Think the MBA is the only option for graduate studies in business? Think again. It's time to start exploring the MSc in Management, the research-based program that has been getting rave reviews from the academic community for it's ability to prepare scholars for management PhD programs. Abeeda Pooja is an MSc in Management student in organization studies.
Why did you decide to study for your MSc in Management?
I had always wanted an academic career, and so I have always had PhD as my ultimate target. Having completed a Bachelor in Business Administration, I realized that the MSc in Management program would be a great way to improve my conceptual as well as research-based knowledge in the field of my interest. Since the program prepares students for doctoral studies, it requires students to work under the guidance of thesis supervisors to complete a thesis that is generally of publishable quality. The opportunity of such a hands-on experience was the biggest reason behind my decision.
What’s different about getting a research-based graduate degree versus course-based degrees?
Research-based programs, rather than course-based programs, are better for academic careers and consultancy. With such programs, students who are passionate about ‘specializing’ in one particular area get the perfect learning platform and can also contribute to further development in the field. It was great for me also because after completing the required coursework, I got to focus all my time on developing my thesis.
You recently successfully defended your thesis, “Job Demands and Organizational Citizenship Behavior: The Roles of Organizational Commitment and Social Interaction.” Can you tell us more about your research?
In my thesis, I proposed that the effect of employees’ perceptions of job demands constricts their propensity to engage in Organizational Citizenship Behavior (a prosocial employee behavior that stems from employees’ feelings of reciprocation), and this happens due to a lack of organizational. This was true particularly in case of two of the three job demands I used, i.e., when employees experienced interpersonal conflict with colleagues and when they were dissatisfied with the current organizational situation. However, I also find that the presence of strong social interactions helps employees cope with the stress that comes with job demands, acting as a buffer against reduced organizational commitment toward the organization and thus against their reluctance to contribute to their organization’s well-being.
This past year, you competed in the preliminary round of the Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition. What is the 3MT? How does the competition work?
I see the 3MT competition as a platform for graduate students to showcase their research projects to a non-specialist audience. I found it very challenging because the main idea of the competition was to summarize the significance and breadth of my entire thesis into a three-minute talk. It definitely helps the students’ communication and presentation skills.
You graduated from the MSc program this past June. What’s next?
PhD, of course. I have always enjoyed teaching, and I know I will enjoy picking it up after my doctoral studies.
