Ondrej Mrklas recently graduated with an International Business Management BA. He wanted to share his experiences at university.
Why did you choose to study at London Met?
When I was working in a large American company in Prague, I had no idea how my life would change. Almost five years ago, a work colleague joined the team in Prague, after coming back from London, where he had been living for nearly 10 years, and had studied at London Met. We became great friends, and he kept trying to persuade me to go abroad and study. This went on for half a year, when, finally I got fed up with my routine work and applied for a place on the International Business Management course at London Met.
Why did you choose International Business Management?
I chose this field because I have always had entrepreneurial tendencies – even as a kid, and had close relationships with expats working in Prague. Luckily, I was accepted, and three weeks later, I was at the airport with my bags leaving the old life behind, ready to explore and learn. I was anxious about the whole journey, but it proved to be a great decision, one that changed my life entirely. Soon after I started my first set of modules, I knew that the styles and methods of teaching practiced by lecturers would suit my personal style – very practical, everything explained using real-life examples exactly as it should be to prepare this young man for the hardships of real-life situations. I made tons of great friends at London Met, and three of them later became my business partners.
After one-and-a-half years of the course, I decided to interrupt it; spice things up and take a risk with my friend, whom I met during my studies; we decided to create a company together, and start a business in Beijing, China. This was by far my greatest experience, and this journey enriched me in so many ways, and it would have never happened if I hadn't joined London Met. After facing the hardships of real-life business, I decided to come back to London to finish my course, as I was quite clear about which modules I need to study to gain the necessary knowledge. Now I am running two companies – one with my partner in China and another one in Singapore (also with a friend I met on London Met). I have travelled the whole of Asia and now I do work that I really enjoy.
What are you currently doing?
At present, I am moving to Vietnam, where I will be directing the Czech Industry Company, a project funded by the EU and the Ministry of Industry and Commerce for the Czech Republic, designed to help ease international business between south East Asia, ASEAN and Europe. I am also still running my other two companies with my partners.
What would you say to current and prospective students at London Met?
London Met has helped and supported me even when I was busy running both companies. Without the help from my Personal Academic Adviser, Etienne Bresch and others, I would not have been able to complete the course, so I would like to thank everybody here for their never-ending support throughout my studies.
Finally, I would encourage anybody who has any doubts about studying to leave their doubts at home, and come to study and gain the necessary knowledge and the network needed to succeed in this world. The experience will change you entirely in a positive way.
