Rita Purdeen-Nandlal

Oxford Brookes University Global MBA

Rita Purdeen-Nandlal (2024) works as an Internal Audit Manager at Angostura Limited. She was awarded The ACCA Prize for the best performance of an ACCA MBA student.

“There were many competing priorities with work and study, however the Global MBA's flexibility, module structure and tutor support really helped me to plan ahead and balance this.”

Why did you choose to study the Oxford Brookes Global MBA programme?

I wanted to build on my knowledge and enhance my business acumen through high-quality education which offered diverse global perspectives and practices, and also accommodated my personal and work life. Through its accreditations, rankings and collaboration with ACCA, the Oxford Brookes Global MBA is exceptionally regarded for its calibre and flexibility which aligned with my personal and professional goals.

How have you found the experience studying on the programme and the balancing of your time spent between work and study?

There were many competing priorities with work and study, however the Global MBA's flexibility, module structure and tutor support really helped me to plan ahead and balance this. I am grateful for the unwavering support of my family and the stellar support of my organisation which were huge motivations to persevere on this journey. It is truly rewarding to be awarded The ACCA Prize for the best performance of an ACCA MBA student.

Describe your experience working alongside fellow professionals. What have you learnt from them?

The Oxford Brookes Global MBA provided a diverse and outstanding faculty and cohort of global professionals. The synchronous seminars and classroom learnings shifted my perspectives, provided a new lens to view business and further develop myself as a leader. The programme's diverse faculty and cohort facilitated invaluable learning opportunities through knowledge sharing, creativity, industry insights, cultural perspectives and building relationships.

What has the standard of teaching and the blended approach of delivering the programme been like?

The faculty was exceptional and really transformed the learning environment into a dynamic and engaging global learning experience through theory and case study applications. The virtual seminars were filled with rich debates offering a myriad of perspectives from diverse industry sectors, which broadened my applications of the business concepts. The on-campus workshops and module sessions provided a valuable opportunity to connect with faculty, peers and industry professionals.

My deepest appreciation to my phenomenal capstone supervisor John Flanagan, for his invaluable mentorship and support which challenged me to think critically and creatively; pushing me to exceed my own expectations in winning the best MBA Capstone prize.

Please tell us about your experience accessing the support network and learning resources at Oxford Brookes University?

There was a wide range of support including faculty learning resources, fellow students, career services and academic support which were easily accessible and available throughout the programme. I particularly valued the drop-in sessions with the tutors which helped to clarify any challenges.

To what extent has the Global MBA programme helped you be a change-maker in your professional role?

Culminating my MBA journey with The Brookes Global MBA Prize for the best Capstone Project is a testament to an enriching MBA learning experience which facilitated the transformative and practical application of learnings to add value in a business context. The programme has strengthened my knowledge base in critical areas including global mindset, strategic thinking and specialised skills in sustainability to think innovatively and lead change initiatives. The programme has been instrumental in accelerating my leadership development and providing a roadmap for future personal growth.