From the classroom to Global Elective: A Builder's MBA journey

After building ventures across engineering, startups and corporate innovation, Global Online MBA participant Kevin Line chose the Warwick MBA to broaden his international outlook and strategic lens. From a globally diverse cohort to the Entrepreneurial Finance International Elective in San Francisco, his MBA journey has been defined by cross-border learning, connection and growth.

I’ve always been a builder at heart. From my earliest memories, I was driven to create something new, whether it was needed or not. After college, I cut my teeth as an engineer developing next-generation aircraft before pivoting to the startup world, where I led business development for my first venture.

I rotated through another startup and eventually found my way back into the corporate world, building an innovation organisation from the ground up. Most recently, I joined and successfully exited a clean-tech business focused on recycling "impossible" materials. Now, I’m eager to see what challenge I can tackle next.

Based in Nashville for many years, I’ve worked across a variety of startups and large companies, primarily within the innovation space. At this stage in my career, I am increasingly focused on mentoring new businesses, high school entrepreneurs, and non-profit research groups - helping the next generation build their own foundations.

Why I chose to pursue an MBA

I had put off getting my MBA for years, but in the fall of 2023, I decided to fully commit. The choice came down to two international programmes and a US programme. I recognised a strong desire to expand my international network and gain a deeper, more nuanced understanding of cross-border business.

Ultimately, my decision to choose Warwick Business School came down to one simple question: how diverse will my MBA cohort be? The numbers from Warwick were compelling. Out of 180 people, there were more than 50 nationalities represented. I realised that by the end of the programme, I would have friends from 50 different countries - many of whom I have already visited in their home nations.

Learning that filled the gaps

The teaching has been exceptional. Each class has filled critical gaps in my knowledge. It is one thing to understand the impact of supply chains on a product from daily work; it is quite another to deeply apply the PESTLE framework or Porter’s Five Forces model in a comprehensive strategic context. The diversity of electives was eye-opening, allowing me to focus on my passions for international business and entrepreneurship. Furthermore, the diversity of locations has been a tremendous growth experience. Being able to visit the UK twice, then Finland, and finally hosting our cohort in my own country (even though San Francisco is culturally and physically distant from Nashville) was invaluable.

Expanding my world view in San Francisco

Choosing the Entrepreneurial Finance international elective felt like the pinnacle of my educational journey. It offered the chance to understand the finance side of venture capital in the very location that supplies 20% of the world’s investment. The reviews were excellent, and peers had confirmed it was a well-executed module. The trip to San Francisco for the module was a highlight. I met many people who shared my passion for the topic, including familiar faces from my original cohort and new colleagues from different groups and locations. I distinctly remember walking through Berkeley’s campus during an ongoing protest; several of my international colleagues were surprised by the freedom and energy of American protest culture. It was a unique opportunity to expand my worldview.

From networking to opportunity

The trip facilitated timely business exposure and networking. Some conversations that had been ongoing were finally solidified face-to-face, while other connections proved useful for future opportunities. The cohort was solid, and the Berkeley connections were strong, including a contact involved with their accelerator program. Additionally, being in San Francisco during Tech Week afforded me opportunistic connections within the broader entrepreneurial space.

There was a unique opportunity to host an alumni gathering at the Transamerica Pyramid, hosted by an alumnus from Northwestern Mutual. Nearly all of the class attended, along with five alumni from the Bay Area, including a product manager from Meta. It was another great night of networking and connection.

While the San Francisco module was not held at a partner institution, we did visit Berkeley where there were several speakers, including a Warwick alumnus who spoke on the journey of entrepreneurs and AI. I also attended another event at Aalto University in Finland. The University was well-organised, and I thoroughly enjoyed immersing myself in a less familiar culture. The Nordic countries have always appealed to me because their worldview - centered on efficiency, trust, creativity, and innovation - matches my own.

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