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 Mathew Kolaros
General MBA, University of Salford
University previously attended University of Westminster, UK
Degree obtained BSc (Hons) in Business Information Technology
Country of origin Greece
Age 35 years
Career history
Mathew Kolaros started his career with Dupont UK. He decided that an MBA qualification would enhance his technical qualifications and so further his career. As current Head of Sales for Germanos SA, a multinational telecommunications retailing organisation, he feels that the Salford MBA was the right choice.
'A fantastic learning experience, a challenging programme, highly recommended to those with international and big career aspirations.'
Why an MBA?
I graduated from the University of Westminster with a BSc (Hons) in Business Information Technology and was initially employed by Dupont UK Ltd, Northern Ireland. I soon realized that my technical skills were not sufficient to support my career advancement, and that further people, management and organisational skills were required. I decided to study for an MBA, but had to find the most appropriate MBA for my needs.
Why Salford?
Salford offers many specialised MSc courses, but I needed an MBA that covered a wide range of business, organisational and management topics, with an emphasis on the international arena. There had to be a balance between theory and practice. I needed an MBA that would teach me how to implement any theory that I learned in class. It had to be flexible enough to allow me the space to learn what is important to me, but also expose me to problems of 'real-world' global business. I wished to study in a proactive, friendly environment that facilitated learning, but also allowed me to be innovative and creative inside and out of the class.
Several months of searching in the media and endless discussions with managers at work and friends gave me my shortlist of MBAs. I chose the Salford MBA. When I got to the campus for induction, I was impressed by the efficiency of support staff, and the friendliness and professionalism of the academics teaching on the programme. The MBA academic team was extremely clear and concise in addressing all my questions concerning the programme. I was even invited to visit a class that was taking place at the time. The programme The programme consisted of seven core modules, three electives, a group consultancy project and an individual dissertation. The MBA was designed to allow students time to adjust to a régime of studying. It began by addressing broad management and organisational issues and theories in a week-long intensive 'essentials of management studies' course, with input from numerous academic staff, experts in their respective research areas. The good choice of electives in the second semester allowed me to tailor my programme to what was important to me.
In semester two, we undertook our team consultancy project with one of the organizations liaising with the MBA programme. Working to tight deadlines, we undertook consultancy work for the company, which culminated in a presentation of our findings and recommendations to the board of directors and the MBA academic team.We prepared a full consultants' report. It was a testing, but extremely rewarding, experience!
My dissertation topic was of my own choosing, but I could have taken up suggestions from my academic tutors. I based mine in an organisation, where I undertook research into a particular business problem faced by their marketing department.
Was it worth it? Looking back, I definitely feel that the Salford MBA addressed all my needs and more. My fellow students were from all over the world, with wide ranging job experience in many international companies and markets. Class numbers were large enough for interesting debates, but small enough to allow us all to voice our views. Lectures and seminars were participatory, and assessment included a balanced combination of presentations, group-based and individual work, reports, assignments - and exams! Throughout the programme I had a fantastic learning experience in a challenging and dynamic environment. I would strongly recommend it to anybody with big career aspirations. I am now head of sales of a large international organisation and I can safely say that the Salford MBA was the best decision - and the best investment - that I have made in my career so far!
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