A lifelong seafarer, Ashok Srinivasan overcame a tempestuous application journey to get onto the sustainability-strong MBA program at Copenhagen Business School. He’s not alone
The start of an MBA application can feel like buying a second-hand jigsaw; you never know if you’re going to have enough pieces to finish it.Current student, Ashok Srinivasan, knows that all too well—he had to complete his application whilst battling winter storms in the Pacific Ocean.
Ashok comes from an unorthodox MBA background. He’s been a seafarer all his life, working as a QSE (Quality, Safety, Environment) auditor on ships before transitioning to the Copenhagen MBA, after a want for a strong business acumen surfaced within him.
And it’s been a long journey. Ashok has been riding a decade-long wave. In 2007, the financial crisis stopped everything. “Everyone I spoke to advised me not to leave my job and go into business education,” Ashok explains. Then, in 2014, the oil crash threw further caution to the wind.
Last year though, the tides turned. After speaking to , Ashok knew it was the place for him. He had to apply. The small class size, allowing for close peer-to-peer collaboration, combined with the school’s focus on sustainability and ethical management meant it was a no-brainer.
“You really learn a lot about how to manage sustainable corporations”, he says. “It’s wonderful to see how sustainable any company in any industry can be.”
Ashok asserts that the MBA’s focus on leadership also held significant weight in swaying him towards the school—he is now going through the program’s leadership discovery process, due to embark on a trip into a Swedish forest to partake in leadership and team building exercises.
“Everything I’ve done is like nothing I’ve ever done before,” he adds. “It’s been an eye opener to an entirely different world.”
Ashok is an example of the rewards for battling through the long, arduous journey of an MBA application.
He was at more of a disadvantage than other applicants though. Being a seafarer meant he was restricted by his time at sea—securing a date for the GMAT exam was a nightmare, he explains.
His staple voyage was an 18-day trip between Japan and the US, crossing both the Indian and Pacific Oceans. “My main problem was a lack of internet facilities,” he adds. “I couldn’t fill in the application online!”
Between Japan and the US, Ashok was confined to essay writing—when he arrived in the US he dashed straight to a shopping mall to upload the essays. “The next step was a video interview,” he explains, “but I couldn’t do that [in the mall] because it was such a crowded place!”
It was then time for him to return to Japan. Another 18-day voyage beckoned. Only this time, mother nature seemed determined to push Ashok’s determination to the limit.
“The weather was even worse [than before],” he explains, “and we had to pass through a winter storm.” Crashing waves, sea spray, high winds. “In my entire career, I had not seen something as bad as that.”
It seems that his enrolment on the Copenhagen MBA’s leadership discovery process started long before Ashok arrived at the school. Battle-hardened, he powered on with his application. “I guess there was something in me that said give it one more try, and that kept me going,” he says.
“You have to work your way through, have a lot of patience, and eventually it will happen if you push enough.”
Ashok ties into what Fatima Dhaif, MBA admissions manager at Copenhagen Business School, says is a key criterion for any potential MBA applicant at the school. “What I’m looking for is someone who can contribute to the MBA, but also receive something back—someone who is at the right time in their life to complete an MBA.”
Fatima is currently evaluating students for the Copenhagen MBA’s Waldemar Schmidt scholarship—named after former CEO of Danish conglomerate ISS, Waldemar Schmidt, who has an adjunct professorship with the school, and close ties with the MBA program.
The scholarship offers awardees one-third off their tuition costs. It prioritizes students from Brazil, followed by Latin American and Asian students.
A key reason people apply to the school is because of the sustainable aspect, and the smaller class size. “We have a max of 40-50 students, so they feel it’s an intimate learning experience,” says Fatima.
The Copenhagen Business School MBA's focus on sustainable and responsible management is one of the reasons there's been an increase in the number of students going to the school. "We’re constantly looking at the business environment, and how it is shifting, how companies are reacting—sustainability is a big focus now,” Fatima continues.
Elsewhere though, the school has seen an increase in the number of American and Canadian students coming to Europe. Donald Trump’s incendiary rhetoric is not the only quantifier. “They are more exposed to Nordic countries [than before], and they’ve been hearing a lot about Denmark, about Sweden, and how these countries are,” Fatima explains.
“They see Nordic countries as green, as sustainable. Even if they’re going back to their own countries, they want to take all these good things with them and implement them [at home].”
Student Reviews
Copenhagen Business School (CBS)
CBS: efficient international network
CBS has always been ranked among the best universities in Europe and this means that it has become a sign of professionalism and success.
The academic level is great thanks to the good teachers and the atmosphere is proactive and challenging. Lots of events are planned every week and this helps you to find your own way.
CBS is not only a business school, it is a great and efficient international network.
Good academic career
I did my Bachelors at CBS and their academic excellence and career opportunities led me to pursue my Masters in Accounting, Strategy and Control. I was very lucky to go on an exchange in Singapore for one semester it boosted me to get a career in a global firm. I like that it is super modern and has all the facilities for the business student in 2019. Especially, I liked the library and Bitlab where I spent most of my time studying. However, note that it is very demanding and studying here is no joke. Everything is very competitive and you are among the most excellent business students in the country. The interaction with international students helped me to see different perspectives in business and culturally and I was lucky to make friends from any part of the world. CBS is like a brand in Denmark. Every serious business company prioritizes us over any other Danish university and also it is free for European citizens. Overall, I have a very satisfying experience at CBS and I'm looking to continue my academical career even further.
CBS is one of the best!
All I have to say regarding my experience at CBS is that it is AMAZING. Having been tutored by world-class academic staff, I can definitely support that I am receiving the best of quality regarding my studies in Digital Marketing. Staff is very friendly and easy to approach. In addition, the facilities we enjoy are top class and meet any demands. Keep in mind that, EU citizens do not pay any fees. Student life might be non-existent here, but the location of the University in The very center of Copenhagen has a huge variety of choices to offer to students regarding their entertainment. Accommodation might be a problem, but early research of the market can be very useful. In addition, the University promotes diversity. In CBS University you can meet people from the whole world which is quite interesting. I definitely suggest CBS for any student who he's interested in pursuing a career in marketing or business.
The ideal business school
I have been enrolled in this university for 2 semesters. What I took from this experience is that there is nothing better out there for those looking for professional growth while being guided by some of the top-notch professors in Scandinavia. They have a really strong focus in technology and digital transformation and they are up to date to guarantee you land a job in the modern fast-evolving world. They also embrace diversity which means many students come from any part of the world and it takes the entire learning experience to another level. You simply learn from every other student cause everyone has different experiences and background which makes you open your mind and see the world from a different angle. In Denmark, even businesses prioritize people who graduate from CBS as it's commonly perceived as the most prestigious university for business graduates.
A Place of Personal Growth
In CBS you can expect an environment of proactive thinking and growth.
The university staff is always open to help and to debate. The teaching methods balance theoretical knowledge and practical skills enabling the student with capacity and confidence to enter the job market successfully. The existence of students from all over the world stimulates discussion and promotion of different cultures, ideas and perspectives. I highly recommend this university for students in business-related areas.
Environment
The environment here is really great. Despite the well organized buildings and libraries, there are also places for students to just stay and relax also even study in the corners of each campus. The professors are mostly really nice and try to interact with students a lot. So, to sum up, the environment is really nice for studying here.
Quality education
Quality education where it emphazises the importance of academic. No finger to put on this aspect of the school.
However, sometimes the administration and IT can be lacking a bit, but in general a really good choice for education!
Best Time!
Classes are challenging and conducted in a professional manner. CBS offers a wide range of possibilities to develop outside of the classes! Libraries and other facilities on the campus are very well adjusted to the student needs.
A heavily theory-based curriculum combined with an ever-stimulating environment
I am currently a Master student at CBS, but I have also completed a Bachelor's Degree in this university. I am quite satisfied with my studies and the teaching level. However, when compared to other business schools, it becomes apparent that most courses at CBS strive to find a good balance between theoretical insight and real-life examples. Compared to my exchange university, the projects that I have found myself writing at CBS have a far less practical application and also leave little room for creativity. If the teaching is heavily theoretical, on the bright side, the university arranges a number of events throughout the year to encourage students to apply their knowledge, in the form of career fairs, case competitions, and other events organized by student associations. In my experience, teachers are very easily approachable and happy to answer your questions. A foreign student like me will find a more international environment at Master level, since the number of international (or at least non-Scandinavian) students enrolled in the Bachelor programs is quite low. However, all communication (both oral and written) from teachers and the university offices is always in English. Administrative offices, student guidance services, the career center, and the international office are definitely worth a mention. All of the requests that I have had throughout the years have always been met with kindness, promptness and efficiency.
CBS: efficient international network
CBS has always been ranked among the best universities in Europe and this means that it has become a sign of professionalism and success.
The academic level is great thanks to the good teachers and the atmosphere is proactive and challenging. Lots of events are planned every week and this helps you to find your own way.
CBS is not only a business school, it is a great and efficient international network.
Good academic career
I did my Bachelors at CBS and their academic excellence and career opportunities led me to pursue my Masters in Accounting, Strategy and Control. I was very lucky to go on an exchange in Singapore for one semester it boosted me to get a career in a global firm. I like that it is super modern and has all the facilities for the business student in 2019. Especially, I liked the library and Bitlab where I spent most of my time studying. However, note that it is very demanding and studying here is no joke. Everything is very competitive and you are among the most excellent business students in the country. The interaction with international students helped me to see different perspectives in business and culturally and I was lucky to make friends from any part of the world. CBS is like a brand in Denmark. Every serious business company prioritizes us over any other Danish university and also it is free for European citizens. Overall, I have a very satisfying experience at CBS and I'm looking to continue my academical career even further.
CBS is one of the best!
All I have to say regarding my experience at CBS is that it is AMAZING. Having been tutored by world-class academic staff, I can definitely support that I am receiving the best of quality regarding my studies in Digital Marketing. Staff is very friendly and easy to approach. In addition, the facilities we enjoy are top class and meet any demands. Keep in mind that, EU citizens do not pay any fees. Student life might be non-existent here, but the location of the University in The very center of Copenhagen has a huge variety of choices to offer to students regarding their entertainment. Accommodation might be a problem, but early research of the market can be very useful. In addition, the University promotes diversity. In CBS University you can meet people from the whole world which is quite interesting. I definitely suggest CBS for any student who he's interested in pursuing a career in marketing or business.
The ideal business school
I have been enrolled in this university for 2 semesters. What I took from this experience is that there is nothing better out there for those looking for professional growth while being guided by some of the top-notch professors in Scandinavia. They have a really strong focus in technology and digital transformation and they are up to date to guarantee you land a job in the modern fast-evolving world. They also embrace diversity which means many students come from any part of the world and it takes the entire learning experience to another level. You simply learn from every other student cause everyone has different experiences and background which makes you open your mind and see the world from a different angle. In Denmark, even businesses prioritize people who graduate from CBS as it's commonly perceived as the most prestigious university for business graduates.
A Place of Personal Growth
In CBS you can expect an environment of proactive thinking and growth.
The university staff is always open to help and to debate. The teaching methods balance theoretical knowledge and practical skills enabling the student with capacity and confidence to enter the job market successfully. The existence of students from all over the world stimulates discussion and promotion of different cultures, ideas and perspectives. I highly recommend this university for students in business-related areas.
Environment
The environment here is really great. Despite the well organized buildings and libraries, there are also places for students to just stay and relax also even study in the corners of each campus. The professors are mostly really nice and try to interact with students a lot. So, to sum up, the environment is really nice for studying here.
Quality education
Quality education where it emphazises the importance of academic. No finger to put on this aspect of the school.
However, sometimes the administration and IT can be lacking a bit, but in general a really good choice for education!
Best Time!
Classes are challenging and conducted in a professional manner. CBS offers a wide range of possibilities to develop outside of the classes! Libraries and other facilities on the campus are very well adjusted to the student needs.
A heavily theory-based curriculum combined with an ever-stimulating environment
I am currently a Master student at CBS, but I have also completed a Bachelor's Degree in this university. I am quite satisfied with my studies and the teaching level. However, when compared to other business schools, it becomes apparent that most courses at CBS strive to find a good balance between theoretical insight and real-life examples. Compared to my exchange university, the projects that I have found myself writing at CBS have a far less practical application and also leave little room for creativity. If the teaching is heavily theoretical, on the bright side, the university arranges a number of events throughout the year to encourage students to apply their knowledge, in the form of career fairs, case competitions, and other events organized by student associations. In my experience, teachers are very easily approachable and happy to answer your questions. A foreign student like me will find a more international environment at Master level, since the number of international (or at least non-Scandinavian) students enrolled in the Bachelor programs is quite low. However, all communication (both oral and written) from teachers and the university offices is always in English. Administrative offices, student guidance services, the career center, and the international office are definitely worth a mention. All of the requests that I have had throughout the years have always been met with kindness, promptness and efficiency.
