
Job Change Mid-Degree Small Hurdle for Cum Laude MBA Graduate
Challenges involved in changing jobs during the first-year of her studies coupled with pursuing a degree during a pandemic were among hurdles overcome by Master of Business Administration cum laude graduate Ms Verushka Kowlesur.
‘During the degree orientation session, I remember a guest speaker emphasising that one should try not change jobs while studying for the degree as it could be challenging - and that is exactly what I did,’ said Kowlesur. ‘At times, work would take priority over studying due to my job position but it was about adapting to the situation and ensuring that both work and personal goals were met.
‘I would like to thank my mum (Renuka Kowlesur), family, colleagues and friends who have been there for me during this journey. It is sad that I am unable to celebrate this moment with my aunt, Omi Nair who passed away in May. My family is ecstatic about my achievement.’
I would like to also extend my gratitude to my supervisor, Dr MacDonald Kanyangale for his patience, guidance and encouragement.
The qualified Chemical Engineer, who is employed as a Focused Improvement Manager at Mars Food Africa, is looking forward to using her newly-acquired knowledge to enhance her career.
‘Based on the roles which I had fulfilled during my career and the qualifications I completed, I had developed a strong technical background,’ she said. ‘However, I had also been exposed to the management and business aspects of the organisations which I had worked for and the MBA qualification sparked my interest as I saw it further developing my skills in decision-making, leadership, human capital management, finance and reporting, and other core topics covered.’
Her study titled: Challenges of Implementing Autonomous Maintenance in a Food Manufacturing Facility in South Africa, investigated how and why the autonomous maintenance (AM) programme implemented at a food manufacturing plant in Port Elizabeth failed to develop the key capabilities of employees.
The work also explored how AM could be better implemented in a manufacturing plant to help ensure the success of the programme.
‘The results show a range of themes which reflect how training failed to address the key capabilities of employees to implement the AM programme. I have five years of practical exposure to AM and have seen the positive impact when it is implemented and sustained,’ said Kowlesur.
Words: Thandiwe Jumo
Photograph: Supplied