Alannah Coupar
Accelerator MBA (2024 - 2026)

I completed my undergraduate degree in History in 2016. After graduating, I joined one of the UK’s largest financial service organisations, where I began my career managing proposition and product design. I then played a key role in establishing our first sustainability team and strategy. Currently, I lead efforts to embed human rights and social responsibility across the organisation.

What motivated you to pursue an MBA? Working in sustainable finance, my decision to pursue an MBA was motivated by my desire to learn more about how businesses can balance commercial success with societal and environmental impact, as well as an opportunity to gain a comprehensive understanding of business management. I hope this will equip me with the strategic and operational insights necessary to advance my career. The emphasis on leadership was a crucial aspect of my decision, as I aspire to lead teams and organisations towards responsible business practices.

Why did you choose the Accelerator MBA format? Since graduating, I’ve been contemplating doing an MBA but the idea of taking a year off work always held me back. The flexibility of the Accelerator MBA is perfect because it lets me enjoy the face-to-face interactions of an MBA while continuing to work full-time.

What are your first impressions of your cohort? What really stands out to me about my cohort is that they come from a range of sectors and parts of the world, bringing unique perspectives and experiences to our discussions. The group is collaborative, and the in-class conversations and groupwork are always thought-provoking. Plus, the social side has been great, I’ve loved getting to know everyone over a few drinks after class!

How did you find the first module? My initial impressions have been incredibly positive. The curriculum is tough but rewarding, and I have been really impressed with the quality of the teaching. The professors bring a wealth of knowledge to every session, making each class engaging.

I have also been really impressed by the career support and networking. Attending the professional network events has allowed me to connect with other students and alumni. I can already see the benefits of being part of such an inspiring community of changemakers.

Looking ahead, what are you most excited about as you continue your MBA journey? Looking ahead, I'm excited about what the next two years have in store and truly believe this experience will be transformative for my career. I'm particularly thrilled about the practical applications of our learning. The focus on case studies will help me apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems. I'm also looking forward to the overseas module, which will offer me a global perspective on business and help me build a diverse, international professional network.

In short, embarking on this MBA journey at Warwick Business School is more than just a career move for me. It's a chance to make a meaningful impact in the business world while growing both personally and professionally.