My MBA Journey at North South University (NSU)
Hey! This is Afnan Binte Zaman. I completed my MBA with distinction back in 2022, and my batch was (211). After finishing my BBA, I started working right away. But deep down, I knew I wasn’t satisfied with my CGPA — it often came up during interviews and even held me back in some job opportunities. My company also mentioned that an MBA would help me move toward my next promotion. That, along with my desire to expand my professional network, motivated me to pursue an MBA.
Choosing NSU was an easy decision. I completed my undergrad there, and I knew firsthand how the university had shaped me — both academically and personally. If I wasn’t going abroad, NSU was the only place I could imagine doing my MBA. The faculty, technology, culture, and structured environment are some of the best in Bangladesh. I also knew I’d meet like-minded, ambitious classmates — and that networking would be valuable for years to come. I was right. I achieved a great CGPA, built a strong network, and even secured a job at one of the largest conglomerates in the country during my second-last semester.
My major was Marketing, both in BBA and MBA, because I’ve always been a creative person. NSU’s marketing faculty — especially in branding and strategic marketing — were exceptional. They helped me understand marketing concepts deeply, which I continue to apply in my professional life today.
Academic Experience
The teaching quality at NSU was diverse — some professors were extraordinary, a few were average, and others more book-oriented. The best ones truly helped me grasp complex topics and apply them in real-life scenarios. The MBA curriculum could be more thorough, but compared to other universities, NSU still stands strong. Certain professors left a deep impact on me — especially those who taught branding and statistics.
The classroom environment was competitive yet collaborative. If you’re open, communicative, and willing to take initiative, you’ll build great connections. I often volunteered as class representative — a small step that helped me network with both teachers and students while staying motivated.
Career Growth & Skills
The MBA helped me strengthen my core marketing and branding knowledge, improve my presentation and communication skills, and gain practical Excel knowledge through coursework. Most importantly, it built my confidence and expanded my professional network.
Through NSU, I met incredible professors and peers who were already connected to major companies. Thanks to these networks — and my own initiative — I landed a position in marketing and influencer branding at a top conglomerate while still a student. Since graduating from my BBA in 2019, I’ve never been unemployed. NSU gave me the exposure and foundation to present myself confidently in every opportunity.
Student Life & Environment
Even though much of my MBA journey took place during the pandemic, I still managed to make the most of it. I joined clubs, attended events, and made lasting friendships. NSU’s campus is one of the liveliest and most well-maintained in Bangladesh — the library, labs, and online systems are excellent. The only thing we all used to joke about was the cafeteria!
Should You Do an MBA?
This is something I get asked often — and I want to be honest.
If you’ve already completed your BBA from NSU and you’ve built good skills, connections, and confidence, you may not find much that’s new in the MBA program. The MBA courses are quite similar to the BBA curriculum. You won’t necessarily learn groundbreaking new concepts; rather, you’ll refine what you already know.
That said, the MBA can still add value if you:
- Need a higher CGPA to boost your job prospects,
- Want to meet new people and expand your professional network, or
- Work in a company where an MBA is required for promotion.
Otherwise, a well-utilized BBA degree — combined with practical skills, networking, and real-world experience — can take you just as far. The MBA doesn’t automatically make you more capable; it’s how you use the opportunities that matter.
Final Thoughts
The best things about NSU are its campus life, people, faculty, culture, and facilities. However, I do believe the MBA curriculum could be made more effective, and faculty selections should prioritize fairness and consistency.
If you’re considering NSU for your MBA, my advice would be this:
– If your CGPA is low, if your job requires an MBA for promotion, or if you need stronger networking — go for it.
– But if you already have a solid career path and strong connections, a BBA might be enough.
Also, do it sooner rather than later; balancing work, personal life, and MBA studies gets much harder over time.Overall, I truly loved my MBA journey at NSU. I just wish it lasted longer. The experience boosted my confidence, strengthened my network, and helped me grow both professionally and personally. With a few curriculum improvements and more opportunities for student engagement, NSU’s MBA could become one of the best programs in the region.