Before he enrolled in the Cass Business School MBA, Rengga Susilo was touring the wealth management scene. A platform manager for the retail and private banks of ANZ, Australia’s third largest lender, he was at the core of a shift among top banks away from investment banking and into managing wealthy private clients’ cash.For Rengga, whose banking career has spanned different roles at ANZ and Citi across Indonesia, Cass’ London location is ideal. The UK capital is the fourth largest banking center globally, according to TheCityUK. He hopes the degree will help him elevate his career, or switch sectors.
Among the MBA modules he got to sink his teeth into was a strategy project for Harrods. The Cass team tried to help the upmarket British department store increase its sales and presence in the UK.
Many top global banks are moving away from investment banking and focusing on wealth management. What career opportunities do you see for MBAs in this space?
The opportunity is huge in this area. In wealth management, we are required to understand our client’ needs, interests and preferences [in order] to manage their wealth, and give them the highest return possible.
I think having an MBA would provide a huge advantage in [the] wealth management area, as we are encouraged to think outside the box and are thought to understand complex problems.
What were your reasons for choosing Cass Business School for your MBA?
An MBA is a huge investment for me because, and I believe I represent most of my colleagues when I say this, an MBA would help me elevate my career or help me to shift industry.
Choosing the right school is critical in order for each individual to gain the most from the MBA.
Cass Business School provides a compact one-year MBA program. Moreover, Cass provides one of the best MBAs in [the] UK, located in a mecca of financial and international businesses, London. With the network that I will gain from the MBA, it will provide me [with a] huge career advantage.
The program itself also stood out for me, with the combination of practical case studies, workshops, overseas projects, and international electives.
What did you learn on your strategy project for Harrods?
We were required to approach several companies on our own to propose a customized project. Our group was lucky enough to secure Harrods. They asked us to help them revisit and revamp their strategy for CRM (customer relationship management), as well as their marketing strategy.
As a group, we did learn a lot from this project. We learned to apply subjects from the MBA, using management theories, frameworks, and concepts that we learnt.
Working with such a well-known name in the retail industry is exciting and challenging at the same time. We felt the pressure to provide Harrods with a strategy that would help them increase their sales and presence in the UK.
We focused not only on their current strategy and how to resolve some of Harrods’ current issues, but also came up with a critical analysis on whether they have the right strategy to ensure continued success.
What's it like living and working in Indonesia?
Working and living in Indonesia is great. In southeast Asia there are huge opportunities in almost all industries. Getting to participate in the development of my home country is satisfying on a personal level.
We have a diverse and unique culture that is very interesting. And don’t get me started on the food! For me it is the best in the world.
Working in Indonesia can be stressful at times, especially in the capital city Jakarta where I worked, which has one of the highest levels of traffic in the world. You need at least two hours every morning to drive to the office!
In addition, our public transport is not as developed as other countries, although we are now moving towards better infrastructure.
But, Indonesia is a place I called home, where my family and friends reside, so living and working there is always good, because at the end of the day after work you can always turn that frown into a smile.
How do bankers wind down after a hard week’s work?
Bankers aren’t that different from any other professionals. After a busy week at work, [we] usually go out and have dinner at some nice restaurant, drink in a bar, and sometimes we just relax at home.
Student Reviews
Best Journalism school in Europe
When I first stepped onto the campus of City, University of London, I knew I was in for a ride - and not just on the Tube! With its vibrant energy and an impressive repertoire of programs, City U became my home away from home.
The Journalism program was kind of a big deal. Rumour was that we were the best in Europe!
The lecturers were not just experts in their field; they’re practically journalistic royalty. They were invested, passionate, and had a knack for turning the most flat press release into a riveting news story. With their guidance, I’ve learned to navigate the chaotic world of media like a pro.
The campus was a melting pot of every culture, being that we had such a diverse international crowd.
Being in the heart of London, I had the world at my fingertips - there was always a new corner to explore, a hidden gem of a cafe to discover, or a street performer!
City, University of London wasn't just a university; it was a chapter in my life story that I’ll never forget.
Learning environment
The teacher-learner ration is manageable, giving each learner a chance to gain personal attention. It is also easier following up on the progress of a student, as the numbers per class is not large. the conducive environment for learning includes clean classes, standard desks, world class instructional facilities and the opportunity to engage lecturers even after their sessions. The team spirit at City is above board, with learners getting chance to learn both from instructors and colleagues. This is the university of choice; the place to be.
Classes
I liked that each class had a manageable number of learners, making the professor-learner ratio favor knowledge acquisition. I also liked that study schedules were manageable, and not overwhelming. The focus on talents and gifts even within the learning environment makes it possible for learners to achieve the best of their potential, and this has worked to the advantage of those that have schooled at City, University of London
Classes
The diversity at City University facilitates interactions and is a direction toward the unity of the world. The classes are well built to match the number and needs of all students regardless of the elements of diversity that set people apart. The use of technology in delivery makes learning even more interesting and achievable. At City University there is no distinction pegged on the issues that make people unique.
professors
The team of lecturers at the Uiversity are well experienced. Their level of insight and the methodologies of delivery works for the interes of the leaeners. My learning experience was largely boosted by the level of knowledge of the professors at the institution, and their passion to transfer the same to learners. I appreciate every class I attended because of the level of insight I was able to gather
The best university I’ve been to
The campus and the people I've met have made it a wonderful experience. I was reared in a small town with a graduating class of only 88 individuals, so moving to City University was a huge adjustment for me. My dorm has more residents than my whole high school combined! I enjoy the atmosphere here, and everyone is so friendly. Outstanding academic options and a stunning campus. Really great from beginning to end. The educators genuinely love what they do, and the students are ready to learn. On or around college, there is always something to do with friends, and the social scene is particularly warm.
Bayes Business School
As a student at City university attending Bayes Business School I would totally recommend choosing this university as the experience is exceptional with great social networking opportunities . Professors are significantly helpful, delivering with excellence and professionalism. Everyone is happy to help and make you feel welcomed in such an esteem university as City, offering exceptional development and guidance through out the course.
Economics and Politics
Incredibly amazing university, the way they polish students and help them boost their morale and think intellectually is worthwhile. Many universities have international partnerships to allow exchanges between their students. The most obvious subjects for these opportunities would be those that involve languages, and the study of people and places.
Clinical biology
I really like it it’s perfect for me with not too many people and not too few either. All the modules are amazing. I love the toy bar. I love all the societies that I’ma part of. Especially the colour Bollywood society
