Ramla EISA Al SHIRI : « I found the Aerospace MBA of TBS program flexible »

Interview with Ramla EISA Al SHIRI, learner at Aerospace MBA of TBS. 

Can you describe your career path before joining the TBS Aerospace MBA?

I joined Mercator, an Information Technology company under the Emirates Group, in 2000 as a management trainee straight out of College where I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Information Technology. I then progressed to assume the role of Business Analyst designing technology solutions for Singapore Airlines, Emirates and Sri-Lankan.

After 5 years delivering technology projects, I decided to move into an internal management consultancy role and leverage my analytical skills in the business world. After 2 years, I was appointed as Account Manager for one of the biggest business accounts in Emirates which is our Flight Operations department.

Following my 5-year tenure with Flight Operations, I took on a new challenge and assumed a senior leadership role, Head of Corporate Programme Management Office. I am now responsible for providing the Emirates Group of companies with a range of services that reinforce operation of world class project management and change delivery standards.

How did you hear from TBS?

From Emirates HR department as I was looking for MBA programs abroad. They encouraged me to apply and leverage the generous scholarship that was offered by ATR and join a reputable University which is located at the heart of one of the aviation capitals of the world. 

3/ Why did you decide to undertake such a training and why did you choose this specific MBA?  

I always wanted to complete an MBA degree outside of my country where I can meet and learn from industry professionals from across the world. I found the program flexible. I can do a lot of the course requirements back home close to my family and children, and at the same time enjoy being involved full-time in the program 2 times a year when I am at TBS.

Did you choose the part-time or the full-time option and why?

It helped me to still manage my other responsibilities whilst working on achieving a degree.

What was the greatest contribution of the training and what did you like the most?

Meeting a group of highly skilled professionals from across the world and learning from the resident and visiting professors. I also enjoyed how visiting other aviation capitals of the world was part of the program, where we were able to visit other Universities and Corporates. The leadership sessions were also really inspiring.

I also loved the city of Toulouse. People here are amazingly nice and helpful. I was inspired to learn some French which I really enjoyed.

What kind of challenges did you face?

Coming back to Dubai from a visit to the University has been a challenge for me with a lot catch-up work to do upon my return. The times where I had to attend classes in Toulouse coincided with the start of school for my children in fall as well as spring.

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