Jan Rataj – « MBA Institute greatly supported me at the beginning of my carrier »
I currently work in finance department in Unilever’s European Supply chain head office in Switzerland. Before settling in the middle of Europe, I went through mainly finance positions in different European countries and in the United States. MBA Institute greatly supported me at the beginning of my carrier, prepared me for professional international business environment and also for very important first step in the business live – for job interview.
After my studies in MBA Institute in Paris, I returned to Prague to start my first full time job. Czech Republic was in the middle of transformational process from centrally planned into market economy, thus presenting exciting opportunities for international companies, established and newly created businesses and for employees of such companies. Almost everything was new in the market – new trends, new products, new visions and new challenges.
My goal was to work for an international company with good growth potential, where I could learn, create and develop. Looking back, Unilever was the right choice for me.
Why MBA Institute gave me a head-start ? Why MBA gave me options ?
I did not realize during my studies to what extend was the study program linked to the practical work environment. MBA Institute gave me a kick start not only for job interviews, but also for daily work.
Knowledge of Financial analysis was especially handy during job interviews. Applying knowledge acquired during my studies, I was able to solve model financial business cases on time in full and explain the results. Solving such cases was not new for me and I had comparable advantage to other candidates who were applying for the same job. Practical study program in MBA Institute gave me possibility to choose an employer and company to work for rather that accept a single job offer from one company.
After I started to work for Unilever in the financial department, I was almost surprised how much of knowledge learnt at MBAI I could apply during daily work. Apart from financial analysis, other subjects also proved to be applicable. The subjects include international law, financial mathematics, management science, micro economics or marketing to name just a few.
One more aspect was very relevant – MBAI is an international school. Being in an international environment during the studies helps to integrate in an international company. One meets people from different cultures, speaking different languages both at school and later in professional carrier. Living such experience at school speeds up the integration into international business environment.
Since my first full time after school job, I worked in different positions such as Management account, Controller, Internal Auditor, Finance analyst, Finance director in different countries – Czech republic, Netherlands, United states, Sweden, Italy, Germany and now in Switzerland. Learning and experience increased during that time ; however the first boost was given by MBA Institute. All the professors and fellow students prepared me to start professional carrier and gave me opportunity to choose a company to work for.
Jan Rataj
Promo 1995 – Unilever – European Finance Manager – Switzerland
Tags: Czech Republic, international, knowledge, promo 1995, unilever
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