Digital learning way forward says former Atlanta business consultant
MBA could set you apart from competition in post-Covid 19 world
Digital learning will only enhance the student experience - that’s the view of Dr Joanna Pritchard, the new Director of Digital Learning for the Distance Learning MBA at the University of Bradford.
She should know, because for 18 years, she worked for some of the biggest brands in the world, including Coca Cola, The Home Depot, American Family Insurance and the Holiday Inn.
“Digital learning can enrich an experience. There is so much opportunity right now to include things like online business simulations, introduce guest speakers from anywhere in the world and to build networks the like of which you won’t find anywhere else.”
Raised in Hawkshaw, just outside Bury, Joanna studied sciences at school and even completed a PhD in biochemistry before migrating into IT consultancy. In 2000, she moved to Atlanta in the US with husband David, with whom she has two children. There she worked with a string of major corporations, diversifying into marketing and innovation.
She moved back to the UK in 2018, taking up teaching positions at the University of South Wales and University of Leeds, before accepting her new role at the University of Bradford’s School of Management.
“MBA students are a unique breed. They want to understand the academic side of things but also the language of business. An MBA is about being able to understand the different functions of a business, from finance to marketing. Having that strategic overview gives you credibility in terms of being able to communicate with all departments.
“So-called soft skills are also important, such as learning how to build a network, how to write a cohesive resume that will resonate with employers, being confident in presenting to senior executives. I’m particularly interested in helping women and minority groups get a foot in the door.”
Part of the course will involve engaging collaborative tasks, some of which will be competitive, giving students a chance to implement skills they have learned.
Joanna added: "MBAs are critical right now. We’re at a time when many people are reflecting on their careers and some will need to reskill. MBAs are perfect for that, because they enable you to differentiate yourself in the marketplace while building your global network. Bradford has long been an expert in distance learning delivery so we know what we're doing. I’m passionate about teaching MBA students as I remember what it did for my career, and I’m looking forward to sharing my real world experiences.”
The University of Bradford's Distance Learning MBA has been running since 1998. The programme welcomes applications from anywhere in the world. Recently, it had candidates on all seven continents, including a logistics coordinator in Antarctica. Additionally, students on the distance learning programme are able to study up to two elective modules in Bradford or at our specialist MBA teaching facilities in Dubai.
The University of Bradford uses Canvas, its state-of-the-art Virtual Learning Environment, which offers access to Zoom, Microsoft Teams and a whole range of specialist platforms, materials, and resources designed to help students learn effectively.