Start your MBA at the “right time” of your career!

By Kusala Premaratne With the best of British education and with its strong links with the industry, British College of Applied Studies (BCAS) is committed to offer high quality educational opportunities for their students over years. The BCAS Campus is a higher education institute with 17 years of experience in providing a quality tertiary education.

The institute has built up a reputation of excellence and trust over this period of time. Currently BCAS is experiencing an impressive and outstanding career record of their products. 99% of BCAS’s students are enrolled in foreign universities or employed in senior and middle management positions in the corporate sector. BCAS has a strong affiliation to the esteemed universities like University of Wolverhampton, University of Bedfordshire (formerly University of Luton) and the Edexcel, UK manifests.

Within a short time period, BCAS has recognised perfect education procedures and managed to attract students with high demands and aspirations. Students’ life at BCAS is all about studying hard, writing assignments, taking exams and professional networking as well as socialising and communicating, making contacts, meeting interesting people and forming lasting friendships. Here are excerpts of an interview with Shiraz Refai, one of BCAS’s brilliant graduates, who is currently working for a top conglomerate in Sri Lanka:

Q: What is your current profile?

A:I’ve been in the banking and finance industry for over 18 years with exposures on both local and overseas banking establishments. I was conferred as a Member of CMI (UK), ABE (UK) and hold an MBA from the University of Wolverhampton (UK). At present, I am the Asst. General Manager of LOLC Al-Falaah, a Strategic Business Unit of LOLC Group.

Q: What is your field of work at LOLC?

A: Islamic Banking and Financial Services.

Q: Could you explain your role as an AGM?

A: My core responsibilities include, basically directing and driving the said Strategic Business Unit (SBU) to meet set corporate objectives and expectations, as well as evaluation and implementation of Alternate Financial Services opportunities where applicable within the Group.

Q: What made you to do an MBA with such a busy lifestyle at work?

A: An MBA is not a simple paper qualification. It’s a hands-on learning process that lets you theoretically analyse all aspects of your current business practice, and then will assist you to apply more customized, researched, tried and tested theory back into business practice that would increase effectiveness and efficiency. Therefore I’d rather say I wanted to become a MBA, than just do an MBA.

Q: Why did you select BCAS to commence your MBA?

A: Because of credentials of both the Faculty and the University of Wolverhampton in the UK itself.

Q: How was your life as a student at BCAS?

A: I was exposed to a network of many professionals as well as academics in varied industries. An opportunity to work together with decision makers outside your forte.

Q: How does your MBA be helpful in your business life?

A: In summary, working with experience is basically learning from trial and error. Working with an MBA is working with tried and tested experience.

Q: What is your advice for those who plan to do an MBA?

A: First, do your research on the credentials of the University you sign up with; Such as its past track record and statutory registration and recognition both locally and internationally. Second, shortlist your options and talk to past and present students of their pre and post learning experiences. You need to understand and establish if the program and its delivery suits your precise requirements. Third, starting an MBA has to be planned at the right time of your career. In my view, maximum effectiveness of an MBA would be two years preparing and perhaps five years on post-graduation. Therefore, depending on your current level of profession, it might be too early to start an MBA, but it will never be too late to finish one. Therefore time it right! For further information prospective candidates may contact 077 3114105 or visit BCAS marketing and admissions office at No.256, Galle Road, Colombo 06.