The Indian Economist interviews an alumna of EU Business School (EU) – Ms. Sayantani Dasgupta – regarding the merits of an online MBA and how it compares with traditional MBA courses.
Ms. Sayantani Dasgupta is a distinguished alumna of EU Business School. Noted for her strong academic performance, she graduated with Summa Cum Laude (highest praise) in her MBA with a major in International Marketing (E-Marketing). She has over 20 years experience in the pharma sector, with diverse roles in commercial excellence and corporate strategy, and is currently working at the Grünenthal Group in the Commercial Strategy and Market Insights Division.
TIE: With the advent of online MBAs, to what extent do you think the perception towards traditional MBA has changed? With more and more employers being positively receptive of online degrees, do you think the time for online MBAs to become mainstream has finally arrived?
Sayantani Dasgupta: With the advent of innovative technology and a hesitation to quit well-paid jobs, the online MBA is becoming mainstream. However, it is important to find out the best course and select a university which matches your needs. Employers are getting more receptive to online programs as the employees are able to build essential skills while remaining part of the workforce.
TIE: You chose to do an MBA 17 years after your last degree. What were the challenges you faced after a huge gap?
Sayantani Dasgupta: My 17 years of experience before enrolling in this course ended up being my greatest asset, as I could exchange knowledge with highly competent students across the globe. I would like to stress here, that the average work experience amongst the students of my program was 10 years. Having said that, to excel, I needed all-nighters; and it took me some time to get adjusted to the rhythm and pace. I enjoyed the interaction with students across different cultures, geographies and time zones. The essence of dealing with huge gaps in any sphere of life is getting organized, staying focused and being disciplined.
TIE: Could you tell us how you zeroed in on doing an online MBA? Even more specifically, what were the major things you considered before choosing EU Business School?
Sayantani Dasgupta: My three main criteria for considering an MBA were: networking opportunities, course curriculum, and flexible schedules. The most impressive part of the program was the networking opportunities with students located in various parts of the world. The concept of doing an online MBA is associated with archived video recordings. However, the blended online program at EU Business School offers the same experience that an on-campus student would receive. Students can connect with each other through group projects and still have the benefit of not relocating geographically. This allows them to manage their family life and work life simultaneously. Personally, the flexible schedules helped me to manage my clients while also running my own consultancy. EUs Online MBA students could also meet face to face with other students on EU campuses during each semester. These visits took place on three campuses: Barcelona, Munich, and Geneva. The course curriculum was very well designed and relevant to the fast-paced business world.
TIE: How would you say an online course is different from that of a conventional classroom course? In what areas do you feel EU Business School helped to make the experience better for you?
Sayantani Dasgupta: While conventional classroom courses are said to offer the opportunity of talking face to face with fellow students and exposure to a different country, EUs blended Online MBA course can provide the same things. Doing an MBA online allows aspiring students from all over the world to complete their degree without relocating or quitting their current job. Due to this, an international environment is recreated through the digital world, giving students exposure. Additionally, I believe that an online MBA course was the most appropriate for someone like me who has extensive experience. EU Business School enabled me to balance my work along with my family and education. I think conventional classroom courses are better suited for individuals with a maximum of 2-3 years of experience, whereas online courses cater to individuals who have gained significant work experience. EU Business school offered me a great online and on-campus learning environment with highly talented and business savvy leaders who want to go to the next level.
TIE: In addition to EUs Online MBA course, you were simultaneously employed as Managing Director at INOVITION. Could you elaborate on how you managed to balance your job responsibilities with your course assignments?
Sayantani Dasgupta: For this MBA course, it required a high level of commitment and dedication. It was certainly hard to juggle between my studies and having a career in consulting. However, it enabled me to think and act in different ways while moving from one task to another. This helped me to improve my ability to multitask. The only way I could accomplish this was by having a good plan and set priorities.
TIE: You studied Zoology as an undergraduate, worked in the Pharmaceutical industry, then did a postgraduate qualification in Marketing Management. How do you think the variety of experience you have gathered in different fields has helped you throughout your career? Would you say that the skills you acquired during those phases came in handy while doing your MBA online?
Sayantani Dasgupta: My degree in life science and the post-graduate qualification in marketing management enabled me to develop functional and technical knowledge. The real development happened with stretch assignments where the stakes were high and I could get out of my comfort zone. Working in both local and global environments expanded my horizons and helped me to appreciate different perspectives and thinking styles. I could apply those skills seamlessly during the blended Online MBA program at EU.
TIE: In your opinion, what are some of the biggest benefits of doing an online MBA? Where do you think EU Business School provides the edge in a course like this?
Sayantani Dasgupta: The biggest benefit of doing an online MBA is that it ensures a positive return on investment. You can still be in the workforce while gaining a degree. With advances in technology, it is like a dream come true! I could work and attend lectures virtually while performing my daily job. EU Business School offers the edge through its well-crafted, blended program and highly credible students across the globe with whom I had the chance to interact and further build develop my skills.
TIE: Networking is one of the biggest perks of business schools. How does a virtual classroom compensate for collaborating with your peers? What were some of the virtual tools that were employed to enhance the knowledge transfer amongst the faculty and students?
Sayantani Dasgupta: The learning platforms provided by EU Business School (e.g. Moodle, Adobe Connect, various chat rooms) were extremely beneficial to me. It was helpful for interaction and sharing knowledge with fellow students. It was thrilling to have live sessions with the faculty and interact with students and teachers from different parts of the world. The connections that were created by taking part in a blended program were so profound that we still meet up today. The course I did with EU Business School allowed me to not only get my degree but to gain several new friends.
TIE: Is there any advice that you would like to share with fellow MBA aspirants?
Sayantani Dasgupta: For aspiring entrepreneurs or executives who want to excel in their career, it is important to constantly enhance your skills. EU Business School has allowed me to make new connections, exposed me to different cultures, and brought new perspectives to my work. I would like to thank the faculty once again, and I am grateful to have a network of highly energetic and ambitious peers.
This interview has been compiled in collaboration with EU Business School (EU). Established in 1973, EU is a triple-accredited international business school with campuses in Barcelona, Munich, Geneva, Montreux, and Online.
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