May
Behind the scenes at RSM: An interview with Dr. Arkadiusz Mironko, Academic Director of the RSM MBA programmes
Posted by Chantal Dammann in Staff Interviews
Arkadiusz Mironko is Academic Director of the MBA programmes at the Rotterdam School of Management (RSM). In addition he serves professionally as head of the full-time programme. He joined RSM about four years ago. Not strangely however, Arkadiuszs favourite Dutch city is Amsterdam. He says of the city, Amsterdam offers a variety of history and Dutch masters of art, along with a sense of modernity and a drive for life. The last book he read is Paradox of choice, by psychologist Berry Schwartz, explaining or trying to explain the interest in how, at present, human kind has a great range of choice in products and services; however such variety does not necessarily lead into making better decisions or receiving better service and products.
Arkadiuszs doctoral research topic focused on the flows of foreign direct investment into developing economies. In his studies, he emphasized mainly how multinational companies locate in their target economies, by testing attraction or congestion (deterrent) effects of industry leading firms on small and medium foreign companies locating in select geographies.
Working in a fast paced and competitive environment such as RSM has given Arkadiusz the opportunity to meet outstanding MBA candidates and see them grow academically as well as in their ideal career. Arkadiusz describes the full-time MBA programme at RSM as a unique learning experience: It is a degree that enables professionals from various walks of life to develop themselves into future managers and leaders. A one year programme at RSM allows professionals to get back into the workforce having acquired fundamental skills and knowledge and with the capability of grasping new opportunities. During the year students pursue an interesting and challenging academic agenda. In Arkadiuszs words, It is a pleasure to see candidates develop their skills and interests which will further serve and guide them into their future careers as socially responsible leaders. During the entire MBA programme, RSMs Career Development Centre offers the students guidance in their job search. Not only does the Career Development Centre play a substantial role for students ultimate job search, but it is also a useful body to acquire knowledge in the latest job market developments.
A typical RSM MBA student is a highly motivated candidate with at least three years full-time work experience. Such requirement makes students benefit from each others experience throughout their studies at RSM. According to Arkadiusz, There is a lot of diversity in the building. We bring students together from different backgrounds and they learn from various points of views, which will make them better prepared to re-enter the workforce.
Arkadiuszs primary role as academic director is to oversee that all programs meet and exceed required standards and expectations in order to deliver a high quality programme. To accomplish this goal, meetings and conversations with faculty members and counterparts at partner universities and institutions around the world take place on a regular basis in order to exchange ideas, consolidate good working relations and keep track of relevant trends for MBA students. The relevancy of the programmes content is ensured by continuously observing the changes in the marketplace, and in this way RSM can ensure that the MBA participants develop the required skills that are in demand. The changes are discussed with the programmes administration, international organisations and advisory boards.
To make sure all his duties are carried out completely, Arkadiusz manages a full agenda. He explains how, It takes good prioritisation of issues, certain work discipline and strong dependence on the colleagues and programme management to take care of the day-to-day needs of students. These days one is never far away from the office, by virtual means and phone. When I am away from campus I am still available to talk to the students and the colleagues.
A few words from Arkadiusz to future MBA candidates
Observing generations of students in the US and while at RSM, I think that the present fast paced global economic environment requires one to be much more aware and prepared to remain competitive. An MBA at RSM offers its participants an ability to develop the skills needed to be able to compete in such an environment. Demanding hard work throughout the programme and spending intensive time at school will allow them to open themselves to new challenges and see in practice how they can impact others and how others can impact them in return.