Explore how the Supply Planning Manager – Category at Suntory PepsiCo Vietnam Beverage prepared for his MBA journey and the invaluable lessons he has gained from the program in the article below.
How did you prepare to obtain the MBA Talent scholarship?
The MBA Talent program is known for its challenging nature, with an intensive schedule spanning weekday evenings to weekends. Therefore, mental preparation before the course is essential. In my opinion, before embarking on the MBA Talent journey, there are several preparatory steps to take:
First, it’s crucial to clearly define your learning objectives. Additionally, I learned from the experiences of previous participants and crafted a strategy during the MBA Talent Selection Rounds.
Through conversations with colleagues in my company, who are also MBA Talent participants, I gained a deeper understanding of the “first-generation” MBA Talent cohort’s experiences and became more aware of the program’s requirements and characteristics. This allowed me to formulate a strategy that would guide me through both the selection process and my studies, ensuring I was well-prepared for my MBA Talent journey.
Additionally, financial preparation is key. While I was hopeful for a full scholarship, I knew it was important to plan financially in case I was awarded a 50% scholarship instead.
Finally, preparing necessary certifications such as English proficiency certificates and academic qualifications is critical. For the MBA Talent program, having an English certification beforehand helps participants engage with course materials more efficiently and communicate more effectively with professors.
What was your experience during the MBA Talent Selection Rounds?
During the MBA Talent Selection Rounds, I experienced two completely contrasting emotions: anxiety and excitement.
Given the rigorous selection process, I knew I would be competing against highly experienced candidates, which naturally made me anxious.
On the flip side, I was extremely excited about the interesting case studies that came up during the selection rounds. The challenges in the MBA Talent selection process require candidates to continuously learn and think critically. These rounds provided me with a wealth of knowledge and experiences, and I could feel my personal growth compared to the previous version of myself.
What difficulties did you encounter during the MBA Talent program? What were your tips for overcoming these challenges?
Time management is a common challenge faced by participants in the MBA Talent program. Balancing time between work and family was already difficult, and now, MBA Talent participants have to allocate significant time to the program, individual assignments, and group work.
To overcome these challenges, I believe regularly revisiting my learning objectives acted as an “anchor,” helping me stay focused, committed, and motivated throughout the 24-month program.
Additionally, I organized my time and workload to ensure I could balance work and study effectively. Drawing inspiration from Stephen Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, I identified important tasks and prioritized them accordingly.
Moreover, I think maintaining good health is crucial. A strong health foundation enables participants to absorb knowledge effectively and achieve great results in their studies.
What values has MBA Talent brought to you?
The MBA Talent program has provided me with a solid foundation of knowledge across various fields, such as Finance, Human Resources, Marketing, etc. After each course, I can apply the knowledge I gained to my current work, engage in more effective discussions, and collaborate with different departments, contributing to the achievement of the company’s goals, vision, and mission.
At MBA Talent, in addition to learning from experienced professors and doctors, I have also met and gained insights from classmates with diverse backgrounds in Engineering, Finance, and Marketing. Each conversation and discussion with my classmates has provided me with a multifaceted perspective on the same issue, expanding my vision and enriching my overall experience.
With a firm commitment to pursuing an MBA, one of my main goals was to build a professional network. Throughout my MBA Talent journey, I have developed strong connections with my peers, laying the foundation for accessing valuable personal and career development opportunities, as well as sharing common interests and passions. These relationships are the “key” to my career development and help us build a richer and more fulfilling spiritual life.
MBA Talent
