Your background 

Tell us a bit about yourself and your background

I am originally from Portugal and started my MBA while working in Brazil. I completed my thesis while working in Spain after becoming a mother for the second time.

 I am a Civil Engineer with 18 years of research and management experience in the infrastructure sector, focusing particularly on energy, transportation, and water. I have hands-on expertise in business development, project and contract management, and operations within international environments. I am passionate about leveraging innovation in organisations by embracing creativity, lean principles, and digital transformation to accelerate society's progress toward the UN Sustainable Development Goals. I believe that innovation and collaboration are essential for building resilient and efficient infrastructure, helping to bridge the gap between today's challenges and tomorrow's opportunities.

Your time at WBS

What first attracted you to Warwick Business School?

I discovered WBS through the Financial Times’ rankings and was attracted to its position among the top three business schools. I was particularly impressed by its hybrid approach, which combines the flexibility of online learning with the benefits of in-person sessions. This format is especially advantageous for those with full-time jobs, as it allows you to immediately apply your knowledge to real workplace scenarios. Additionally, the opportunity to use actual company data (while maintaining confidentiality) for assignments adds significant value to both your studies and your organization.

Why did you ultimately choose Warwick Business School for your MBA?

WBS also offers flexible payment options for tuition fees and allows students to pause or extend the two-year part-time MBA programme for an additional year at no extra cost. Additionally, it is possible to extend the programme into a fourth or fifth year for a fee. This level of flexibility was essential for me as an expatriate in a management position, allowing me to adapt my studies to any changes in my career or personal life.

What elements of the programme did you value the most and why?  

The programme uses a hybrid approach that combines online learning with in-person sessions, enabling participants to apply their knowledge immediately in real workplace scenarios.

The diverse group of participants, hailing from Africa, Europe, Asia, and America—offered a unique opportunity to learn from a wide range of professional backgrounds, such as journalists, economists, doctors, biologists, FBI agents, and fitness club managers. The programme teaches participants how to effectively collaborate across multiple time zones, a valuable skill in today’s global business environment.

What was it like studying for an MBA?

The "three balls" analogy from the well-being class—representing family, work, and an MBA—illustrates that while we can juggle multiple responsibilities, we can only prioritize one at a time. This ability to be flexible is crucial for maintaining balance in our busy lives, and the MBA programme truly supports you in this endeavour.

Additionally, the learning platform, my.wbs, is intuitive and user-friendly, making it easy to facilitate group work, engage in online discussions, and explore creative approaches to classroom learning. The programme provides expert insights into current business topics, enhancing your ability to navigate complex management challenges. Furthermore, the MBA equips you with the latest management theories and practices, making you a more effective leader within your organisation.

Tell us about the community at Warwick Business School

The community at Warwick Business School is highly supportive, encompassing both professors and their teams, as well as administrative staff. Within my cohort and the broader global community, you'll find a network of like-minded individuals who are always willing to help and share their experiences. For instance, if you have a valid reason—such as a letter from your line manager, medical issues, or other significant events—deadlines can be extended.

Your experience after graduating 

What does your job involve? 

I work for Equimodal in Zarazoga, Spain. Equimodal is a leader in containerised solutions, combining cutting-edge engineering, sustainability, and global compliance. My job involves leading strategic initiatives to identify growth opportunities, building partnerships, and driving innovation, all of which contribute to Equimodal's market expansion and improved competitive position.

How did the MBA help you prepare for your role? 

For engineers in management roles, an MBA provides a broader perspective and enhances strategic thinking. Additionally, the programme offers expert insights into current business topics, which improves your ability to navigate the complex management challenges that may arise in your job or in other areas of life.

How did things change for you on completing your course?

More than just a career change, the MBA advanced my career and equipped me with the confidence and tools to address more complex management challenges and take on greater responsibilities.

Your advice for other WBS MBA participants

What would you say to someone thinking of applying for your course at WBS? 

The programme provides an ideal combination of an MBA designed for full-time professionals. It allowed me to experience the advantages of a top-tier MBA through in-person immersion. Additionally, this format is often beneficial for employers, as it enables participants to apply their learning directly to real-world workplace situations.

If you have a full-time job, the Global Online MBA offers the flexibility to help maintain the balance in your life while juggling multiple responsibilities (family, work, and MBA).

Summarising your experience

What is the one phrase that sums up your time at WBS?

The WBS MBA was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to gain an understanding of business management from top academics, surrounded by a creative, remarkable, and diverse cohort in incredible facilities. 

What’s next for you?

I am excited to continue exploring my curiosity and driving innovation within companies through strategy, creativity, lean principles, and digital transformation. I firmly believe that by fostering innovation and collaboration, we can create resilient and efficient infrastructure. This will pave the way for effective solutions to today's challenges and open up incredible opportunities for the future.