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Meet Rohit Motwani, MBA candidate and Program Initiation Lead at Jacobs, as he shares about his study experience at the Major Infrastructure Delivery MBA.
I have been working in New York for nearly a decade and considered pursuing an MBA several times, because I always enjoyed learning and growing and academics in general. The only thing holding me back was the two-year career break most MBAs require in addition to a high cost. I had been working on some exciting projects and wasn’t ready to take a break for education. Fortunately, our global head of program management introduced me to the UCL MBA. After looking into the course, I was instantly impressed with its structure, particularly the block learning format with concentrated modules that would allow me to apply my leanings to my current job. When I saw the industry leaders involved with the MBA, I knew that I wanted to learn from the best and that this was the ideal course for me.
Describe how you’ve been able to apply the skills and knowledge you’ve learned on the course to your current role.
The MBA has introduced me to world-class research and individuals working within the domain of mega-programs. This is a unique field and very few universities offer specialisations in such specific areas. I have particularly appreciated learning more about the art and science of governance, organisation design, client capabilities, risk management, setting up projects for success, stakeholder management, challenges, and opportunities within the delivery of major programs.
Having the opportunity to compare various experiences and models from around the world has allowed me to better understand the driving forces behind major programs. While working within the industry, it typically takes time and multiple programs and experiences before you can start tying it all together and understand mega-programs from a big picture perspective. This course has offered a broad cross-section perspective on delivery of large capital programs – it broadly spans modules and then delves into all the key areas in each of the modules. I have already applied several key learnings to my ongoing projects with public sector transportation clients in North America.
What aspects of your studies have you enjoyed most, during your time on the MBA?
The quality of professors, visiting professors, and members of the MBA cohort is outstanding. I truly enjoy the level of intellectual conversations about a field we are all passionate about. Many of my fellow MBA students could be professors themselves and our inspiring conversations are my favorite part of the course. Being able to talk through the topics we are studying adds a richness to the course that reading and writing alone would not elicit. Another aspect I really love is the fact that many of our lecturers and professors have delivered major programs globally. Hearing about their experiences and the rationale behind their key decisions has been wonderful for leadership development.
How do you foresee your MBA studies helping you as you move forward in your career?
I’m on track to become a program director. This course teaches you all the things you would want to know and manage as a PD on a major program, covering several cases of large programs globally and what makes a good program director. I know the skills I gain here will contribute directly to the programs I am working on Amtrak Frederick Douglass Tunnel right now where my work is benefitting from what I have learnt in the MBA.
What was your experience of the teaching and level of support on this course?
If you look up research and books on mega-program management, you’ll find top material from professors and instructors in this MBA program. This speaks directly to the level of teaching.
The support throughout assignments and cases has also been great; teachers regularly set up check-in calls while we’re away working on assignments to clarify any doubts. I also appreciated the open-door policy and ongoing access to professors.
What advice would you give to those thinking about studying the Major Infrastructure Delivery MBA at The Bartlett School of Sustainable Construction?
If you are interested in major program management, I can’t recommend this program enough. You will meet some amazing people, learn a lot and take your career to the next level.
