Taking on an MBA is a challenging step outside your comfort zone, but that’s where growth happens. Nick Gawreluk had big aspirations when he applied for his MBA at the Frankfurt School of Finance & Management. Now, looking back at his admission letter, he reflects on this transformational experience and shares insights that helped him grow personally and professionally through his MBA.
Pursuing an MBA requires a significant investment in time, effort, and financial outlay. In return, students anticipate personal and professional growth to significantly improve their careers post- MBA.
We spoke with Nick Gawreluk about his growth journey during his part-time MBA at Frankfurt School of Finance & Management.
Before the MBA Nick was working as a Global Sales and Operations Manager in the printing industry. After graduation he achieved his goal to take a higher leadership role and became the Director of Sales and Account Management.
Nick stepped out of his comfort zone, pursuing an MBA to develop the leadership mindset needed for a lasting impact on the industry. His story illustrates the power of seizing MBA growth opportunities.
“I got out of my comfort zone, and I am better off because of it,” he affirms. (01:18)
MBA candidates discover opportunities by pushing beyond limits and taking on new challenges for career growth and development. That can potentially mean pursuing a new industry, leadership role, or cultural environment depending on your goals.
Have you considered your long-term career aspirations and what it takes to achieve them? What benefits do you seek from higher education, and how will they contribute to your desired career trajectory? To fully leverage an MBA’s opportunities, it’s crucial not to overlook these fundamental questions.
Nick pursued an MBA to leave a positive mark in his industry, and recognized that an MBA could support him in this mission.
“My long-term career ambitions require the ability to create significant change and leadership strategies in an industry full of opportunity and disruption,” he shares. (02:30)
Having a clear purpose when pursuing an MBA will guide individuals and help them achieve career aspirations. For example, you’ll know what electives and specialization are best for you out of the myriad of interesting options.
To maximize MBA growth potential, students need career specific skills and knowledge that align with their goals. A flexible MBA curriculum accommodates focused development within the broader business education.
“Having the flexibility to customize the curriculum to best synchronize with my desired career goals and explore new areas felt like a breath of fresh air,” Nick tells us. (01:22)
Taking a holistic approach to professional development and acquiring role-specific skills and complementary subject areas will aid career advancement. This approach will enable individuals to acquire the necessary education to achieve their career goals.
Developing the right mindset, besides hard skills and knowledge, is critical to fully leverage an MBA degree.
“It is important to me to cultivate new ways of thinking and expand self-awareness throughout different nationalities, industries, and opportunities. Frankfurt School of Finance & Management consistently delivers upon this kind of experience,” Nick shares. (00:20)
MBA candidates often aspire to leadership roles in order to make a greater impact in their industry. When they solely focus on the curriculum and assignments, they end up significantly limiting their potential for growth.
If you want to experience true career growth as an MBA student, developing soft skills is crucial. Soft skills include active listening, persuasive communication, and building relationships with stakeholders. A great way to practice these skills is by interacting with classmates especially when they come from diverse backgrounds.
Lastly, another key to maximize your MBA growth is to engage in continuous learning. That way you can stay up-to-date with industry trends and best practices.
Nick recognizes that learning is a lifelong journey beyond obtaining an MBA. For him, pursuing an MBA was a step in the direction toward continued growth. (04:19)
The dynamic nature of the business world requires MBA graduates to stay ahead by adapting and innovating. This could mean pursuing additional certifications, attending industry conferences, reading industry publications to actively stay informed.
Whatever path you choose, continuous improvement is no longer a nice to have, it’s a must-have.
In summary, MBA candidates have a world of possibilities ahead of them. Pursuing an MBA is an effective path to achieving career growth and bridging the gap to your desired position.
Yet, to unlock their full potential, they must remember the key factors for success on their journey.
The sky’s the limit for those MBA graduates who keep up with these key practices. An MBA degree can create a clear “before and after” in their careers and positions them for long-term success.
If you’re considering pursuing an MBA degree and want first-hand advice from Frankfurt School of Finance & Management graduates, contact a student ambassador! They can share their experience with you and answer any questions.
