This is going to be my second semester studying for my MBA at Globis University and whilst studying here one of my objectives is to grow my network of contacts.
Having returned to Japan in 2000 having lived throughout Europe I started working at a large HR consulting firm; which was a great experience for me as I was able to learn very much from all my many colleagues. Nowadays, I work for a much smaller HR firm and my networking opportunities are not as extensive as before which is my major motivation for putting myself in a new environment where I am better able to interact with a variety of different people – Globis is perfect for me, with new classes starting every 3 months, bringing with it the opportunity to meet many different people.
At Globis classes consist of case studies, which provides the wonderful opportunity to hear opinions from people whose variety of backgrounds and approaches is reflected in the diverse range of opinions voiced.
My second objective is to build my confidence; as a HR professional with over 10 years of experience I have a lot of hands-on insight but must admit that sometimes I find it difficult when talking with higher levels of management. Recent changes in many firms working environments have been very difficult to keep up with and I began to feel that I’d hit a wall in my career development; this was another factor in my decision to seek a new environment and ultimately why I enrolled at Globis.
My decision to enroll was further influenced by the fact that I am able to take lessons in the evenings and at weekends and lectures are conducted in English.
Of course my decision to enroll has involved sacrifice; I am not able to spend as much time with my family and friends as before, but my wife supports me fully in my decision to study at Globis and I try to keep in touch with friends by email as much as possible.
Lastly, for anyone thinking of following a similar path to me and studying for an MBA, I think it is important to think deeply about the decision you make. Map everything out, the pluses and the minuses and remember, as my favourite saying goes – You regret the things you didn’t do far more than those you did.
Hirokazu Tomikawa
http://imba.globis.ac.jp/pre-imba/
