To achieve this, I needed to acquire several key skill sets, and I believed an MBA was the best path to obtaining them.
Why did I choose to study the Transformation MBA at Cranfield?
1. Understanding Global Business Practices
To collaborate effectively with overseas companies, I needed a better understanding of business practices worldwide. The MBA's international student environment, rich with diverse cultural backgrounds, facilitates the enhancement of cross-cultural communication skills.
2. Leadership and Entrepreneurship Skills
The Transformation MBA provides both theoretical knowledge and practical learning experiences, essential for honing leadership and entrepreneurship skills.
3. Expanding My International Network
Building a global network is crucial for future collaborations. The MBA programme offers numerous opportunities to connect with professionals all over the world, particularly with the incredible Cranfield alumni network, which now has more than 80,000 members worldwide.
4. Executive Perspectives
Understanding executive-level issues is integral to the MBA, helping me gain insights into high-level business strategies and challenges. The teaching faculty, including Professor Leila Alinaghian, the FTMBA Course Director, is highly experienced with strong links to industry and have made the course content relevant and engaging.
Why Cranfield?
1. Practical Learning Environment
Cranfield focuses on practical learning, which is vital in today's complex business world. Designed as a meeting place for practitioners and educators, Cranfield provides opportunities to work on real-world management issues and engage in consulting projects.
2. Immersive Experience
With a deliberately compact cohort size of approximately 50 students, Cranfield MBA fosters close relationships and deep understanding among peers. The strong bond between students, as seen on our student-owned account, convinced me that this immersive experience would enrich my life.
3. Intensive Learning
The intensive one-year MBA programme at Cranfield pushes students out of their comfort zones, promoting significant personal and professional growth. This year includes an international consulting project in either Spain or Italy at the partner school, ESCP (another top-ranked business school in Europe), plus the option to complete an internship or pursue an entrepreneurial venture.
4. Alumni Network
Cranfield's well-connected alumni network includes many successful C-suite executives and entrepreneurs. Before applying, I reached out to several alumni who provided valuable insights and support, which continues to benefit me.
5. Cost-Effectiveness
Compared to other top-ranked MBA programmes, Cranfield offers an affordable course fee, making it a great investment considering the practical learning, immersive experience, and robust alumni network.
Reflection after Term 1
The Cranfield MBA has been a transformative experience. Opportunities for self-reflection, trying new things, and pushing boundaries abound. I've recognised my new strengths and improvements daily.
Lectures and interactions with fellow MBA students have been inspiring and engaging. The Career Development and Enhancement module has supported my career exploration, and the close-knit class has allowed us to deeply understand each other's personalities and skills, exchange career plans, and provide mutual feedback.
My goal is to become a global business leader, combining innovative perspectives from abroad with Japan's sophisticated business practices. Every day at Cranfield, I feel myself becoming a better version of myself. The Cranfield MBA is truly transformative and the best investment I've ever made.
If you aspire to grow as a global business leader, welcome to Cranfield!
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