Magdalena Garlinska

1. What influenced you to take up MBA studies at the Polish-Japanese Academy of Information Technology?

First of all, the excellent prestige of the University, which in my opinion was a guarantee of a high level of teaching, as well as the fact that MBA studies were created in cooperation with Microsoft and included in their program issues related to real market needs. In addition, I was interested in profiled MBA studies, so that the knowledge I would gain would be focused on the IT industry, and the lecturers would share not only theoretical knowledge, but also their experiences from everyday work. It is also important to emphasize that curriculum included not only management issues, but also classes on the latest technologies, where you could learn about key issues of cyber security, for example.

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?

This year has been very intense. Monday through Friday professional work, and on weekends study. However, the schedule was prepared in such a way that it allowed us to reconcile our duties at work with personal development. The classes were prepared in an interesting form, i.e. not only lectures, but also situational games, workshops, discussions, so as to arouse the interest of the audience even at the end of the day. The lecturers established a very professional friendly contact with us from the very beginning of the classes, not on a lecturer-student basis, but rather equal representatives of the same industry, which allowed the classes to be held in a pleasant, open atmosphere. Sometimes the class dragged on because of many interesting questions and discussions, and the lecturer stayed with us as much time as we needed. We exchanged business cards with all the lecturers, and some of them I still keep in touch with today. The friendships and contacts made with the other students are also very important. I was very impressed when I met many IT professionals among the audience, who were also very eager to share their knowledge and experience. I had the impression that in most of the classes we taught each other by exchanging experiences from our careers so far.

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

The most interesting and developmental classes for me were those that were a synergy of theory and practice. From the point of view of my work, the class on public speaking was very useful to me. We received a huge dose of practical knowledge from a very experienced lecturer. Also very valuable were the classes on systemic human resource management, which allowed us to learn the nuances of team building and management from the perspective of an HR professional. Most importantly, the classes were mostly based on case studies, and the lecturers shared both practical knowledge and their years of practical experience. A big positive surprise for me was the classes related to the topic of cyber security. Despite the fact that these are not exactly the topics of my professional interests, scientifically and technologically difficult issues were presented in a very accessible way.

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?

Among the students in my group, very camaraderie quickly developed. Networking took place not only during classes at the university, but often stretched into the evening hours. Many friendships continue to this day. The biggest surprise for me was the different profile of the study participants - from employees of universities, public administration units to managers of various levels. As a result, the knowledge experiences we were able to share were diverse, and this was undoubtedly a great added value. As for the lecturers, as I mentioned earlier, collegial contacts were quickly established with the students. There was an atmosphere of equality built. It is important to remember that MBA studies are not the kind of classes we remember from the old years of education. Here, we are actually all at a similar level of professional development, and we were treated as such - as discussion partners. Such a two-way transfer of knowledge was something amazing, there was no silence in the classes, there were plenty of questions and interesting discussions - mainly thanks to the group atmosphere and the approach of the lecturers.

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

I have always been a 100 percent goal-oriented person. When I became the manager of a team of subject matter experts representing various scientific fields, I quickly realized that in such a demanding and diverse environment, my interpersonal competencies would be crucial. I feel that the knowledge and skills I gained during these studies expanded these very competencies, and as a result I manage to build a great team in which I want to work. I was able to understand what kind of leader I want to be and how to build the kind of team for work where I would send application documents myself. A huge part of the knowledge I gained I now use successfully both at work and in my personal life.

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

When I chose to study an MBA at PJAIT I expected professionalism and experience, this is what I received from the lecturers unquestionably. One of the additional arguments that helped me decide where I was going to do my MBA degree was the fact that the studies offered by PJAIT were 1-year, the study plan was very intensive, but the end result was quicker and thus I could plan other development activities for the following years. During my studies, apart from the curriculum itself and the knowledge I gained, the most important thing was the contacts I made, both with my classmates and with the lecturers.

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

The most important thing is not to be afraid. Don't tell yourself that I'm not ready/ready yet, that maybe I'll start my MBA in a few years when I have more work experience. Leave such assessments to the people recruiting us for studies. Of course, you should meet the recruitment requirements, it's good to have managerial experience, but in my opinion it really doesn't have to be 30 years - in that case, let's opt for an EMBA. This knowledge, which the graduate will have after completing these studies, will allow him to better shape himself as a leader, and the earlier this happens, the better. I suggest choosing an MBA that is profiled for the industry in which you work and plan to grow, this way you will receive knowledge focused on the needs of the sector, rather than general knowledge. And most of all, I encourage you to start these studies with an open mind, be ready for change, absorb the knowledge and experiences of others, and then observe what the results will be.