Dr Subashini Vaikunthanathan, Westminster International College

Dr Subashini Vaikunthanathan

Age	:	37
Qualifications	:	MBBS, University of West Indies, Trinidad and Tobago, 2000
Currently pursuing	:	MBA at Westminster International College (awarded by Cardiff Metropolitan University, UK)
Current job title	:	Chief Medical Officer
Employer	:	Travel Guard Asia Pacific
Has been with this employer for	:	2 years 6 months
How has doing this course made a difference in your career?	:	I have been pursuing this course for the past six months. So far it has stepped up my business management skills and finance knowledge to such a high level that it has made me understand, in-depth, how corporate life is and how to manage it to meet everyone’s expectations (senior management, customers etc). Choosing to do this MBA course involved a significant investment of money and time. The benefits of doing this in terms of potential higher earnings were a consideration too.

My postgraduate study

My background
My initial undergraduate degree is in the field of medicine. I served the public sector for 10 years. Subsequently I ventured into a field of medicine which is considered rather new in the market – medical assistance. My position in this organisation requires me to have medical and business knowledge. The specific modules offered in this programme suit my knowledge needs.

Choosing a qualification
I chose this qualification as my current job requires a certain amount of financial and management knowledge. When selecting, I was looking for an internationally recognised and accredited postgraduate programme which gives me financial and time flexibility. Also, the location of this university is in close proximity to my home.

Mode of study
I opted to do this course on a part-time basis as I am employed full-time. The modules in this course have been structured in a way which suits my busy time schedule. The modules are delivered and assessed in different styles – presentations, individual and group assignments, and assessments. As such, these have created a wide field of knowledge which I have obtained as an individual and a group.

The decision to ‘go back to school’ was made after entering the corporate world from a medical field. The initial struggle to adapt in the corporate business world motivated me to join this postgraduate course. In my current position, besides doing medical work, I take a senior management role and am involved in various business projects. I also have to manage a certain group of people within my organisation. By doing this course, I am able to learn in-depth people management and business management skills.

The Cardiff Metropolitan University MBA programme has made study easier for working adults like me. The block teaching method offers flexibility and sufficient time for part-time students to acquire new knowledge in the most comfortable way.

My course
My course consists of several modules which take into account all the major functions and practices of a business. The course has been structured as individual and group assignments and assessments. It also involves research based projects in all modules.

Looking ahead / Life after the course
The returns on investment − in terms of increased salary and improved job opportunities − are among the factors I am looking forward to upon graduating from this MBA programme. I have had an opportunity to extend my social network by meeting other students from various backgrounds.

My advice
Studying for a MBA is time-consuming and will require a lot of commitment – especially if done on a part-time basis, besides your personal work commitment. However the benefits gained are plentiful and rewarding. The satisfaction of the experience and challenges faced while doing an MBA is just as rewarding.