Feel the fear and do it anyway

Abstract

Investigates whether information specialists, particulalry business information professionals, need additional qualifications, such as an MBA, and recounts the author’s experience of choosing the MBA as being the most appropriate qualification for expanding her earlier skills, which were technically focused. Notes the strategy used to choose which MBA to study for (finally choosing UK’s Cranfield), noting what she expected to gain from the process and what she actually gained in practice. Lists the key skills learned from the MBA process: working effectively in a team; understanding how people work; time management and delegation; building a framework for analysing problems; questioning assumptions; and using lateral thinking processes. Concludes that one of the key post-MBA goals, achieving a better job, was achieved in practice and involved a job with KPMG Management Consultancy, working directly for the UK Senior Partner: a job which would not have been attainable without an MBA. Concludes that the combination of information management skills and management/business skills is likely to be a valuable one in a future where knowledge management is becoming increasingly important.