Ozan Omurlu
i-BA program M1 2023-
The Reason Why You Chose GSM
I am a mechanical engineer and prior to GSM, I worked in various manufacturing companies for around 10 years. My experience in working led me to have a certain perspective on how a company's internal dynamics work. However, I was aware of my lack of understanding of how organizations and industries behave on a bigger scale. I also had interests in other areas such as marketing and hospitality. GSM’s i-BA program seemed to be the best choice for me as it involves classes in all these areas.
Additionally, I knew that Kyoto University is one of the most prestigious universities in Japan and the rest of the world. An English-medium international MBA program at this university was too good of an opportunity to miss. The extracurricular activities at Kyoto University, such as being able to take Japanese language classes and join various events and student organizations, were also a factor in my decision.
What is the attractiveness of GSM?
I think there are two main categories that make GSM attractive: (1) the GSM program itself and, (2) it being part of Kyoto University.
The GSM program itself is enticing to me as it provides all the lessons I am interested in and more. A lot of classes use case studies within the curriculum and collaboration among students is highlighted. The diverse student portfolio adds additional value during the classes and especially during group work. The lecturers are very knowledgeable and there are many guest speakers invited throughout the semester. Many additional lectures and seminars are also offered in addition to the curriculum itself.
Knowing that the GSM program is offered at Kyoto University is also an attractive factor on its own because of its excellent reputation. I quickly learned that telling someone you go to KyoDai (the Japanese nickname for the university) will be met with large eyes, dropped jaws, and other acts of showing one is impressed. I can’t lie – it feels good to be part of a program that has such a strong background.
The Visions of Your Future
My hope is that my background and experience, combined with my GSM courses, will give me a new career path. With a decade of quality assurance experience in factory environments under my belt, I am looking to move into a new field of interest, such as marketing or something in the service industry. I’m honestly not quite sure yet, but the variety of classes I’m taking at GSM are helping to narrow that down.
I believe when different disciplines come together, there is always a higher chance of value creation. With this in mind, I’m excited to shift my career focus and develop a new area of expertise while still drawing on my past experiences. With my GSM i-BA degree in hand, I hope to make more valuable contributions to a new field after graduation. My time at GSM will no doubt give direction to my life and future.
Your Recommended Subjects
Strategic Management by Professor Asli Colpan
Behavioural Finance by Professor Asli Colpan
Marketing by Professor HAN, Hyun Jeong
Schedule of Your Day
Wake up around 7:30 a.m.
Coffee and breakfast
Commute from Osaka (I live in Hirakata-shi) to the school
Attend to lectures
Return home and work on assignments
Spend time with my wife and two cats
Go on hikes in and around the Kansai region
Go to festivals as there are so many throughout the year
Schedule of Your Week
Go out and enjoy time with friends
Spend time either at Osaka, Kyoto, Nara or Kobe as all are reasonably close by
Go on hikes in and around the Kansai region
Go to festivals as there are so many throughout the year
Message for Applicants
Kyoto is an amazing city with beautiful temples, restaurants, nature and the people. It is a privilege to be in this city on day to day basis. It truly is a place where the old meets the new. And although it is a modern city, the culture and tradition of the old capital can still be felt around every corner. Kansai region has also other amazing cities like Osaka, Nara and Kobe that are all about an hour’s reach by train.
Kyoto University is a well-established, and respectable university with esteemed educators delivering quality education. The programs offered at GSM are exciting and the diverse international student profile further enriches them. Being part of this university and GSM program is something to be proud of.