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 Name: Saradha L Cabral
Programme of study: Brunel MBA (full-time)
Country of origin: Sri Lanka
Age: 31
University previously attended: Deakin University, Melbourne, Australia
Degree obtained: Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) specialising in Management and Marketing
Career history
After his undergraduate studies, Saradha returned to Sri Lanka and worked first for Reckitt Benckiser Plc, and then for Leo Burnett Advertising. After 4 years at Leo Burnett, he decided that an MBA would give him a greater insight into the principles of business strategy and would leave him better placed to secure to a senior management position.
Saradha's story
'I had always wanted to work in advertising and marketing because I enjoy the creative nature of the work. However, I have also always been particularly interested in business strategy. I therefore chose to do an MBA because I felt that, with a highly regarded specialist business qualification combined with my professional experience, I would be well placed to pursue a range of careers.
Rather than stay in Sri Lanka, I decided I wanted to pursue my postgraduate studies in a more western, fast paced environment. UK has some of the world's best universities and education structures, which I wanted to experience. In addition London is a city I love, because of its diversity and rich history.
I had several criteria in mind when I evaluated universities to pursue my MBA. Global recognition, value for money and flexibility were the key factors. I chose the Brunel MBA because of its AMBA accreditation which I believe is a global recognition of a good MBA, especially since I am an international student and the qualification I obtained needed to stand ground in any market I wished to pursue my career post my studies. Another soft factor was that my father completed his Ph.D. in Brunel in the 1970's and I kind of wanted to follow suit!
Having a Bachelors degree in marketing and management, and having worked in that area extensively, most things I learnt on the MBA level were not entirely new to me. However it has given me a new perspective into things I already knew and made me think more critically which I think is the key learning for me at this level.
Whilst the MBA has taught me a great deal from an academic point of view, what I think I have gained most from it is the structuring of my knowledge and experience in more rational and logical directions. I believe it has grounded my thinking more than my first degree and polished up my knowledge. I have already received indications of some compelling job offers back in Sri Lanka. However at this point I want to keep my options open. I would like to remain in the UK after my studies and work for a couple of years to put my studies to the test. I am also considering professional migration as personally it is more of a challenge for me to work in a mature market like the UK. The decision I will make will finally be based on long-term career prospects and my family commitments.'
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