After almost a decade as a classical opera singer, Anjuli Deo decided to pursue the Copenhagen MBA. She changed industry, role, and location after graduation
Changing career can be like tuning an instrument for the first time. At the start, stressful notes abound, the logistics are fiddly, and there’s no guarantee, that when the last tuning peg is turned, you’ll see a satisfying return on investment.But, surely the risk of creating a cacophony is better than standing stationary, pondering, ‘what if’?
For Anjuli Deo, the instrument of change was a full-time MBA from Copenhagen Business School in Denmark. With an educational background in music—she graduated with a BA in voice performance from Loyola Marymount University and a Master of Music from Brooklyn College in the US—the transition was unorthodox.
After completing her music education, Anjuli toured as a classical opera singer. She built up a resumé of air miles over eight years, performing live for crowds of more than 1,000 people in cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Rome.
During her globetrotting ventures, the seed for her future business endeavors was planted. She doubled up her workload, peering under the curtain of the public relations and marketing side of music.
Among her roles was the management of directors and financial investors, aiming to align both the commercial and artistic objectives of the music industry.
“I reached a point in my pursuit of music where I was taking a step back, to ask myself what I really wanted,” she says. “The answer was, that I wanted to make a positive impact in the world and to do so through music.
“The question then became; how do I best optimize this desire? I could have stayed with performing, but I wanted to make an impact on a larger scale and to me, that meant learning more about business.”
Anjuli wanted an MBA program that tied in with her own ambitions to maximize return on investment.
Working and living in New York, she first thought about attending NYU Stern School of Business. But, after weighing up the benefits of an international experience, it became clear that Anjuli and Copenhagen Business School sang from the same hymn sheet.
“The school and the program stood out to me for three reasons,” she says. “Firstly, the strong focus the school has on social responsibility; which I saw as key to any program I applied to.
“Secondly, the leadership program was of great interest, not solely for the purpose of one day running an organization, but because I strongly believe in self-development and how this will improve my success, whether I am at the top, middle, or bottom of an organization’s infrastructure.
“And, thirdly, the focus on entrepreneurship. My main goal was to understand how I could design a business that could successfully carry out my goal: create a business using music for global goods.”
The formula for forming business relations is a two-way street—you get out what you put in. The same can be said for MBA candidates transitioning into the classroom. Transferable skills are impeccable to one’s overall development.
“Being a performer gives you many great attributes,” says Anjuli, “being calm under pressure, learning to adapt quickly to change, actually performing and connecting with your audience—something you do so often in a corporate environment with your colleagues.
“I think people underestimate the power of the voice in settings such as a work environment. Knowing how to use your voice to your advantage is a great asset.”
All great performers need a stage to stand on. For Anjuli, that stage was erected quickly through the Copenhagen MBA, when she landed a graduate position in Denmark with Jabra, a Danish consumer electronics company.
The Copenhagen MBA has a strong history of alumni finding roles in Denmark after their degree—80% of 2014’s cohort landed jobs in the country—and the b-school has the largest MBA network in Scandinavia, with 14,000 alumni representing 80 countries.
Anjuli took the fabled MBA career triple jump—changing industry, role, and location—after graduation. Incorporating the knowledge imbibed during her MBA, she now works for Jabra’s Asia-Pacific regional marketing team, in Singapore.
It is no easy feat transitioning into an industry that is radically different to the one you are used to. But Anjuli’s move from the arts, to Copenhagen Business School and then to Jabra, seems seamless.
“It is difficult to change careers,” she acknowledges, “you do a lot of smiling and nodding, pretending you understand all the jargon people are talking about, and then feverishly googling all the words or abbreviations you can when you get a chance alone.
“[However], if you are looking to shift gears into a new career,” she concludes, “all I can say is go for it. The business world needs more people like that, people who don’t take the standard for granted.
“Things are shifting and changing so fast, business needs people with fresh perspectives.”
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.
