University of Chester MBA program featured in Philippine Star
University of Chester MBA program brought to the Philippines
Vivere Suites General Manager Elvie Sanchez-Quiazon talks about the significance of the University of Chester MBA course on her career and personal growth.
The University of Chester is one of United Kingdom’s oldest and most distinguished learning institutions. Through the years it has built a reputation and track record of successfully delivering an MBA program for managers in world-class organizations. For the first time, the university delivers its MBA program in the Philippines in partnership with SFU — the pioneering and leading transnational university in the country.
Currently enrolled in the program is Elvie Sanchez-Quiazon, who serves as General Manager of five-star luxury hotel, Vivere Suites, in Alabang, Muntinlupa City. Despite her 11 years of experience in managing the hotel, acquiring an MBA degree has always been her dream: “I still want to grow,” shares Quiazon. “Some people think that just because they’re already working and they have experience, they’re okay. But there’s always something new to learn.”
Quiazon believes that because of the courses she took, she is now a better problem-solver and a more strategic planner, who thinks out of the box. “My husband and staff notice these improvements in me as well,” she adds.
Aside from developing skills relevant to the workplace, Quiazon notes that enrolling in the MBA program will eventually help her in becoming a positive influence to others and in serving the country and the community better.
CHOOSING SISFU
University of Chester has a very high satisfaction rate among its students and is up there in terms of its graduates’ employment success. What convinced her to take her MBA degree is the school’s extremely high standards and values that are congruent to her own: leadership more than management, how to be strategic, and how to build relationships.
“In the hotel industry, it’s all about building relationships,” says Quiazon. “And that’s what I found unique about the University of Chester. I could see that they give importance to relationships with people.”
Having classmates with different cultural backgrounds is an added benefit. “I don’t just deal with Filipinos at work, so this is good exposure for me,” she continues.
“And that’s another thing that is emphasized to us — we don’t only learn from our teachers, but from our fellow students as well.”
INSPIRING TEACHERS
Quiazon admits that managing a hotel 24/7 and studying at the same time is no joke. What keeps her motivated — even excited — are her teachers. “The faculty is one of their strengths,” she says. “They’re very generous with their knowledge, and they don’t leave us without ensuring that we are able to fully grasp what we are discussing in class.” They are trained and certified by the University of Chester.
She also appreciates the personalized approach of the school and its faculty. “They don’t see us as cold statistics; the teachers see us as individuals. They try to understand us,” she adds, and further explains that the enthusiasm she feels for the program is shared by her classmates.
SISFU is located at Lima corner Luxembourg Streets, BF International, Las Piñas City. For more information about the University of Chester MBA program, you may contact them through (632) 820.6774 or (632) 820.5952, visit its website at sisfu.edu.ph.
Source: Philippine Star, Features Section - September 19, 2012
By Razel Estrella