Current MBA students at Exeter have already had the chance to sample some aspects of this brand new programme. BusinessBecause.com asked Cherian Mani-Kappen what he thinks about it.
First of all, please tell me about yourself.
I'm from the state of Kerala in India and I'm a Mechanical Engineer by qualification.
Before coming to Exeter, I was working as a product engineer at EPCOS, one of the world's largest manufacturers of electronic components. I was employed at their plant in Indonesia and worked there for four years.
What are your ambitions for after your MBA?
I believe that the One Planet MBA will give academic support to my work experience, and will provide me with a better understanding of how to manage a business. The support that we receive from the faculty is helping me a lot in this regard.
Why did you choose Exeter in the first place?
First of all, I have always had great regard for the UK educational system. I have friends and relatives who have studied in different universities here.
The best thing about the MBA at Exeter is that work experience is mandatory. This gives students exposure to classmates with different backgrounds.
Finally, what attracted me towards Exeter was this new concept of One Planet MBA. I think it's an added advantage of the course.
Are you involved at all with the One Planet MBA? I understand that the programme is starting officially this September. Have you had lectures on topics relating to it? Could you explain how it has affected your course?
Actually, we are the first batch of the One Planet MBA. It is a fantastic concept that combines business and sustainable development.
With threats like climate change growing, it is critical that every company realizes its role and mends its methods. And businesses that decide to adopt sustainable practices will need knowledgeable managers. I thik this would be more effective than having someone trying to change their practices from outside. In my opinion, this is where the importance of the One Planet MBA lies.
How is the social life at Exeter?
The social life in Exeter has been great. It’s a very quiet and friendly city, perhaps too quiet compared to what I have been used to! In spite of the workload, we do find time to get together and have fun. It’s like one big happy family!
How have you found juggling a new social life with going back to university?
It was not easy to be back among books after a long gap. But I was not alone, everyone in the class had a similar problem and I think we all helped each other a lot during the initial phase.
In spite of all the cultural and professional diversity, I think we all work quite well as a single unit. As we often say in class, we are literally like "one planet", with people from different parts of the globe!
I should also mention the support provided by the faculty, office staff and our Director Dr. Malcom Kirkup.
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