Career growth for Senior Managers

Dear Sir,

I’m a successful and talented individual who climbed the corporate ladder to the maximum level possible, to a senior level, however I can’t seem to be able to climb any further due to one main reason: I don’t hold a university degree!
Due to personal reasons, after high school, had to join work force at an early age.

Now, I have an unstoppable strong desire to continue my studies but, frankly speaking, can’t study full time due to extremely demanding corporate life!

What I’m looking for is to complete a BBA course and an executive MBA within two years, from an accredited university that has local presence in UAE.

Mr. Verma, I’m unsure where to start from? What are my options? Which (accredited) universities are out there offering such fast track studies?

PLEASE HELP!

Yours truly,
Mohammed (preferred anonymous)

Dear Mohammed,

 

I think it is great that not only have you recognized your shortcomings but you are also willing to overcome them. Admittedly studying whilst at work is not easy and requires tenacity and loads of determination.

 

From what I read you have two stages to handle – first complete your undergraduate degree and then work towards an MBA. In both instances the quality and nature of your work experience will be relevant. Depending where you stay in UAE you could opt for evening classes at various Universities in Dubai or Abu Dhabi. Credit will be given for your work experience especially if you have shown leadership traits, been a successful entrepreneur or achieved significant results in your workplace. The extent of credit depends the course and University you apply. Alternatively you could choose to do an online course.

 

Because of the proliferation and the relative ease with which you could get an online degree it becomes all the more critical you chose your service provider carefully. On line degrees tend to be less expensive than traditional education but chose sensibly as there are lots of fraudulent degrees available on the net. While choosing the University ensure it is recognized by the appropriate authorities, has been around for some time and is a name your employers and friends recognize and acknowledge. Competency-based degrees, especially at the bachelor’s level, are becoming very popular wherein online students can take advantage of their professional knowledge whist applying for credits in college.

 

In UAE the Ministry of Higher Education has approved 105 Universities from overseas who are eligible to offer their programs electronically. This list could be a starting point for your selection. In Dubai, Hamdan University is also approved by the Ministry to offer online qualifications.  Online programs offer considerable flexibility as all you need is a computer to access your classes anywhere, any time. Most Universities also provide ICT training during the first semester to help improve computer literacy and confidence.   While making a selection you need to very careful and check who are your tutors and their credentials – for example are they the same who teach the students on campus?  What access do you have to academic advisers, career services, online tutoring and library?

 

Because of its size and topography Australia tends to be in the forefront of online and universities like USQ, Deakin are especially known for their online programs and support they offer students.  In USA the prestigious and competitive on line providers would include Penn State, Florida University, Western Kentucky amongst others.  Alternatively you could look at competency based Universities like Capella, Western Governors or Charter Oak State College.

 

I wish you the very best in pursuit of your career.