Our new Full-time MBA students have arrived in Manchester to start a new and exciting chapter in their lives.
The Class of 2020 gets top marks for diversity with 30 nationalities, 39% female students and an average age of 29. Not only do candidates represent all sectors of industry - from accounting and engineering to hospitality and medicine, they are also a successful bunch outside the workplace. This year's class includes a Master Chef semi-finalist, rower for Wales and Taekwondo Gold medalist amongst others.
Our MBAs enjoyed a fun, full and exciting few weeks of induction where they attended introductory lectures on economics, accounting, consultancy and cultural awareness. They had client meetings for the Not-for-Profit Consultancy Project, as well as careers sessions, networking events and Brathay – a three-day trip to the Lake District with outdoor activities and intellectual challenges.
We met with a few students who shared with us their thoughts on induction, the MBA and Manchester so far...
Leah Petr, Tennessee, USA
Pre-MBA industry: Media
What has been the best part of the induction?
“I’m sure it’s a popular answer, but Brathay was my favourite part of induction. Xavier’s economics class was another highlight – these two sessions during the induction week were more helpful in increasing my understanding of economics than anything I have ever done before. His logical, visual and mathematical teaching style was amazing and just made everything click for me!”
What are you most looking forward to about the MBA programme?
“I am most looking forward to learning from my classmates as we work on the consulting projects together. I have already learned so much from my not-for-profit group, either directly from their knowledge or as we have worked together to figure things out.”
Has anything surprised you so far?
“I was definitely surprised by how I enjoyed some of the stodgier business disciplines like economics and accounting. Having worked for almost six years, I have seen many of the principles in action but never knew the terms or realised the interrelationships between the elements. I have managed to connect the dots in these courses and this has made me understand more about my previous company and industry.”
Do you have any apprehensions about studying the MBA?
“My major apprehension was not having a traditional business background. It was certainly intimidating to be applying alongside CPAs, consultants and finance professionals but I have come to realise my unique perspective holds its own value among the group.”
What is your favourite thing about Manchester so far?
“Geographically Manchester is a small city but it has the spirit of a big one! I moved here from New York and I haven’t felt like there is anything I am missing out on. Except bagels! Manchester is so vibrant and welcoming and has everything that you want. The low rent prices are definitely a bonus!”
What are your goals?
“My goals are to relocate to the UK and find a role in marketing operations at a travel or media related company.”
Tristan Hollis, Llanidloes, Mid Wales
Pre-MBA industry: Engineering
What has been the best part of the induction?
“I have enjoyed the introductory lectures, which have given a good and relevant background on interesting topics. The highlight has been meeting so many different and interesting people, even though we have only known each other for three weeks it seems a lot longer.”
What are you most looking forward to about the MBA programme?
“I am most looking forward to developing my knowledge in what I see as vital areas. My background is in engineering and my exposure to the more interesting side of the business was limited.”
Why did you decide to study an MBA and why did you choose Manchester?
“I decided to study an MBA because of my interest in business and investment. I am a firm believer in following your interests as they should lead you to an interesting career. I initially ruled out Manchester as I have lived in the city for a number of years already and I was eager to move away and get to know somewhere new, but after reading about the teaching styles at different universities, the ‘Manchester Method’ of learning and application through projects really appealed to me.”
Has anything surprised you so far?
“How close the class of 2020 has already become after just three weeks of induction.”
Do you have any apprehensions about studying the MBA?
“Making the decision to leave your job and return to studying is a big step – particularly financially, but aside from that I do not have any apprehensions, I am fully looking forward to the challenges ahead.”
What is your favourite thing about Manchester so far?
“I love the music, food and restaurant scene, I also like the size of the city, it is big enough and has everything, with everything within walking distance. There is always something going on in Manchester and it is very easy to go out and do it.”
What are your goals?
“My personal goals are to fill the gaps in my knowledge and move on to a career I enjoy. Whilst I am on this journey I look forward to the challenges ahead and making long-lasting friendships.”
Fraser Ross, Tilford, Surrey, UK
Pre MBA industry – Programmatic Advertising
What has been the best part of the induction?
“Meeting people from so many cultures has been amazing and to have the chance to do so at Brathay was a great experience.”
What are you most looking forward to about the MBA programme?
“For me, one of the biggest draws of this programme is the chance to work in such a broad array of disciplines. Since I left university I have been working in programmatic advertising, a small subset of advertising, itself a small part of marketing. So the chance to broaden my skills and become more of a generalist is really appealing.”
Why did you decide to study an MBA and why did you choose Manchester?
“I loved my job and my company, so choosing to leave and study an MBA was a really tough decision for me. I am interested in new technologies and how these relate to logistics and to solving wider business problems. I felt that if I did an MBA, I would get more exposure to bigger business problems quicker than if I would have stayed where I was. Manchester was an easy choice for me, this is actually my third degree here so it felt natural coming back. I love the city and the university and I was also lucky enough to receive funding through one of the school's scholarships.”
Has anything surprised you so far?
“How much Manchester as a city is changing but also how similar things are at the same time.”
Do you have any apprehensions about studying the MBA?
“I know that the course will be demanding so I am conscious that there are stressful times ahead but I am not too fazed as I have come here to work hard.”
What is your favourite thing about Manchester so far?
“I live above Rudy's pizza so that is good! I love how much the city has to offer and that you only ever have to walk 30 minutes to get to anything. It is a big city but feels more intimate than London.”
What are your goals?
“Ideally I would like to move into a role where I can work with technology, to solve bigger problems.”
Click to find out more about The Manchester Full-time MBA >>
