ºù«Ӱҵ

I wanted to take my career to the next level

Before starting my MBA journey at ºù«Ӱҵ, I spent nearly a decade in the software industry, working my way up through various exciting roles. It started when I took the entrepreneurial leap and co-founded a startup called Quastio, where we built a CRM system for universities. That experience really opened my eyes to the world of product development and got me hooked on creating solutions that make a difference.

After that initial venture, I moved on to larger companies where I worked on some fascinating projects. At AppZoy Technologies, I led teams developing B2B and B2C products. Then at TELiBrahma Technologies, I managed the development of educational tools that made operations more efficient. My journey continued with roles at Covelense Technologies, where I headed a team working on a SaaS CRM platform, and then at Sage Intacct, where I got to work on construction ERP software. Throughout these roles, I was always involved in product development, team leadership, and using data to make better decisions.

Looking back, each role taught me something valuable - from managing teams and products to understanding customer needs - but I felt I needed something more to take my career to the next level. After spending years in the software industry, I realized my true passion wasn't just in building solutions - it was in shaping the strategic direction of products and leading teams. While I loved the technical aspects of my work, I found myself increasingly drawn to the business side of things, especially during my time as a product owner. This is is what led me to the ºù«Ӱҵ MBA.

The MBA's core pillars really caught my eye

ºù«Ӱҵ stood out to me for several key reasons. The Triple Crown accreditation was a major draw, as it puts the school in the global elite of business education.

The ºù«Ӱҵ MBA really caught my eye because of its three core pillars - leadership, entrepreneurship and consultancy. What made it even more appealing was how they keep the cohort small and intimate, treating each student as an individual rather than just another number. The focus on experiential learning was exactly what I was looking for and what I needed. Instead of just theoretical knowledge, we got to work on real organizational challenges and apply our learning directly to live business situations.

ºù«Ӱҵ's charm won me over quickly

Moving to ºù«Ӱҵ was actually a pretty smooth transition for me, largely thanks to my long-standing connection with British culture through shows like Doctor Who, Monty Python and Black Adder. These childhood favourites had already given me a glimpse into British life and humour, making everything feel somewhat familiar when I arrived.

The city's charm really won me over quickly. ºù«Ӱҵ has this perfect blend of urban life and natural beauty that's hard to find elsewhere. The Peak District right on our doorstep became my weekend escape - perfect for hiking and reconnecting with nature after busy weeks of MBA studies. The city's industrial heritage is beautifully preserved alongside modern developments, and the stunning European architecture I'd always admired in books was now part of my daily life. The historic buildings of the university itself added to that sense of being somewhere special.

Getting back into academic life after a decade in the corporate world was both challenging and exciting

As someone who always enjoyed learning, I was thrilled to return to an academic environment, though it did take some adjustment. The full-day schedule of four days a week was intense, but the engaging content and practical approach made it worthwhile. The MBA introduced me to people from all over the world, and these friendships made the transition back into studying even easier as well.

The Management School's support network was exceptional. The staff went above and beyond to help our success - from academic guidance to career development. Sabrina, Sarah, Bekki, and Marian, among many others, were all instrumental in my journey, providing constant support while keeping us motivated and focused. The career support was particularly impressive, with dedicated coaching sessions helping us navigate our professional goals. The networking opportunities provided valuable connections with industry professionals, which proved invaluable for our career progression.

The MBA was packed with incredible experiences beyond traditional classroom learning

The course hit a perfect balance between theory and hands-on practice through real-world challenges. Working on live consulting projects with actual businesses was both challenging and rewarding. We created business plans and pitched to real investors in the New Venture Creation Challenge, and worked with local companies on their international expansion strategies. These weren't just academic exercises - they were real projects with real impact.

The London Career Safari was definitely a standout moment. We spent several days in London meeting industry leaders, attending workshops, and networking with successful professionals. The sessions with experts and entrepreneurs opened my eyes to new career possibilities.

What made the experience special was the close-knit community. Being part of a small cohort meant we formed strong bonds with classmates from diverse backgrounds. The networking events, both in ºù«Ӱҵ and London, connected us with alumni and industry professionals who shared invaluable insights about their career journey.

The Personal, Professional and Career Development module was a game changer for my professional growth

Through targeted sessions with industry leaders and alumni, I gained invaluable insights into executive-level communication and stakeholder management. The module helped me to polish my presentation skills and taught me how to effectively engage with senior leadership - skills that I now use daily in my role as I interact with company directors.

What made PPCD particularly valuable was its focus on real-world application. The personality development workshops and executive communication training weren't just theoretical - they were practical tools that transformed how I approach professional relationships. The alumni mentoring sessions were especially enlightening, showing us concrete examples of how MBA skills translate into various leadership roles. These experiences have significantly enhanced my ability to manage stakeholders and navigate complex business relationships in my current position at Scientifica.

The skills I developed through my Individual MBA Challenge company project have been directly applicable to my current role

I opted for a company project rather than a traditional dissertation, working with a media company on their marketing strategy. The project focused on conducting a comprehensive marketing audit and customer analysis, which proved to be an incredibly practical learning experience. The project involved diving deep into customer ratings and reviews to develop a targeted marketing framework. I analyzed both qualitative and quantitative customer data, which helped uncover valuable insights about customer behaviour and preferences. One of the most rewarding aspects was creating a structured approach to customer profiling and segmentation.

The skills I developed during this project have been directly applicable to my current role at Scientifica. I now regularly use similar analytical approaches to understand market dynamics and customer sentiment. The experience taught me how to establish meaningful KPIs and translate raw data into actionable business strategies. Looking back, choosing a company project was definitely the right decision as it provided real-world experience that I use every day in my product development role.

My experience working on a 60 Hour Business Project was invaluable in securing my role at Scientifica

I also opted to work on a 60 Hour Project during the Easter vacation period. I worked with Grobotic Systems, an innovative ºù«Ӱҵ-based company specializing in plant growth chambers for scientific research. As a business strategist, I conducted and analyzed customer interviews to help shape their product strategy. The company's focus on manufacturing advanced laboratory equipment provided me with valuable insights into the scientific instrumentation industry.

The project was particularly significant as it marked my transition from the software industry into scientific equipment manufacturing. I developed a deep understanding of how to gather and interpret customer feedback to inform product development decisions. Working with Grobotic's cutting-edge vertical farming technology helped me understand the unique challenges and opportunities in the laboratory equipment sector. This experience proved invaluable in securing my current role at Scientifica. During the interview process, I was able to demonstrate how my business project experience could translate into developing new products for neuroscience research. The skills I gained in customer research, product strategy, and understanding the scientific equipment market were directly relevant to my current position as Head of Product Development.

The project served as a perfect bridge between my software background and my current role in scientific instrumentation, showing how MBA skills can be effectively applied across different industries. The hands-on experience of working with a real scientific equipment manufacturer gave me practical insights that I now use daily in product development strategy.

Since graduating, I've taken on the exciting role of Head of Product Development at Scientifica

After completing my MBA, I started working at Scientifica, a leading manufacturer of cutting-edge neuroscience and life sciences research equipment, as their Head of Product Development. It's been an interesting transition from my software background to the scientific instrumentation industry, where I now lead cross-functional teams in developing innovative products that empower researchers worldwide. My current role involves shaping product strategy and managing the entire product lifecycle from ideation to launch. I work closely with various departments, establishing frameworks for product development and customer feedback analysis. A significant part of my responsibility includes developing the product portfolio and vision while managing P&L and reporting directly to the directors.

What makes this role particularly engaging is the blend of strategic thinking and practical implementation. I conduct market research, align with stakeholders, and foster a data-driven, user-centered approach to decision-making. Working with leadership to shape business strategy ensures our cutting-edge equipment continues to meet the evolving needs of our global scientific community. The MBA equipped me with crucial skills in analyzing market needs, understanding customer perspectives, and making data-driven strategic decisions.

Looking ahead...

Building on my current role at Scientifica, I aim to expand my impact in the industry by leading larger product portfolios and driving innovation that makes a real difference in research capabilities. My goal is to advance into executive-level product leadership positions, similar to my current directors, where I can shape organizational strategy and guide the development of groundbreaking products. Having successfully transitioned from software to scientific instrumentation, I'm excited to continue growing in this field, leveraging my unique blend of technical expertise and strategic business acumen to develop products that empower researchers worldwide.

My advice for future MBA students

If you're considering the ºù«Ӱҵ MBA, my biggest advice would be to fully immerse yourself in the experience - both inside and outside the classroom. The programme is intense, but the relationships you build with your cohort become your greatest support system and network. Make time to explore ºù«Ӱҵ's unique charm, from the vibrant city centre to the beautiful Peak District. Take advantage of every opportunity, whether it's networking events, consulting projects, or career development workshops. The diverse perspectives from your international classmates are brilliant, and the friendships you form will last well beyond graduation. The MBA is not just about academic achievement - it's about personal growth, professional development, and building lasting connections that will support your future career journey.