As a student who recently completed the course work portion of my MSc in International Business at SKEMA Business School, I am now able to reflect back on the experience, and analyze what it is, exactly, that I’ve learned. I am not referring to the course material itself; instead, I am referring to the less obvious ways in which the school attempts to teach its students how to think.

It is my belief, and this was supported through conversations I have had with alumni, professors, and fellow students, that the course work is designed to teach students how to become informed on a previously unknown topic in a short period of time.

Students are assigned multiple tasks within each class, all occurring simultaneously, and you are pressured to gain an understanding of a business situation very quickly. The goal is to build a flexible and responsive mind, able to make rapid transitions. The mediocre students are separated from the successful ones, as a good student will not be satisfied with a superficial knowledge of the subject, but will also try to understand the relevance. Another way to differentiate yourself in the classroom would be to move beyond a mere synthesis of the information, and description of the topic; towards an analysis, where you are making connections within the data.
   
Considering a Masters level education is designed to cultivate future managers, a student’s ability to read, and understand, people is an important skill to learn.  One personality trait, which is crucial to know, is the value a person places on their education. This combined with work ethic, are important factors for determining who you will work with for the multitude of group assignments. Once a group is formed, one must quickly observe the dynamic that develops, and respond to it. Determine who is leading, who is free-loading, what are the strengths of each member, how can they contribute, etc; and once roles and responsibilities are established the dynamic must maintain its consistency. 

So, what is that holds back one’s ability to learn? I believe the most predominant barrier is fear to engage oneself. Whether because you fear to ask a question in class, or refuse to take on a difficult task for fear of failure and loss of ego, this will be the main hurdle you must overcome to get the most out of the experience. The more you engage yourself in the work, the more you will receive from it, and the bad experiences will still teach you something. A second barrier, almost equal in importance, is a lack of communication. Communication is the life-blood of any business environment, and your ability to surmount the language barrier that exists in a program of such international nature, combined with your ability to communicate your ideas, will play a major role in your success.

These previous paragraphs are only a portion of the insights I have gained from my degree. Suffice it to say, my experience at SKEMA has taught me a great deal, and helped prepare me for my career; both in terms of factual knowledge, and perceptual maturity.     

Todd Wierenga, MSc IB 09-10