Making a bigger impact thanks to my Executive MBA

Pichaya Jagger describes how her experience on the Executive MBA has complemented and supported her work with one of the big four professional services firms, and fed into her passion for starting her own micro-business.

Pichaya started the evening Executive MBA (London) at Warwick Business School in April 2018. Born and raised in Thailand, Pichaya has spent the past 2 decades studying and working in Japan, the US and the UK. She’s a Crowd Ecosystems & Alliance Lead at one of the big four professional services firms, a founder of SweatFit Nation, a fresh women’s activewear brand, the mother of a young daughter, and recipient of the prestigious 30% Club’s EMBA Scholarship.

The desire to pursue an Executive MBA

With an academic background in Social Science and work experience in Technology Transformation and Innovation, I felt there was an opportunity to make a bigger impact and to increase my contribution to my current employer and my clients by gaining more knowledge, particularly at a strategic level where I had limited hands-on experience. Additionally, as I’m personally interested in Corporate and Social Entrepreneurship, I wanted to grow my knowledge in this area. I chose the Executive MBA specialising in Entrepreneurship as it provides comprehensive academic frameworks in a way that is practical and pragmatic in real-world business environments.

Why I chose to study the Executive MBA at The Shard with WBS

There are three main reasons. First, I chose WBS for its high academic standard and its renowned research specialisms. Secondly, as the lectures take place in the evenings at the Shard, it is very convenient to commute from my office in London. Lastly, I chose WBS for the flexibility the programme offers. Juggling between a full-time job, a young daughter, and starting my micro-business, the only times I could study were after weekday working hours, during my train commutes and late night when my daughter is asleep. WBS’s London base location at the Shard and its programme structure allow me to balance and achieve my schedules.

The benefits so far

The ability to immediately apply new learnings to my work excited me. Also, lectures with my classmates is a humbling experience. From GPs, Engineers, Start-up Founders, Tech Product Owners and Executives from different industries and functional backgrounds, my classmates have broadened my perspectives and I’m glad to be sharing my experience while learning from them. The friendship and professional connections gained through the programme are invaluable.

Additionally, it was the ‘Entrepreneurship and New Venture Creation’ module where I discovered what I’m passionate about in addition to my family and a career in professional services. Born from an MBA assignment, I started SweatFit Nation with a purpose to bring sustainable fashion to empower people to maintain active and healthy lifestyles. The knowledge and network gained through WBS have enabled me to start a business from scratch and take it off the ground in a safe environment. WBS offers Entrepreneurship Clinics and provide frequent career workshops and network events, which I found very beneficial for my current role and my new venture business.

Top tips for prospective students

Be very clear to yourself (and in your application essays) why you want an Executive MBA, why now, and why WBS. Attend an EMBA Open Event, speak to current students, and visit the school if you can. An Executive MBA is a big investment and requires real commitment and hard work. If you have a family, make sure they’re fully supportive of your pursuit. 

Find out more about our Executive MBA options, available to study in either Warwick or London here.