Krzysztof Synak
1. What influenced your decision to pursue MBA studies at the Polish-Japanese Academy of Information Technology?
A few years earlier, I completed the postgraduate program "Software Engineering in Practice" at PJAIT (then still PJWSTK), the curriculum of which comprehensively covered the field I am professionally connected with. Thanks to a very practical approach, a faculty consisting of practitioners, and working on examples, I was able to apply the knowledge immediately during my studies. This positive experience assured me that such a high standard of teaching would also be present in the MBA for the IT industry, and that tipped the scales in favor of choosing the academy. Additionally, the fact that the full curriculum is delivered over a one-year period helped minimize the potentially large time impact on my private and professional life.
2. How do you remember the time spent on MBA 4 IT at PJAIT? What was most important to you during the studies themselves?
It was a very intense time both during and after classes. I expected an update of knowledge, structuring, expansion, and above all, a practical perspective on the subject. Each Meeting was accompanied by extensive discussions that brought many practical examples to the discussed topic. The group of students in the MBA for the IT industry was selected in such a way that it was possible to get acquainted with diverse viewpoints, which was a very interesting experience. It seems to me that the substantive knowledge, combined with an excellent faculty of experienced lecturers, was the most important aspect.
3. Which areas from the curriculum covered during the MBA studies were most important to you and proved most useful in your professional life?
The first area from the curriculum that had a direct, positive impact was Innovative Strategic Management. The classes conducted by Professor Michał Jasieński provided a new, critical perspective on the approach to innovation and building an action strategy. Several elements, such as creating an environment for innovation and a refreshed approach to strategy, were implemented immediately. These changes were appreciated by the teams and continue to pay off to this day.
Another important area was Public Speaking, which was taught by the exceptional practitioner Krzysztof Górlicki. Skillful grading and methodical introduction to the topic combined with many exercises significantly improved my skills. Public speaking involves the need for continuous improvement, which is why I used every possible opportunity to apply the knowledge on a daily basis. I deepened the acquired information and passed it on to my team, which resulted in numerous presentations at conferences in Poland and abroad.
The last, but very important subject in the curriculum was Gamification, which was taught by Paweł Tkaczyk, an undisputed authority in this field. I implemented the acquired knowledge within the team, resulting in increased productivity and satisfaction with assigned tasks. Introducing gamification consistent with the organizational culture of the group changed employees' views on delivering change and added elements of fun and positive rivalry.
4. How do you assess the cooperation between MBA students during classes and the contact between students and lecturers? Are the relationships that you managed to build important to you?
Contact with the lecturers was always open and partnership-based. The atmosphere of cooperation with students was great, and we remain in regular contact with some of them. A huge value is the fact that the academy enabled its alumni to participate in additional classes after the completion of the program. One such lecture was Design Sprint, conducted by Krzysztof Górlicki. Aside from very interesting and useful knowledge, this allows alumni to continue sharing experiences – a lively discussion that brings positive and practical solutions.
5. In what way did the MBA studies contribute to the development of your professional career?
The knowledge gained during the MBA studies and applied in practice translated directly into increased work efficiency and employee satisfaction. The team became more innovative thanks to a better strategy. It is characterized by a high level of conscious presentation, which manifests in organized public speeches. Working in this team brings immense satisfaction, which was largely influenced by the use of gamification elements. In the fields we focused on, we became an undisputed leader in our organization.
6. What values, apart from the curriculum itself, were most important to you during the MBA studies?
The exchange of views and experiences among study participants, which allowed for a more innovative perspective on a manager's daily challenges. I established very interesting connections that I maintain to this day. Additional added value stems partly from the fact that most participants already have many years of experience and implement changes in their organizations on a daily basis. The opportunity to consult with lecturers, who are practitioners and always ready to help, was practically invaluable. We can continuously validate and correct changes using the knowledge of an expert in a given field. I realize that this knowledge could be acquired independently, utilizing consulting and coaching services, but I believe the MBA study format saved me a massive amount of time and prepared me in a structured way for the next steps in my professional career.
7. What advice would you give to potential candidates for MBA studies?
Every weekend spent at the academy ended with the addition of several mandatory reading items and resulted in an avalanche of ideas. This involves a heavy time burden between meetings, and the entire study period is very intense. Therefore, it is worth creating space for this and focusing maximally during this period.
From my perspective, I think the most important thing is to apply the knowledge gained in your professional life, drawing on the experience of lecturers as well as fellow students.
