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Konrad Marchlewski

1. What influenced you to pursue an MBA at the Polish-Japanese Academy of Information Technology?

I learned about the MBA program at the Polish-Japanese Academy of Information Technology from my co-workers who have graduated and have a very positive opinion of the educational process itself at the University. After getting acquainted with the program subjects and the instructors, I realized that 4IT's MBA studies are a great value in themselves, which is the unique subject matter - a definite differentiator in the market.

In my work, IT tools are becoming more important by the day, often determining competitive advantage. Hence, I sought to acquire knowledge and specific tools that enable me to communicate effectively with my colleagues, but also with the market environment - the IT industry.

Nowadays, especially during the "covid" period, the biggest challenge facing business is the inevitable digitization, so I wanted to gain the right competencies, learn about specialists, tools, solution architecture. Combine my business knowledge with what the latest technology offers. Trends that are shaped by the consumer solutions market are moving to the B2B market. You have to keep your hand on the pulse...

2. How do you recall your time at MBA 4 IT at PJAIT? What was the most significant thing for you during the studies themselves?

It was a wonderful time. A year of great inspiration, learning about new fields, acquiring specific competencies that I directly used in professional activities. Fantastic studies in terms of acquired relationships - valuable and inspiring conversations with students or lecturers - they became a platform for the exchange of professional information but also for the lively collegial relationships that still exist today. Many times there were fruitful and extremely interesting discussions that went beyond the boundaries of the curriculum. 

3. What areas from the curriculum covered during the MBA program were most relevant and useful to you in your professional life?

In my MBA studies, the most relevant topics for me were those related to Security in the broadest sense and Project Management. I believe that every manager should undergo such a curriculum, as the studies comprehensively develop the skills needed for such a position. Soft skills classes were also interesting. Thanks to such classes, my public speaking, which is an inherent activity at a certain level of professional development, is more informed and effective. 

4. How do you assess the cooperation of MBA students during the course and the contact between the student and the lecturer. Are the relationships that have been established important to you?

The relationships I was able to form during my studies with my groupmates or lecturers are very important to me. As students, we formed a lasting and active relationship, as to this day we still meet and discuss various professional and other topics. I had the opportunity to gain knowledge in a very active group of students. There were often long discussions with the lecturers, going beyond the curriculum and time frame. I still have contact with some of the lecturers to this day, which I consider valuable. Currently, I also develop these relationships in the area of professional cooperation.

The MBA staff inspired us with their knowledge acquired through professional experience. Our collaboration was based on a partnership, a relationship between an adult experienced lecturer and an adult experienced and aware of why he or she is attending here.

5. How did your MBA study contribute to your career development?

Completing an MBA for the IT industry opens up new career opportunities. Combining specialized, sector-specific knowledge with knowledge of IT tools and architecture, gives new inspiration, a broader view, insight into the future and upcoming trends. I believe that such a holistic approach has tremendous value in the market, in any sector.

Working with the IT sector, I have noticed that it often lacks knowledge of how business works. Often the solutions offered are digitization of existing processes. This, on the other hand, is the result of a lack of knowledge of technological capabilities on the "hard" business side. To combine these two worlds, to go beyond what today means digitization projects is to drive business, to give competitive advantage, scalability, reach, to meet the needs of new digital generations. And this is worth investing in. In this context, MBAs are an invaluable platform for inspiration. 

6. What values, beyond the curriculum itself, were most important to you during the MBA itself?

I took up an MBA to acquire knowledge and improve my skills. I found myself in the company of great managers, often outstanding specialists. In the world of IT people, this determines positions and authority, not tenure.

It was a situation where I had to admit that this area is still a challenge for me. I realized what a knowledge deficit I have. But at the same time, it's an opportunity, an opening to new career paths.

In the context of values, it is awareness of purpose, humility, and ovality.

7. What tips could you give to potential MBA candidates?

I recommend looking at the curriculum and the list of lecturers offered at MBA programs for the IT industry. A person who wants to undertake this type of study should be ready to be quite active in the process of acquiring knowledge. Also important in this context are the expectations, goals of the potential candidate. Based on my example, I believe that they can also be an extension of knowledge for people outside the IT industry. It is worth noting that over the course of this year and the epidemic situation, digitalization has gained in value, has proved to be crucial in the economy. Remote work, telemedicine, changing channels of communication with customers, managing distributed teams.... A year ago these topics sounded a bit visionary, then they became reality. An MBA from PJAIT provides the right vision of what the world of technology looks like and what its impact on the future will be, and most importantly, also practical knowledge that can be used right away.