Shubham Shree, a former IT industry professional, will use his Cass Business School MBA to make a mark in management consulting or social entrepreneurship.
Shubham Shree is a 2014 graduate of the full-time MBA program at Cass Business School in London.He spent his formative years in the IT industry but has benefited greatly from the MBA’s opportunities to focus on management consulting – a function he hopes to work in, in the short to medium term.
But perhaps the greatest benefit of the MBA has been the diverse cohort, as well as being able to connect with businesses in London, the UK’s financial centre, with relative ease.
In the longer-term, however, he sees himself as a social entrepreneur.
What were you hoping to gain from your MBA, and have you done so?
I was hoping to enhance my business acumen, develop strong networks and figure out what I wanted to do with my career in the long-term. The MBA provided me with 3-D solutions to these seemingly linear questions – and much more.
What was an average day at business school like?
Being a one-year program, the Cass full-time MBA gets quite arduous and overwhelming at times. While the first half of an average day was typically spent attending lectures, or having detailed discussions within study groups or working alone on various assignments, the latter half mostly comprised of company presentations, and various skills workshops delivered by the careers team.
During the “Integration Weeks”, the schedule used to get twice as hectic.
During all of these, one also had to take time out for various job applications and interviews.
Which aspects of the MBA did you find most valuable?
The MBA helped me in innumerable ways. Apart from extending the breadth and depth of my business knowledge, it also made me more comfortable with handling ambiguity, and it equipped me with creative and lateral thinking – must-have skills in today’s whimsical market situation.
I acquired an ability to think methodically and structure my analysis, while enhancing my overall understanding of how businesses are run.
Working closely in groups with the best but diverse minds from across the world – 42 different nationalities – in the face of tight deadlines greatly enhanced my team management skills.
The strategy assignments also provided me with the valuable experience of consulting in a challenging and unstructured environment.
Overall, the MBA inculcated fresh thinking, challenged many old beliefs, provided a lot of new insights, and offered new perspectives on life in general, in an intellectually stimulating environment.
How would you rate the practical experiences on the MBA?
While the MBA learnings began in classroom, they certainly didn’t end there. The various networking events – “careers beers”, company presentations, and so on – provided an opportunity to interact with peers, recruiters and potential colleagues in informal settings, and in the process perk up one’s people skills
The strategy project offered practical experience of performing strategic analysis on a real company operating in the UK in the role of a consultant. Similarly, during the Iceland consultancy trip, we got an opportunity to work on a live case study, to solve real business issues.
The international electives also provided an immersive experience with deep insights into other cultures and ways of doing business.
Finally, the dissertation was the culmination of the MBA, where most of the learnings and knowledge acquired through various means came together to be applied in a practical context, through processes of structured research, which provided valuable insights on multiple fronts.
All of these engagements consisted of networking extensively with businesses.
Are there any unique benefits to studying in London?
London in one of the most vibrant cities in the world and a hub for global businesses – a leading financial centre. Studying in such a location enables you to breathe business while interacting with business leaders through various networking events.
It offers a tremendous advantage through channels such as corporate speakers, visiting lecturers and professionals, and field trips. It’s a networker’s paradise.
What career path are you hoping to follow now?
In the short to medium term, I look forward to leveraging my academic and professional experience as a management consultant with a focus on strategy, across a variety of sectors and locations. In long-term, I see myself as a social entrepreneur.
Are you confident an MBA will help you get onto that path?
Definitely. The MBA has equipped me with the right thought process, and has given me the tools, the exposure and the diverse experience that will enable me to execute the most challenging of tasks that the business world can throw at me.
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
