Craig Plaatjes, IMD’s MBA Class of 2022
Age: 28
Hometown: Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of Cape Town, BSc Electrical and Computer Engineering
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 5 years; Engineering Consulting in the Power & Industrial Automation Industry
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
My long-term goal was always to pursue an MBA. At the start of 2021, I reached a significant milestone in my engineering career when I became a registered professional engineer. Shortly after, I began feeling the need for an exciting new challenge. As an engineer, I was helping design the world around us, but I wanted to take that a step further and play a more integral role in the decision-making behind what and how we shape the world around us. I saw the pursuit of an MBA as the perfect route to expand my skill set and be well-equipped to take up that role.
Why did you choose IMD? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
Diversity and holism were the two key metrics that influenced my target schools and ultimate selection. I wanted to be in an environment that brings together brilliant minds from different corners of the earth to open one’s mind to different perspectives, perceptions, and lived experiences. I was also looking for a holistic program that did not just teach about business fundamentals but also linked it to the social aspects of our world. IMD stood out to me in both these aspects. Diversity is at the very heart of the program that emphasizes a global perspective. IMD also brings a brilliant holistic approach by incorporating the excellent leadership stream and key modules such as Strategy Beyond the Market (SBM) and Business & Society.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2022?
My ability to empathize and to remain extremely calm. I am really good at listening to and connecting with people. I am also good and remaining cool and level-headed even in high-stress situations. This allows me to be very aware of my classmate’s emotions and to moderate the environment to best suit everyone. This is particularly useful in smaller working groups.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I have a deep passion for art and creativity. I started acrylic painting at the age of 12 and I thoroughly enjoy writing poetry and various forms of public speaking. What many people do not know, however, is that growing up, I suffered from Rhotacism – a speech impediment where one has difficulty pronouncing the letter “r.” I attended speech therapy to help overcome this and my parents guided me into reciting poetry to improve my confidence in speaking. This led to the development of a deep passion that I have carried with me ever since.
Post-MBA career interests:
My plan A, in business school terms, is to join the well-structured leadership of a management development program. William Shakespeare’s quote, “a jack of all trades is a master of none,” often carries a negative connotation. The full quote, however, “a jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one,” was, in fact, intended as a compliment. As someone with a vast spectrum of interests and skills, I see a development program as a great pathway to developing broad business experience that can then be put to use in a holistic way.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
IMD has two application routes: the traditional written application and an indirect application administered via a regional assessment challenge (it’s worth noting you may only use one). I used the latter route, and I would definitely do this again. The assessment challenge allowed me to express myself and demonstrate my abilities in a way that is tough to capture through a written application. It was also a fantastic opportunity to meet and work with some incredible people across Africa and the Middle East.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
If it were possible, I would have applied earlier. It can get rather stressful when you need to sort out your visa, plan living arrangements and sort out all the logistics when time is a limited resource.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
If I could, I would have skipped the GMAT. It is, however, an important part of the application process and must be conquered. The GMAT was particularly difficult because it is a standardized test format that I was not familiar with. There were a few things I did that helped me get through it. Firstly, I sought advice from friends who had written the GMAT before. Secondly, I did a lot of research on how best to prepare. There is a lot of different advice out there, so it’s important to figure out what is best for you. Thirdly, I followed a study plan and gave myself sufficient time to go through all the material comfortably. Finally, it is important to understand the test environment and to practice in those test conditions.
What is your initial impression of the IMD students/culture/community?
The MBA class is almost like a family unit. There is a beautiful mix of different personalities, passions, and aspirations. The entire program is designed for us to build close connections with each member of the class and to embrace learning within the uniqueness of our diversity. It is a special environment where life-long bonds are forged.
What is one thing you have learned about IMD that has surprised you?
We are all human, and that should be recognized and appreciated. The IMD class is filled with phenomenal individuals who have achieved extraordinary things in life already. Yet, we all carry some insecurities and vulnerabilities. I found that when we appreciate that fact and embrace it, we are able to grow much more as a collective and as individuals.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
I’m most anxious about finding my next job. Being in a 1-year MBA program means that the year is extremely condensed and intense. On top of that, you find yourself in an exploratory phase where there are multiple different opportunities arising and you need to prioritize what is important to you. You need to balance assimilating all the learning, but you also need to devote time to discovering more about yourself and planning ahead.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I’m most excited about the leadership coaching and personal development elective (PDE) programs. This is a fantastic opportunity to embrace a self-discovery journey to develop a deeper sense of self-awareness that will be instrumental to the decisions I make in my life. The leadership coaching offered is also a rich experience where you can truly transform yourself in a short period of time.
