On higher ground
An increasing number of mid-level executives are opting for educational courses to upgrade their knowledge base and skills. Mayank Singh reports

Salwa al Jabri, manager – MIS, risk management, BankMuscat decided to go back to her studies in 2006 – ten years after completing her formal education. Says Salwa, “I felt that I was missing something and was low on confidence.” After deliberation and careful thought she decided to do an MBA course to upgrade her skills. Salwa enrolled herself for an MBA from Strathclyde University, UK from College of Banking and Financial Studies at Muscat. Salwa’s case is not an isolated one as a growing number of mid-level executives are looking at enhancing their knowledge base and upgrading their skill sets by going in for higher education courses. Says Ilham al Hamaid, unit head – large corporates – II, corporate credit and marketing, BankMuscat, “I believe that learning is an unending process.” Annurag Chawla, head of marketing and communications, Towell Auto Centre, concurs, “

Annurag Chawla, Head of Marketing and Communications, Towell Auto Centre

A higher education broadens one’s frame of reference.” A professional diploma holder in marketing and sales management from the American Management Association (USA) from New York University, Annurag is currently pursuing an MBA degree from a reputed institution.
 

Keeping up with the times
As businesses get more complex, there is an increasing need to broaden ones knowledge base to take on the challenges of a globalised work place. Says Mohammed al Hadhrami, section head customer service front, Nawras, “In an industry like ours (Telecom) it is really important to keep track of the changes taking place within the industry and outside.” Chawla recalls that when he started his career some 15 years back there were hardly any specialised courses in communications and Public Relations (PR). The availability of focused courses is an incentive for executives to sharpen their analytical prowess.

Persuaded by his senior managers Ali Said Al-Hashmi, SM, core planning, Omantel, took up the Strathclyde University MBA course. A masters in telecommunications from Sultan Qaboos University (SQU), the course has given Ali a cross functional perspective. “Since I am in a managerial position, my technical background would not have helped me, but an MBA has given me a better understanding of various functions like HR, finance and marketing,” says Ali.

Undertaking these courses gives professionals a chance to interact with their peer group from other sectors giving them valuable insights into the working of other industries. Says Ali, “In my class there are CTO’s, vice presidents and departmental heads from various sectors. This gives me a flavour of what others are doing, a variety of opinions helps you to understand things better.”
 

From L to R: Ilham al Hamaid, Unit Head – Large Corporates – II, Corporate Credit and Marketing; Wafa al Ajmi, Account Relationship Manager,  Project Finance; and Salwa al Jabri, Manager – MIS, Risk Management, BankMuscat	Mohammed al Hadhrami, Section Head Customer Service Front and Najla al Mayahi, Market Intelligence Specialist, Nawras

Beyond the workplace
The benefits of pursuing a higher education is not just limited to the workplace, but manifests itself in various ways. Says Ilham, “I have been given more responsibility by my family and friends (after the higher education course) as they have greater belief in my decision making abilities.” There are others who feel that it helps them manage their affairs better. Says Wafa al Ajmi, account relationship manager, project finance, BankMuscat, “It adds to your growth not only at work, but also improves one’s interpersonal skills.” After working for three years in BankMuscat’s Trade Finance department, Wafa went onto pursue an MBA from the University of Nottingham in 2007 to get a better grasp of various verticals.

While there is no denying that an education adds to an executive’s growth, going in for such a course throws up its own set of challenges – like sacrificing quality time spent with one’s family, taking time out for classes and course work and financial expenses.

Ilham confesses, “With two kids, family commitments and a full time job it was difficult to accommodate various priorities.” An evening course meant that she had to spend three hours, two days a week in attending classes. Add to this the number of hours spent on course work and tutorials and the burden gets quite onerous. “It took me two-and-a-half years to finish the course, but as it was becoming progressively tougher, I decided to finish it as fast as possible,” adds Ilham.

Salwa who was going back to her studies after a long gap, faced other teething problems, “Initially it was difficult to understand the language and there were times when I used to wonder whether I was learning English or doing an MBA.” It took her a semester to get comfortable with the technical jargon. “It was a difficult time as I ignored my two children and family. Initially I used to feel embarrassed as my children’s school was right next to my institute,” she adds. Better time management and giving up on leisure time is a trade-off that is required to pursue an education

Financial burden
Doing a degree course can set one back by a few thousand rials and more. For example, a masters degree can cost RO3,000 while the bill for an MBA can be as high as RO8,000. Though some companies like Omantel, BankMuscat, PDO and Nawras partially fund such courses on a case-to-case basis, the onus of footing the bills usually rests with the executive.
 

A slowdown may be the best time to upgrade ones skills as it helps executives to be better prepared when the cycle turns. A downturn is usually followed by a sharp recovery, so as and when things improve there will be a greater demand for talented people. And the people who are better skilled are the ones who are likely to benefit the most. Says Ali, “A crisis for one is an opportunity for others.” Omani youth are gradually realising the importance of upgrading their skills. Says Ali, “I have brought three friends to join the course.” This portends well for the future of corporate Oman.

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