Tell us a bit about yourself

The majority of my working life has been spent as an aircraft engineer and this is where my core competencies lie. The job is very technical and involves a lot of problem-solving by understanding technical data. Over time, I progressed from an individual contributor to a team leader, and at the start of the course, I was the manager for the engineering (line) division. I have now moved into a completely different role, as a Sales Director, pushed largely by the confidence that the WBS MBA has provided. I currently live in Dubai, UAE where I grew up, but I have also spent some time in the UK and Hong Kong as part of my work and study journey.

What first attracted you to Warwick Business School?

What first attracted me was its reputation for academic excellence and its strong focus on practical, real-world learning. 

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

Firstly, I really appreciated the flexibility that the MBA programme at WBS offered. As a working professional with a hectic job that requires much travel, I needed a programme that would allow me to work at my own pace and according to my own schedule. The programme at my university provided just that, which made it possible for me to balance my work, family, and studies. Secondly, looking at the diversity and the global industry representation of my prospective cohort was something I found invaluable. This turned out to be true and the friendships and network that I built over the period of the course have made the decision to choose WBS the right one.

What elements of the programme do you value the most?

The faculty and staff at WBS were knowledgeable, approachable, and supportive. They were always available to answer my questions and provide guidance when I needed it. Despite most of the course being delivered remotely, the team at WBS were also very responsive to feedback and suggestions, which made me feel comfortable and helped with the general progress of the course itself.

What is it like studying for an MBA?

Studying for an MBA can be a challenging but rewarding experience. We started by covering a broad range of business knowledge and skills, including finance, marketing, management, and leadership. However, what I found most interesting is the opportunity to network with other professionals and gain exposure to different industries and business practices. This was especially true for the group assignments where we learned to work with different characteristics and temperaments, which adds to the people management element of the course. Overall, I have found that the MBA has been a valuable investment in my career and personal development.

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

Some modules are better than others but what is most useful to me as a student is the ability to access the ideas provided by the modules. These ideas, frameworks and instructor highlights together bring a valuable perspective and create the opportunity for debate – which again opens other ideas and perspectives. This style of learning is something I find excellent.

Has the Leadership module had an impact on your leadership style? If so, in what way?

I’d like to think so! There are some things that stood out for me… first is the importance of understanding the power centres within an organisation and how they have an overarching impact on leaders. Second is the need to understand the various elements a strong leader encompasses – especially some softer ones such as empathy and compassion, which has a definitive place in today’s age.

Can you tell us about your career plans? What’s next for you?

I’ve just made a career jump from engineering operations into sales, which is an exciting challenge. This means getting out of my comfort zone, expanding on my current skillset, and reaching outward organisationally and professionally. While I continue to explore this domain, I do believe that making such a move would not have been in my horizon without the support and guidance I received from the WBS family – both from the faculty and my colleagues in the course.