'You need passion and desire to do MBA'

Farnaz Eftekhari, second from left, a full-time MBA student at Sungkyunkwan University Graduate School of Business, poses for photos with her professor and classmates in this undated photo. / Courtesy of Farnaz Eftekhari

Farnaz Eftekhari, 32, worked in an Iranian oil company for nearly four years after receiving a master’s in economics. She came to Korea last year because of her husband’s job. Deciding to find a job here, she started an MBA at Sungkyunkwan University Graduate School of Business (SKK GSB) to learn more for her future career.

How’s it going these days?

I’m just busy with the MP1 course, which every MBA student should take from early September to October. Although I’m taking morning classes, I have to stay at school during extra hours doing team projects and various assignments and studying for quizzes every day.

How’s life in Korea? How is it different from Iran?

I like it here in many aspects and the best part is the public safety. Compared to other countries, including Iran, it is far safer to live in Korea probably because its economic condition is good. Weather is also nice and I like the fact that Seoul has four seasons like in Iran. People are kind as well.

The major difference between the two countries would be work culture. Hard work by Koreans helped Korea develop but there should be a balance between working and taking care of family, I think.

Nonetheless, it is interesting that Iran and Korea have many things in common from the cultural standpoint. Such historical and cultural similarities were shared through Korean soap operas, which are highly popular among the Iranian public. Regarding historical relationship between Iran and Korea, the Seoul Metropolitan Government suggested that the names of streets in both Seoul and Tehran be exchanged in 1976.

Teheran-ro in southern Seoul is the only street in Korea with a foreign name and is one of the busiest streets in Seoul. In Tehran, there is also a famous and centrally located street named Seoul.

I would like to add that it is a misunderstanding that Iran is an Arabic country. Iran is totally different from Arabic countries in many aspects including the language. Muslim women in Iran have no problem working. More than 60 percent of university students are women, and almost half of the employees in the Iranian media industry are female.

Why did you choose Korea?

GS Group once had a project in south of Iran and my husband was working at a partner company of GS. He had some friends in GS and they sent a job offer to him. Given the current global circumstances, we both agreed that the offer would provide a good chance to get a global job experience. It was a big decision to quit my job so as to come here. After I came here, I started to consider working here as well but it was not easy to find a job. Thus, I got to think about doing an MBA for learning more to find a suitable job for my qualification.

What has been the most difficult part so far?

Studying in another country for the first time is still difficult. Taking exams is just new to me while the courses are tough because of a lot of team work, presentations, and other assignments. The faculty tries to help us experience real things during classes.

You were in an oil company. Can you tell me more about it? What was your role?

I worked in an oil company in Iran. I was responsible for marketing, negotiating, conducting deals and selling oil products to different markets, especially in Asia such as Korea, Japan and Singapore. I usually headed to a market and negotiate with the customers and buyers for higher prices.

Are you satisfied with your current MBA course? What do you think is the best aspect of SKK GSB and what do you expect to gain through it?

I would say I am fully satisfied with the Global MBA program all in all ― I can share the global mind by exchanging ideas with other international students. Further, Samsung, one of the best companies in the world, really cares about the program. I think it is a big advantage.

There is a program named “leadership and career development” and its purpose is to prepare students for the job market. I really like it because it offers us the way of better finding a good job. After I finish SKK GSB, I’d like to find a suitable job here in Korea, preferably at oil companies.

I do recommend SKK GSB to prospective students all around the world. I searched a lot before choosing SKK GSB, and the school hasn’t gone against my expectation.

What advice would you give to potential MBA students?

If they want to study for an MBA, especially in SKK GSB, they need to have a passion and a desire. Without any target and purpose, I don’t think they could continue MBA because it isn’t easy. Set the goal that you want from the MBA.

Interview by Business Focus intern Chung Hyun-chae