GCU distance learning opportunity attracts worldwide talent

A Doctorate of Business Administration student has provided a unique insight into studying remotely at GCU.

Sanzeer Assad is balancing his studies alongside family life and his role as a Professor at two colleges in Canada. The Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA) course is offered full-time at GCU London, with a Distance Learning (DL) option also running from the University’s Glasgow campus.

Sanzeer will complete a variety of modules over the next four years from the comfort of his own home, while also carrying out research on the apparel industry in Bangladesh.

We sat down with Sanzeer to find out more about his journey to GCU, and to hear what it is like to study as a Distance Learning DBA student.

Tell us about your professional career up until this point?

“When I initially graduated with my BBA Business Administration back in 2006, I had the opportunity to work within the fashion industry in my home country, Bangladesh. I was basically working with big companies who deal with different fashion businesses around the world.”

“I went on to complete a double Masters in Economics – one in the UK and one in my home country. In 2011, I completed my Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Human Resources Management. It involved me moving to Canada and I’ve been here as a citizen for almost 12 years now.

“I was a financial analyst at TD Bank, one of the major banks in Canada. I also previously worked in CIBC Bank, so I’ve had good exposure to the banking sector.

“I currently work as a Professor at two colleges in Toronto: Toronto Business College, (a Loyalist College partner) and Canadore College. I’ve been working there for four years now. When I became a professor it really was a dream come true because I was always focused on my education and trying to get that opportunity to teach others.”

Why did you want to do a DBA?

“Once I became a Professor, I wanted to continue to grow my career. In order to do that and teach students at University/Masters level, I knew I had to progress with my Doctorate. It has also always been my dream to get the highest degree possible within Business Administration. My father completed his Doctorate, so I wanted to follow in his footsteps.”

How did you find yourself at GCU?

“When you’re searching for a Doctorate, you have to keep your eyes open and assess all the options. Applying for a Doctorate is different because you have to submit the proposal of your work. I submitted to different Universities in the UK and Canada. I couldn’t find the exact course I wanted in Canada. Completing the Doctorate in the UK meant that I could complete my studies online and continue in my current role as a Professor, while also remaining with my family.

“The DBA was offered at GCU and Teeside University, there were also a few other options. GCU gave me my big opportunity and I got the interview before being accepted. It really is a dream come true.”

What does your research focus on?

“The initial proposal was basically on the garment industry in Bangladesh. The industry is doing well within the country – they are mass producers and it is a massive contributor to the economy. Despite all this, there are still a number of issues within the garment industry in Bangladesh, especially in terms of labour unrest and turnover.

“Things have changed massively since covid because people around the world are able to work from home but this isn’t an option in these big production plants. This was the major focus of my proposal and recently I worked on the critical analytical topic, which focused on employee turnover within the garment industry in Bangladesh.

“I applied to GCU in July last year and the whole course is supposed to last about four years, although some people do take longer. My job over the next few years will essentially be to give the solution to the problem the industry in encountering right now.”

How challenging is it to complete a DBA alongside your job as a Professor?

“It’s very exciting to have this opportunity, but of course there are also challenges. I have to travel to the UK and Scotland from Canada at a couple of different points, and I’ll also have to visit Bangladesh to carry out some of my research. I obviously teach, so sometimes it can be difficult to balance all of this but technology has moved on and we can move some classes online, but things can be rigid. It’s all just part of life!”

You are obviously completing your DBA a long way from Glasgow, do you still feel part of GCU?

“I would definitely say yes. We communicate via email and the GCU portal. There’s also a WhatsApp group for our cohort, which allows students and professors to stay connected.”

Tell me about your visit to Glasgow in March this year?

“I actually hadn’t planned on going to the University so early. As well as my work as a Professor, I also do a little bit of business related to apparel fashion. I had an invitation to visit Cotton Traders because I’m involved in the bulk production of their trousers. I went to Manchester to meet them and then went to Edinburgh before travelling to Glasgow.

“I got the chance to meet Dr Julie Roberts and my Supervisor, Dr Gulen Hashmi. They were both really nice and gave me a lovely welcome. It was great to see the campus and everything it has to offer. I also saw the big picture of Emeritus Chancellor, Professor Muhammad Yunus. It was inspiring for me because he too is from Bangladesh.”

Would you recommend the Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA) programme to others?

“I definitely would recommend it to people interested in the Doctorate journey. It’s not just about getting enrolled and working on your thesis or proposal, it’s all about dedication. You have to have a certain level of dedication to complete the whole programme and a passion for the topic you are researching. If that is the case, I encourage people to consider going to GCU – especially since it is one of the top 40 UK Universities.”

Where do you see your career going after completing the DBA?

“The main reason for completing the DBA is to help implement my ideas across the garment industry, so I will be looking at how I can make meaningful change.

“At the same time, the idea of working for a University does appeal to me. Who knows, maybe one day I might find myself working at GCU – it would be an honour!”

You can find out more about the Doctorate of Business Administration course here

By Ross Clark                 
Got an SHLS or GSBS story? Email me at Ross.Clark@gcu.ac.uk or message me on Twitter