Ambition - Issue 25 by made agency

ISSUE 25 JANUARY â&#x20AC;&#x201C; MARCH 2013 NEW LOOK!

Your Career...

a Fresh Start NEW online Career Development Centre Employment perspectives from around the world Moving sectors and training the MBA experience

ISSUE 25 JANUARY – MARCH 2013

Contents 2&3 News 3 New Year and a new you on LinkedIn Five tips from the LinkedIn man 4 Your career - a fresh start The Career Development Centre revealed 6 Employment - a global perspective Predictions from around the world 8 Book review Women are the answer to talent in emerging markets 9 A view from China Global AMBAssador, Vergil Lin shares his perspective 10 Inside GE Q&A with an MBA graduate 11 Moving sectors with an MBA Q&A with an MBA graduate 12 Diary of 2013 events If you missed our events from October to November 2012 you can read about them on pages 8, 10 and 11.

Welcome to our new look Ambition magazine On behalf of everyone at the Association of MBAs I wish you all a very Happy New Year. The theme for Ambition’s first edition in 2013 is careers. We have chosen this to tie in with the launch of our new online membership offering, the Career Development Centre and also because we know that at this time of year many people are making New Year resolutions and deciding to learn new skills, look for new jobs or change careers. We are very excited about the new Career Development Centre as it will really enhance your member experience and provide an excellent resource for you at any stage of your career. Available online at www.mbaworld.com, it has CV writing and job-hunting tips, a job search with thousands of frequently updated opportunities, as well as online training and advice on career development. Find out more in our special feature, where you can also activate the content and immediately access a video introduction via the Layar app on your mobile device. We have also tapped into AMBA’s global network of members, business schools and employers to bring you a unique look at employment predictions in different regions of the world.

Plus we hear from two members working for different large global organisations on how their MBA helped their career. In 2012 we hosted more member events across the world – from Mexico to Dubai and we look forward to doing the same again this year. We will also be welcoming more Global AMBAssadors from business schools worldwide. We are always interested to hear your views and welcome feedback, so please contact the Ambition editor with any feedback. I wish you all a happy and professionally healthy 2013. Best wishes Vanessa

Vanessa Harwood-Whitcher Chief Operating Officer, Association of MBAs

Getting in touch Let us know what you think of the new Ambition or suggest story ideas, please contact the editor: ambition@mbaworld.com Membership enquiries membership@mbaworld.com Membership Manager contact: k.hopkins@mbaworld.com Events enquiries contact: r.yarnit@mbaworld.com All event information is updated regularly online at www.mbaworld.com/events

Printed on 160gsm Cocoon Preprint 100% Recycled material

Three members join AMBA’s Board of Trustees The results of the recent elections to AMBA’s Board of Trustees were announced at the Annual General Meeting on Friday 10 December 2012. Thank you to all those members who took part in the election process and voted. Anna Maria Favini Robertson was elected to serve her first term on the board, Tim Instone was voted back after a gap of four years, and Chris Russell was re-elected. Anna and Chris received MBAs from Open University and Tim from INSEAD. More information on the Board and its members is available at www.mbaworld.com/aboutus

From top left to right: Anna Maria Favini Robertson, Chris Russell, Tim Instone

ISSUE 25 JANUARY – MARCH 2013

MBA Student of the Year Husameldin Elnasri from Lancaster University Management School was awarded the 2012 MBA Student of the Year Award (sponsored by The Independent) last October. Elnasri spent more than a decade working in corporate social responsibility and community development in his home country of Sudan, followed by five years as Head of Corporate Affairs for the White Nile Petroleum Operating Company before his MBA. In his acceptance speech he said “Today’s MBA programmes are helping students understand and appreciate diversity, exchange cultures and to rediscover their leadership potential. With organisations becoming increasingly global and diverse, the latter set of skills is particularly important for the managers of tomorrow.”

^ Husameldin Elnasri receives his award from Darshan Loganathan, The Independent.

“I have seen first-hand the positive effect business can have on small African villages and I believe responsible business can provide solutions to the eradication of poverty in the developing world,” said Elnasri who has now returned to Sudan to work for DAL Group. He is also advising local NGOs on strategy.

Top skills required by HR professionals Critical thinking, strategy and leadership are the top three skills that HR professionals think employees should develop through business education study according to the new FT Business Education Global Insight Study 2012. This FT survey was conducted online amongst 1,625 FT business professionals, HR professionals and students from May to July 2012.

MBA value increases over time In our latest Careers Survey, to be released by AMBA’s Evidence & Ideas Lab, early in 2013, MBA students and graduates said entrepreneurship and internationalisation were the most vital topics for MBA students to learn about. According to the survey, 53% of the graduates from AMBA-accredited business schools also said they felt the value of their MBA had improved over time. A third of graduates stated that gaining new perspectives on management was the most valuable thing they took from their MBA, beyond career development. Improved business acumen and the opportunity to network were also popular choices.

Link in to a new you for New Year The New Year is often a time for resolutions. If you’re considering a career change, make 2013 the year you fine-tune your approach to using LinkedIn. The LinkedIn Man, James Potter, offers his advice on how to make the most of your personal online sales and marketing tool.

1. Use it. And use it, often. Make it work for you, share an update, include your blog and give people a reason to find you interesting, to look at your profile and to share in your positivity and successes. The reason people don’t look at you is that you probably haven’t given them a reason to.

Standing on the outside waiting for the magic to happen is how I describe most people’s attempt at using LinkedIn. Go on admit it – you filled in your profile, accepted the invites from or found a few hundred business connections and then waited for something “magical” to happen.

2. Show me the value. You are three times more likely to be looked at on LinkedIn if you have recommendations. But just have ones that have value and credibility such as partners and happy clients (not just staff).

You don’t get fit having a bike in the garage, you need to ride it to make it work. LinkedIn is just the same, you need to use it and make it work to get the results you deserve. Here are five tips to help you use LinkedIn to the max.

3. Seek and you will find. There are over 187 million business professionals on LinkedIn looking to network, and over 2 million Directors and above in the UK alone. If you’re looking for a new job or a change of career, then it is the place to start. Over 95% of recruiters look at LinkedIn! Check out the jobs menu, groups, Q&A and more.

4. Get involved. Review and update your group memberships. Think outside of your own ‘box’. You won’t get success if you join groups full of people that look like you will you? Join groups full of potential employers or contacts. And when you join a discussion in a group – contribute, don’t shout. How many LinkedIn discussions do you see that are blatant ‘read my blog, buy my stuff, shout about my stuff and say I am fabulous’ type messages. It’s a discussion group! Discuss ‘stuff’. 5. Network to success. LinkedIn is just like a big room full of business people, talk to them, engage them and explore the opportunities to help them, and for them to help you in your career progression.

Find out how effective your profile is by taking the LinkedIn test here: thelinkedinman.com/how-linkedin-are-you/ Join AMBA’s LinkedIn group here: tiny.cc/AMBAlinkedin

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View online now with Download the Layar app onto your mobile device, hover your device over this image and a demonstration of our new Career Development Centre will come alive.

Your Career - A Fresh Start Good news for AMBA members! Delving in to AMBA’s new online Career Development Centre, you will find useful tips and advice from experts as well as a comprehensive international job search. Whether you want to write your CV, need interview tips or hope to brush up on your business skills you will find a wealth of information in this new online resource, including video advice provided from over 250 contributing hiring managers from leading global brands and SMEs including Barclays Capital, Reed Elsevier, Nokia, London Stock Exchange, Ernst & Young, British Council and Odger. As the New Year is often a time when people re-think their career and future, Ambition offers some insight into the various stages you may be at on your MBA journey as part of this special focus on careers, and to mark the launch of the Career Development Centre (CDC) at www.mbaworld.com/mbacareers/ careercentre.

The hunt for a new job

Make yourself e-hirable

The top two actions a candidate can take to boost their job-hunting prospects are better networking and improving their CV, advise employers in the CDC’s 2012 Employer Survey. The results of the survey also show that the biggest first impression candidates make on interview is their handshake and their answer to the first question.

Our article on LinkedIn (page 3) gives you more information about the effectiveness of social media in your job hunt. Employers interviewed on the CDC stress the importance of making sure you have a presence on all the major business social networking environments. Make sure these show your core experience and are available to the right people who are viewing the profiles.

What will make your CV stand out from the crowd? A CV should be well presented with a good personal profile and be relevant to the audience you are aiming for, say top employers. It should be short, relevant and factual. Don’t make it too generic. Listing your achievements is important and these should then be able to start a conversation when you reach interview level with top professionals from FTSE100 companies.

Make your LinkedIn CV impressive - tailor your skills and give a clear message Many employers are using social media sites such as LinkedIn to source employees. One employer in our Careers Development Centre offers an important tip: “Feature the key words in your profile many times to maximise the chances of you coming to the top of a search. For example say someone is looking for a programme manager and that’s the job you’re after, then put programme manager in different parts of your profile.”

ISSUE 25 JANUARY – MARCH 2013

The interview

Change career

“Do your homework. If a candidate can tell me something about my own business that makes me think, that will stand out more than anything else in an interview,” advises a sales director from a FTSE 100 Professional Services firm in their interview on the CDC.

As the UK’s public sector goes through change and people are looking to move from public to private or bring their private sector experience into a public sector role, professionals interviewed on the CDC offer their views and insight on the difference between the two sectors.

“The questions a candidate asks within an interview is where they will stand out,” says a senior manager from a financial services firm. “What I’d be looking for is questions around the industry, the role, challenges within the industry and it is key that obviously good research will show through and that’s where the good candidate will stand out.”

There is more pace and intensity in the private sector, and decisions are made faster, claims a professional who has worked in both. “The private sector is competitive and people will take advantage of you if you don’t move quickly.” In comparison, the public sector is defined by rules and regulations. However, another professional says this can be an advantage as it means public sector training makes employees disciplined in their approach because of the procedures.

Along with strong commercial awareness and professional skills, many recruiters and employers say body language also plays a part in an interview. While the interviewers will be paying close attention to your answers, they will also notice your posture and hand gestures. Eye contact is critical, as is being engaged in the conversation. An interviewer may notice defensive body language if questioning gets tough. It’s about appearing confident, not arrogant, say the experts. “If you don’t ask you don’t get.” The CDC also offers advice about how to discuss salary and how to negotiate when responding to an offer.

In the online discussion, some see the drive for competition between teams in the private sector as divisive, whereas the public service can be better at pulling together as one big team. Public sector employees are often altruistic and believe in service to the public. What is myth and what is fact? Find out more from the CDC and the wide range of professionals who have worked in both public and private sector. Then join the discussion on our LinkedIn page at www.tiny.cc/AMBAlinkedin Whatever your sector or industry, are you thinking of changing career? Professionals who have made the change offer their advice on the CDC. Those who have done it say finally making the decision can be liberating, so be confident and remember you can always go back.

Develop your career Employers share the best business advice they received with Ambition: “In order to succeed it is only 5% talent and 95% hard work so there is nothing that can’t be done with hard work.” “To make anything happen it’s not enough to just have a good idea, you have to take people with you.” “You can achieve anything you want you just have to know what it is you want to achieve.” AMBA’s Career Development Centre also offers e-learning to help you improve on skills including leadership, presentation and project management. Make a fresh start today, log in online to AMBA’s Career Development Centre at www.mbaworld.com/mbacareers

How to get the most out of the Career Development Centre A user review by Adela Papac The Search MBA jobs feature is very quick and practical. It is updated daily with new jobs. A great thing about this feature is that just by saving a specific search, for example, ‘Communications London’, every time a new job in this category appears, you get an email notification. Also, you can save several different searches. For those who need a major CV redesign, CV Builder is such a useful tool. You can work through each stage filling in your information while listening to the advice from employers. It is quick and easy to use and when you download it, it looks really good! Many people waste a lot of time formatting their CVs, while here CV Builder does it for you! The advice videos are succinct and short, which is very convenient. What makes them useful and relevant is the advice given there, as it comes directly from recruiters and hiring managers. In a video on how to write a good cover letter, which is only 1.13 minutes long, you have four people giving you their best advice on how to do it. This means that in only 10 minutes, you can watch three or four videos like that, which can give you a flavour of what employers look for. Also, in the Employers database there are over 2000 companies. Anyone who had previously wasted time browsing the companies’ web pages looking for their careers sections will recognise the benefit of this database which offers you direct links to employers’ careers web page sections, as well as a short description for every company. This new CDC has other great features, quite different and more useful and innovative from standard career advice sites, which are ok, but generally do not make a big difference. This one does.

Adela Papac Global AMBAssador MBA, University of Westminster

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“The economic outlook is showing some modest signs of improvement and the MBA job market has become stronger since the downturn in 2007. Opportunities in pharma/ healthcare/ biotechnology, manufacturing and technology continue to show the most opportunities for students although hiring trends are still good across most industries. Social media is playing an increasingly large part in hiring with almost 60% of hiring sourced through social media.” James Morrison, Director of Career Services, Hult International, Boston, USA

“Leadership skills are always in demand, but in this quickly moving global business environment, they are more important than ever. Global acumen is also crucial. That is why you see Executive MBA Programs worldwide investing in leadership development for students, as well as nurturing expertise in strategy, innovation, and entrepreneurship from a worldwide perspective.” Michael Desiderio, Executive Director, EMBA Council, USA

“The financial crisis in Europe and the U.S. has brought large amounts of capital to Latin America from investors seeking safer harbours. This has created a boom in the construction, commercial and service sectors across the region and an increased demand in competent staff. The local offer of skilled labour, however, is not able to meet this demand, leading to increased immigration of capable workers. Latin American nations should invest the benefits they’re reaping now into education, professional, and technical training infrastructure in order to guarantee better quality jobs for their own growing populations.” Dr. Fernando D´Alessio, Director General of CENTRUM, Lima, Peru

“With the stagnation of the active population, the prediction for coming years in Spain is for employment to increase slightly by 0.3%, with the potential of reaching a 16% increase in employment for 2020. Growth sectors continue to be those related to new technologies and thus 2.0 professions are in highest demand by companies. The sector that has suffered the most continues to be construction and real estate.” Rosalía Rodríguez, Senior Associate Director of Career Services, IE Business School, Spain

LinkedIn’s Most InDemand Employers in Brazil (Oct 2012) are Vale, Natura, Unilever, Petrobas, Odebrecht. Based on billions of interactions from LinkedIn’s 175 million+ members

Employment A Global Perspective As we enter 2013, four of the world’s biggest economies continue to struggle to combat the global financial crisis while increasing economic growth at home. Emerging economies continue to rise in importance, and China is expected to overtake the US economy within the next twenty years.

While there is still uncertainty among many of the world’s economies, there is some optimism for MBAs in the 2013 job market. Research released by GMAC in December 2012 finds 76% of employers expect to hire MBAs in 2013 compared to 69% in 2012. Salaries are also on the rise according to the survey of 201 global employers.

More than half of those who responded to GMAC’s survey said they plan to increase annual base salaries to keep pace with inflation or exceed it. This feature brings you employment predictions from AMBA stakeholders across the globe.

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The four primary job areas for which companies plan to hire recent MBAs in 2012 are marketing and sales (43%), consulting (38%), business development (38%), and general management (36%). Leadership, innovation, problem-solving, critical thinking, and strategic planning are among the many skills that employers need in today’s market. GMAC Corporate recruiters Survey 2012

“China is changing from “Made in China” into “Created in China” which is a big step and will take time. This means that more high tech companies are growing up and more labor-intensive companies are disappearing. 2013 will see many changes for the whole world and China as a main part of the world economy is also facing difficulty. In many manufacturing sectors, it will be difficult for unskilled persons to find a good job. However more jobs will be created in the service and high tech sectors.” Zhang Xiachang, Chairman of Kunshan Printed Electronics Ltd, China

LinkedIn’s Most InDemand Employers in India (Oct 2012) are Accenture, HP, Oracle, IBM, Microsoft. Based on billions of interactions from LinkedIn’s 175 million+ members

“The region needs to create approximately 100 million jobs by 2020 to keep pace with population growth. More than 65% of the region’s population is under the age of 30. The region’s governments and private sectors must work together to ensure our youth have jobs to go to when they graduate. The skills needed in all sectors include technical and vocational; business, finance and management skills; soft skills; and mentorship skills.” Ehsan Razavizadeh, Cass Business School Regional Director, Middle East, North Africa

“Development in Africa is not dependent on the quality and drive of its governments. Neither is it on aid projects, nor on the work of volunteers from the west. The future and the well-being of this continent depends largely on the wpower of its own, local entrepreneurs.” Professor Walter Baets, Director of the UCT Graduate School of Business in Cape Town, South Africa.

“We see demand for individuals with specialisation in industry and/or functional skills, including skills such as analytics, sustainability, digital media/marketing, mobile and cloud computing. A strong combination of creative and structured thinking and communication abilities will continue to position professionals for success.” Peter Lacy, Managing Director, Accenture Sustainability Services Asia Pacific

“There will be significant employment opportunities in Australia in the future. While retail, banking and manufacturing have shed jobs, other industries such as construction, engineering, healthcare, tourism and hospitality are desperately short staffed. By 2015, the mining resources industry alone requires at least 85,000 operational personnel. It is expected that more than 4.4 million workers will be needed nationally over the next 15 years simply to replace retiring baby boomers, while another 4.8 million will be needed to deal with the growth.” Kim Lee, Director of Careers Services, Curtin Graduate School of Business, Western Australia.

Events A night of celebration Business schools and members gathered together for an enjoyable evening at our Gala Dinner in October. This year was a double celebration – with the awarding of the 2012 Student of the Year, MBA Innovation and MBA Entrepreneurial Venture Awards, it was also an opportunity to celebrate AMBAs’ 45th anniversary.

Riding high on the success of the 2012 Olympic games, we invited former Olympian and current MBA student Kriss Akabusi MBE as guest speaker. He entertained the guests with his energetic and inspiring speech before handing out the awards. The evening concluded with the announcement of the winners of our three prestigious awards. MBA Student of the Year 2012 was awarded to Husameldin Elnasri from Lancaster University Management School, the MBA Innovation Award went to INSEAD for their Sci-tech Commercialiser MBA and Cathal Brady from UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School won the MBA Entrepreneurial Venture Award. Webinars AMBA members from across the globe joined the debate and discussion during our webinars in October and November. Birmingham Business School’s new Dean and co-author of ‘From Complexity to Simplicity: Unleash Your Organisation’s Potential’, ran our October webinar. He revealed new ways to help firms add value by simplifying their organisational structures and strategies. Author Judith Perle’s webinar focused on harnessing the power of your networks. She offered advice on developing communication skills so as to effectively utilise existing networks. If you missed the webinars you can listen online at www.mbaworld.com/ pastnetworkingevents

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Book Review: Winning the war for talent in emerging markets: why women are the answer By Sylvia Ann Hewlett and Ripa Rashid Harvard Business Review Press, 2011 International companies looking to expand into emerging markets face significant challenges finding enough high caliber managers to work in these countries. Hewlett and Rashid draw attention to a major source of talent and brain power ‘hidden in plain sight’; millions of highly educated, ambitious and committed women. This book discusses the issues these women face in developing their careers, and the steps companies can take to fully utilise female talent. The book focuses on five emerging market countries: China, India, Brazil, Russia and the UAE. Education levels for women in these countries is good: women comprise 65% of college graduates in the UAE, 60% in Brazil, 47% in China and in India more women than men have graduate degrees. Surveys also show high levels of ambition to rise to top jobs: 63% in Russia, 65% in China, even more in India and the UAE. The same survey in USA gave a figure of 36%. Work commitment is high also with these women showing greater company loyalty than many of the men promoted ahead of them.

“Women comprise 65% of college graduates in the UAE, 60% in Brazil, 47% in China and in India more women than men have graduate degrees. Unsurprisingly, the authors identify inhospitable male dominated corporate cultures as a major problem these women face. In Russia business is often conducted in settings not open to women and in the UAE single women are not even allowed to stay in a hotel unaccompanied. Childcare, one of the biggest issues for western women, is less of a problem. Instead of the role of mother it is the role of daughter, especially in India and China, which holds back women at work. Most families would not consider caring for elderly family members outside the home and it falls to the daughter or daughter-inlaw to undertake this work. Small families in China exacerbate the problem further.

In Part 3 of the book Hewlett and Rashid turn to the action agenda. To transform corporate cultures more favourably for these women, companies need to focus on providing stretch opportunities for women, developing women’s networks and mentoring, and increased flexibility in working practices. Examples of corporate programmes which promote sponsorship and networking for women are Women in Lenovo Leadership, Cisco’s Connected Women and Power Camp, and Siemen’s Ambassador’s Program.

“There’s a crucial distinction between mentoring and sponsoring...Mentors give support; sponsors get you your next job.” It is too early to say how effective these programmes are at really changing the working opportunities for women. As Hewlett herself says in another context: “There’s a crucial distinction between mentoring and sponsoring. While mentors offer useful advice and a sympathetic sounding board, sponsors provide the critical heavy lifting which propels careers upwards: they open doors, make connections to key stakeholders, and advocate your promotion. Mentors give support; sponsors get you your next job.” Companies entering these markets have the opportunity to start with a blank sheet, not hampered by the talent practices of the past. Whether they will provide the ‘heavy lifting’ needed to help women escape from their cultures is yet to be seen. Reviewed by Helen Edwards, a consultant for SKOLKOVO Moscow School of Management. Helen also writes for Russian media. She was previously Head of Information Services at London Business School and is a former President of the European Business Schools Librarians’ Group.

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A View From China

Employment in China 2003-2011

Primary 34.8%

Tertiary 35.7%

These changes may call for a new system as the need arises for not only school education but also vocational and training programmes for the purpose of widening the employed population who wish to start a business or change occupation. To found such a system, the country needs a large number of vocational and technical schools, training centres, nongovernmental job training institutions for the urban workforce, laid-off workers and rural migrant workers.

2011

Secondary 29.5%

.5% 34

Tertiary 29.3%

2003

Primary 49.1%

Secondary 21.6%

The new government believes the next ten years will be a period of economic and social transformation in China. As the reform means more freedom of thinking and industrial reshuffling, the economic and social structures will probably undergo profound changes, and the general public hope the changes will introduce a fairer mechanism of wealth distribution in which the grassroots can make their ‘Chinese dreams’ come true.

% 47

Introduced 30 years ago, the policy of ‘reform and opening up’ enabled China to go through the transformation from a highly concentrated, planned economy to a vigorous socialist market economy, and from a closed economy to an open one. But today the country is at a crossroads, for the double-digit growth is now history and the prospect of maintaining the growth by 7% annually until 2020 hinges on further reform and change in the economic development. Meanwhile, social problems such as the imbalance of development and the rising gaps between the developed regions and the lessdeveloped ones also call for a shift in the monopoly industries, such as railway and telecoms, and the residential registration system know as Hukou. To sum it up, we can tell from these messages that social and economic reform will still be an invisible drive for China in the future.

China’s urbanisation has apparently been a boost to the country’s development, and the prosperity of the tertiary sector is expected to create more jobs in different forms, such as in foreign-invested ventures, part-time jobs, temporary jobs, seasonal jobs, and jobs paid on an hourly basis or even in more flexible ways.

Vergil is a full-time MBA student at Zhejiang University School of Management. Before choosing to study for an MBA he worked in the ferroalloy department of Zhejiang Topchance Group Co. Ltd for four years. He started in ferroalloy production management in Inner Mongolia for eight months, and then transferred to the overseas division in charge of mineral import, later becoming deputy manager of the division.

‘Deepening reform and opening up’ was the key message released by China’s core leadership after the National Congress. The word ‘reform’ appeared 86 times in the outgoing President Hu Jintao’s report delivered at the Congress on 8 November 2012.

The tertiary sector in China has been growing faster on average than the secondary sector, in both employment and output. From 2003 to 2011 the tertiary industry rose from 29.3% to 35.7% and the secondary industry grew from 21.6% to 29.5%. Whereas, the primary industry dropped from 49.1% to 34.8% (see infographic right).

MBA Student, Zhejiang University

Ur b

The pace of economic growth is slowing in China and the country faces more social and environmental challenges. In November 2012, the whole country watched with anticipation to see what policy changes the new leadership of the world’s second largest economy would introduce, and how these would affect China’s economy and employment at a time of global economic downturn.

The new President Xi Jinping said the goal for further reform and the country’s opening up was to improve the Chinese people’s livelihood by offering better employment. China has a different employment structure compared with the west. In 2011, the total population of both urban and rural employment reached 764.2 million, 47% was urban (359.14 million) and 53% was rural (405.06 million), a decrease on 2003 rural employment, which was at 65.5%.

Ur b

Global AMBAssador Vergil Lin shares his view of the economic and employment outlook for China following the Chinese Communist Party’s recent transfer of power. China faces new challenges with the slowing of economic growth; changes to employment and the growing divide between rich and poor.

Vergil Lin Global AMBAssador

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Events MBA Link ...in London Investors are more likely to back a strong leader with a mediocre idea, than a weak leader with an exceptional idea, Tom Billings of envestors told an audience of AMBA members at the MBA Link event held at Westminster Business School’s new campus. The theme of October’s event was entrepreneurship. Experienced entrepreneur, Jayesh Mistry said he believed an entrepreneur needs a particular mind-set where challenges should appear as opportunities. Entrepreneurs must have inherent characteristics including self-confidence, strategic vision and an enjoyment of networking, he told the audience and panel of entrepreneurs, investors and the Financial Times’ enterprise correspondent, Jonathan Moules.

...in Portsmouth The theme of the MBA Link hosted by Portsmouth Business School was careers. If looking for a career change, Kate Mitchell from Hudson said it can be hard to make too many steps at once, so she suggested focusing on either changing roles within your sector or changing sector but doing the same role – not doing both at once. Gavin Wright spoke about the changing nature of the UK’s public service and its move towards operating more commercially. Gioia Pescetto, Dean of Portsmouth Business School (above) emphasised the significance of the hidden job market and encouraged the audience of MBA students and alumni to make the most of networking. AMBA’s MBA Link events offer all attendees the perfect opportunity to put that advice into practice.

Experience: From inside GE Christèle de Waresquiel talks to Ambition about joining GE’s Experienced Commercial Leadership Program after completing her MBA at IESE in Spain. Why did you choose to work at GE? GE is an amazing company to work for. It is present in many sectors and countries. The diversity of the job is incredible. Being part of an international company permits you to network with people from different continents. What does the ECLP program involve? ECLP involves three rotations of eight months each. During these three rotations you are assigned to a business. For example, I am assigned to GE Capital EMEA. For the three rotations, I can work in any of our local platforms in a risk, sales or marketing role. For every rotation, you have an Assignment Leader that is your supervisor and mentor for your eightmonth project(s). Every six months there is also training where the entire ECLP community gets together for a week or two. At this training you get to network with other businesses and regions. What challenges and highlights have you experienced during your time at GE and on the ECLP program? In ECLP you are given one or several projects that you have to manage. These projects are often high profile and you will most likely be in contact with senior management. You get to practice your team working, influencing and communication skills. It is also challenging as you have a limited eight months to pick up the knowledge and skills of a business. What is the management/leadership style at GE? At GE, we operate an open-door policy. Leaders take time out to listen to ECLPs. What lessons have you learnt about the corporate world that you can share with AMBA’s members? Influencing skills are very important. GE is a company of meritocracy, so be prepared to work hard.

Sustainability, responsible management and innovation are the hot topics for MBAs - how do you see these in action at GE? Yes, GE like many big companies is focused on these areas. Innovation is key to being a player in the current tough market. What tips can you give to an MBA graduate on interviews and nailing the perfect job? Prepare well for the interview: get to know the company financing data, culture, businesses. Also prepare the obvious questions (e.g. describe how you lead a team…) To apply for the GE ECLP go to: www.ge.com/careers/students/eclp

Christèle de Waresquiel MBA, IESE Spain

Swedish national, Christèle graduated with a Master of Science from Ecole Centrale Paris in 2003. She then worked in London as an analyst at Morgan Stanley in Structure Credit Sales, and then became Associate Director for Calyon CIB in London before studying for her MBA at IESE in Barcelona from 2009 to 2011. She joined GE’s ECLP programme in June 2011 and works in the GE Capital offices in Paris, where she is currently working for the company’s Chief Commercial Officer on their factoring strategy.

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Experience: moving sectors with the help of an MBA

Events

James Peckham talks to Ambition about the reasons behind doing an MBA, how it helped him change sectors and his role at Oracle.

… in Glasgow

Why did you choose to study for an MBA? I chose to study an MBA for two reasons. The first was that after leaving college I took a conscious decision to join the Army as a commissioned Officer rather than go to University. At the time having a degree was not as career critical as it became in the late 90s. On leaving the Army I found that the leadership and management skills where not at the time widely recognised in the job market. Whilst I was doing well I quickly reached a point where not having a degree constrained my career options. An MBA was a logical decision to remove this limitation. The second reason was that I tried a small startup – whilst still working – it did not take off for various reasons. So I decided to learn more about those reasons – again the MBA was the logical choice. Did having an MBA make it easier to change sectors? The MBA has helped me bridge the various sectors that I work across with a common language and understanding of principles. If you had to pick one skill learnt on your MBA that has proved the most useful in your current role what would it be? I have utilised all the skills but strategy stands out as the key differentiator alongside operational skills. What other theory learnt at LUMS have you put into practice in your career since graduating with your MBA? I have extensively used systems thinking in all my work. It has helped me quickly understand a situation and where the levers for change are. Do you think having an MBA helped you get your job at Oracle? It was critical. For my role an MBA from a quality University was a must have. What have been the highs and the challenges since joining Oracle? The high was being recently selected as part of the top 1% leadership talent; having the opportunity to work as part of a global team on key business challenges. The challenges have been managing the network politics of a global organisation that operates primarily as a matrix.

What is the most exciting innovation or development at Oracle since you’ve been there? Oracle is at the forefront of so many value-driving technologies, it is difficult to pinpoint a single area. But I believe the move towards SaaS, PaaS and IaaS leveraging Oracle’s integrated and engineered solution through a commercial model that offers customers increased value has been the most exciting shift. Do you have a mentor? Yes, I have a mentor. They have been critical to my understanding of the inner workings of Oracle. I greatly respect their leadership and experience. I very much recommend having a mentor. What advice would you give to an MBA student looking to work for a global software company like Oracle? Oracle is huge so there are many different opportunities. Oracle recruits people that can deliver value quickly so whilst an MBA will push a door ajar you need both a breadth and depth of experience to walk in.

James Peckham

MBA Link Consistent leadership and a clear message are key to excellent performance in global companies as this strengthens brand among employees, customers and the public, Alex MacLeod, Operations Director at Skanska Construction told MBA students and alumni attending the MBA Link event at the University of Strathclyde Business School. Adding another perspective, panelist Professor Irene McAra-McWilliam spoke about the importance of leaders giving space for creativity within an organisation. The Head of the School of Design and Director of Design Innovation at the Glasgow School of Art said creativity and innovation will keep business ahead of the curve.     … in Manchester Leadership cannot be taught - it can only be learnt, agreed the three panelists at the MBA Link event hosted by Manchester Metropolitan Business School in November. Colin Gautrey revealed to the audience of MBA students and alumni that the emergence of a successful leader hinges on the ‘3Ps’. A clear purpose leads to increasing passion for the business idea, which is a catalyst for progress.

MBA, Lancaster University Management School

James is a strategy consultant at Oracle. He started his career as an officer in the army. After six years he left to become a derivatives trader on the LIFFE market in London, then moved into IT as a business analyst and had a go as an entrepreneur before doing an MBA at Lancaster University Management School. On graduating he moved into consulting with KPMG and Capgemini and then into his current role at Oracle where he works with key clients - many in the public sector - to help them understand the value of change.

Christine Hewson used examples from her own career as Head of Tax at KPMG North to illustrate how leadership styles can be adapted to different situations. She explained how assigning responsibility for new projects to potential leaders, rather than established leaders, has proven a successful strategy for her. Commander Philip Parvin, who was the first Chartered Manager in the Royal Navy, said you don’t need to be a leader all of the time. “The important thing is that leadership responsibility falls to the right person in that situation. Either lead, follow, or get out of the way!”

Diary

ISSUE 25 JANUARY – MARCH 2013

Book online www.mbaworld.com/events

January

Your Membership

MBA Careers Fair

Benefits

25 January 2013 | Asia House | 13.30 - 17.30 The MBA Careers Fair is a great opportunity for MBA students to meet with a wide range of employers. Employers will be present from a variety of sectors including finance, consulting, oil and gas, telecommunications and manufacturing.

MBA Link – The importance of growing value through brands

28 January 2013 | Aston Business School, Birmingham | 18.00 - 20.30 Keynote speaker, Professor Leslie de Chernatony has been called one of the 50 gurus who shaped the future of marketing. He will share his ideas on brand management.

February Careers webinar series – After the offer: negotiating around your next role 6 February 2013 | Online Event | 13.00 - 14.00

Anthony Drew, a specialist negotiation advisor and Head of Hartley-Brewer Negotiation Consulting at the Kingstree Group will offer advice on what to do once you’ve been offered a job and negotiating the best out of the offer.

MBA Link – Entrepreneurship and intrapreneurship

AMBA members can join the Chartered Management Institute and receive a 20% reduction on the relevant annual subscription rate, plus the waiver of the one off assessment fee. As a member of the CMI you will be a part of an organisation that promotes professional excellence and you will have the opportunity to further enhance your management knowledge and skills with their career advice, resources and networking.

Jobs Looking for your first job after graduating with your MBA? Changing career and want to see where to go next? Try out the new comprehensive job search at our Career Development Centre and search thousands of jobs from employers across the world.

12 February 2013 | Southampton Management School | 18.00 – 20.30

www.mbaworld.com/ mbacareers/careercentre

This MBA Link event is open to MBA students and alumni and includes refreshments and networking after the panel discussion. Visit our website for speaker information.

In the news

Careers webinar series – Life after redundancy - making change work for you 13 February 2013 | Online Event | 13.00 - 14.00

Author and leadership coach, Jenny Garrett will share the three essential stages to creating a positive new beginning after redundancy and will offer tips and thoughtprovoking questions to help you plan for success.

Careers webinar series – Landing your first CEO role 19 February 2013 | Online Event | 13.00 - 14.00 Dr Douglas Board, Senior Visiting Fellow, Cass Business School will draw on his research about choosing leaders and will look at the practicalities of how to land your first CEO role.

March MBA Refresher

20 March 2013 | Hult International Business School, London | 09.00 – 17.00 Discuss case studies, share experiences and top up your knowledge with the help of accomplished faculty members from top business schools. Visit our website for speaker information.

The MBAworld email updates you fortnightly with insight and events. Top stories on our members-only knowledge portal are emailed direct to your inbox. From career advice to opinion on management, leadership or entrepreneurs, you will receive articles from the top management magazines and online resources as well as an update on the latest networking events so you can register online.

Join the discussion AMBA's LinkedIn membership is a great place to find out what your peers are discussing. Connect today at tiny.cc/AMBAlinkedin Stay in touch on Twitter too @Assoc_of_MBAs