PHASE 1: Idea about MBA
As soon as I finished my computer science studies at the Technical Faculty of the University of Rijeka, I started thinking about the next academic challenges. Back then, of course, I wasn’t sure what it would be and when, but I knew that something would appear and bring that “this is it” feeling. I continued my professional path in line with my studies, started working as a software engineer, and educated myself and researched, mainly on technical issues. But these were all minor things, I was still waiting for that “next big thing”. As I started in leadership and got the role of team leader, I started talking more about the MBA study with my colleagues and acquaintances. The very idea of such an education became more interesting to me, and the only thing that deterred me was perhaps the prejudice (I’m not exactly sure where it came from!) about the typical MBA student as an “old-school ego-trip manager”.
PHASE 2: Building the Algebra brand in the subconscious
COVID forced us all to think more intensively about our situation, and I set out to find out more about available MBA studies. Although not specifically about the e-Leadership MBA program, I have heard many words of praise from various quarters about Algebra as a university. However, the best evidence of quality was the fact that Algebra students on internship with us in Rimac possess practical knowledge, quickly fit into the team and, most importantly, are very satisfied with their studies.
PHASE 3: Scholarship competition
By chance, during a completely casual conversation, a colleague drew my attention to Algebra’s MBA scholarship contest and sent the link. After a few days, I finally clicked on it and then realized that I only had an hour and a half left until the application deadline! I immediately went to the keyboard, managed to put together my CV and motivation letter, and sent the application at 23:57, two minutes before the deadline. It’s not really commendable, but this situation often happened to me during my studies in computer science – I even, symbolically, had my diploma defense at 11:55, that is, five to twelve.
Passing to the next round, that is, to the scholarship competition, I still did not know exactly what I wanted and expected. But I decided to definitely find out during the competition (when I wasn’t already heading to Rovinj for team building with my colleagues!) and make the most of the time. With that decision, I arrived at Algebra and met the other candidates. And so it started, the task was announced, the teams were formed and – the competition began!
The atmosphere that each of us felt then, the whole approach and positive energy of the team from Algebra, as well as the competitors, were more than enough to dispel all my doubts. At that moment I realized that it is not only an MBA as such that I am aiming for, but my next concrete goal in education – e-Leadership MBA in Algebra. The only remaining question was “When?” – this year or some other year – but that is less important now that I knew the answer to the question “What?”. Again, by chance, I had the honor and opportunity to be part of a phenomenal team. We managed to approach the scholarship competition as if we had known each other for a long time, and this led us to the first team place and the scholarship award. Still in disbelief, with a big plaque for first place (which I barely fit in the car), I sit behind the wheel and head for team building Rovinj. With the cheerful tones of Bruce Springsteen on the radio, I also answer the question “When?”.
PHASE 4: School bench
And so, after almost 6 years, I pick up a new X, sit in the student desks and look forward to everything I will learn in the next 2 years and everything I will be able to apply in my professional and private life. However, the greatest value of this study and what additionally inspires is the phenomenal MBA6 team. Their individual dedication, but also the team atmosphere, collective ambition and energy make this study special. And fun!
