After completing a degree in languages and a couple of years at a London-based NGO, I joined a startup as employee number seven. My initial task was to create an online security portal from scratch. It was exciting to see the company grow and eventually list on the stock market. In 2002, I had the chance to move to South Africa to set up a 24/7 Operations Centre.

Leading a team of 50 analysts, software engineers, and customer service agents, I learned a lot about managing people and the inner workings of a business on the job. It was a rollercoaster of challenges and frustrations, but it helped me understand my strengths and weaknesses. After ten years I had reached a bit of a ceiling in my career and my CEO suggested I do an MBA with the business's support. 

Why did I choose Warwick Business School?

WBS and the Executive MBA stood out for a few reasons. First, I wanted a high-calibre MBA programme that would challenge me academically and enhance my professional standing. WBS ticked that box perfectly. Flexibility was another crucial factor. At the time, I wasn't entirely sure what my next few years would look like, and WBS offered the adaptability I needed to balance my professional commitments and personal goals. Lastly, cost was a key consideration. WBS's costs were very competitive compared with a few of the others which I looked at. 

Highlights from my Executive MBA

One of the most rewarding aspects was taking a module back to my business and applying what I had learned in real-time. Specifically, my dissertation allowed me to use market segmentation work from the module and put it to use for the company. It was not only intellectually stimulating but also practically beneficial for the business.

Another standout memory looking back at the MBA experience was having the luxury of stepping away from day-to-day work to focus on something intellectually enriching. It had been over ten years since I last experienced this kind of academic engagement, and it was a refreshing change of pace.
 

Leveraging my MBA to transition careers

The MBA from WBS was instrumental in positioning myself for a significant career transition—from a startup environment to a blue-chip company. At the time, I felt that my CV needed the structured experience of working in a FTSE 350 company to complement the hands-on learning I had acquired in the startup world.

Long-term, the MBA gave me a newfound confidence, enabling me to embrace change and explore new opportunities. Before the MBA, I had been with the same company for ten years and couldn't see a way out. In the decade following the MBA, I  worked for four different companies, each role bringing unique challenges and growth. The MBA provided me with the tools and mindset to manage these transitions smoothly.

My journey through Warwick Business School was more than just an academic pursuit; it was a transformative experience that reshaped my career and personal outlook. The knowledge, network, and confidence gained during the MBA have been invaluable as I continue to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of my professional life.