Last week, we admitted our largest ever Weekend MBA class of 2019-20, welcoming 102 students to Imperial College Business School. Among this class are scholarship recipients who we rewarded for achieving academic and professional excellence in their chosen careers.
We offer three types of major scholarships:
- The Dean’s Excellence Award is awarded to students who demonstrate exceptional academic and professional accomplishments, and are impactful leaders, embodying the key elements of Imperial College Business School’s mission and vision
- Future Leader Award is offered for applicants in the early stages of their career who demonstrate rapid progression, a strong track record of leadership and/or outstanding leadership potential, a focused career plan and a strong overall application
- Women’s Scholarships are available to female candidates showing exceptional academic achievement and professional excellence. We especially look for candidates who are committed to supporting women in business and who act as a role model for other women within their organisation
We also offer additional Imperial Business Scholarships to suitable candidates with strong applications.
Find out who are the recipients of our major scholarships in April 2019 cohort and why they chose to study the Weekend MBA at Imperial College Business School below.
Brigid Fox, Future Leaders Award
Regional Sales Director Databricks
Working full-time at a startup software company, I have seen many areas in startup organisations where there are inefficiencies and unsustainable behaviours, driven by the need for constant accelerated growth. I began to think of what I could do professionally to have more of a positive impact on the health of a company, beyond revenue and financial growth. With an academic background in modern languages and professional experience in sales, I realised that there were fundamental gaps in my understanding of the mechanics of business and economics that I would need to fill in order to step into more senior cross-functional roles.
I decided that a part-time MBA study would be the most efficient and effective way for me to continue on my current professional trajectory, while helping me develop the skills and knowledge needed to reach my future career goals. From my research, including visits to campus open days, taster lectures and events, Imperial’s MBA programme stood out as the clear leader in the areas that most mattered to me: sustainable business, innovation, and entrepreneurship. With the core focus on STEM at Imperial College London, the network beyond the Business School was a huge plus point in my choice. Similarly, the unique Weekend MBA format means that I can learn and engage with my peers in a face-to-face setting without needing to commit to evening study in the working week, which would not have been compatible with my work travel schedule.
What did receiving a scholarship mean to you?
Receiving the Future Leaders scholarship was really humbling and unexpected. I had done the maths and was comfortable making the investment in my future that an MBA implies, so to receive a letter from Imperial saying that they felt so strongly in my application that they also wanted to invest in me was just fantastic. Beyond the monetary contribution to my studies, I’m very proud to be a Student Ambassador as part of the scholarship responsibilities and hope to use this visibility to encourage others, and particularly women in technology, to take up further study and pursue their career goals.
Alice Wainwright, Dean’s Excellence Award
Senior Account Director Tribal Worldwide London
Why did you choose to study an MBA at Imperial College Business School?
There are so many reasons why I chose to study at Imperial College Business School – but on reflection two main reasons stand out. After visiting the school it became clear there is real synergy between the technology and engineering expertise, and the many entrepreneurial projects taking place. This really excites me and I look forward to getting involved in the many Business School initiatives in the future. It’s going to be hard to fit it all in, but I will try my best! Alongside this, all of the people I met throughout every stage of my application process and since starting the MBA have been open, warm, friendly and supportive. I can tell already that this support will make a huge difference to my MBA journey and that I will make both great friends and valuable connections from all corners of the world.
What did receiving a scholarship mean to you?
The scholarship has meant that I am fortunate enough to be able to do the MBA whilst in my current role, something I was not able to achieve otherwise. I am honoured to accept the award and really grateful for the acknowledgement. I am excited to be involved in everything happening at the School and grow a part of the wider Imperial College community over the coming years and beyond!
Marta Antunes, Women’s Scholar
CMC Regulatory Affairs Senior Specialist (EU/EEMEA) MSD
Why did you choose to study an MBA at Imperial College Business School?
Living and working in London, an MBA at Imperial College Business School is an evident choice. Firstly, the programme format allows me to bridge the academia-practice interface in a flexible way, while providing me with the opportunity to contact with peers. It will maximise my learning experience, strengthen connections and increase my networking. Secondly, Imperial College Business School is internationally recognised and I want to be part of a school that is constantly evolving and attracting the brightest minds. I am inspired by excellence in teaching and in breaking new ground that defines Imperial, by combining business, technology and an entrepreneurial approach to drive global business and social transformation. Finally, the Imperial MBA is a well-established programme being taught by experienced researchers and business teachers.
What did receiving a scholarship mean to you?
It is a privilege to be awarded the Imperial Women’s Scholarship, which represents the recognition of my professional career and academic accomplishments associated with my personal values. In a global and competitive world, business matters, but how you do it matters even more. Women are making a positive impact by bringing technical knowledge and high working standards to business. Being a woman in the pharmaceutical industry, I feel responsible for delivering medicines with quality, safety and efficacy to improve people’s lives around the world.
At the same time, the Imperial Women’s Scholarship increases my responsibility in representing the institution and acting as a role model at the Business School, in my organisation and in society.
Becky George-David
Technical Release Manager RBS
Why did you choose to study a Weekend MBA at Imperial College Business School?
My software engineering background and time spent in technology made choosing one of the world’s top universities, with an outstanding history of technological innovation and research, a relatively simple one. The Weekend MBA programme in the heart of London is ultimately the reason why I chose Imperial. I love that I get to build a new solid network of brilliantly minded yet diverse professionals, develop my business and leadership skills all while immediately applying my learnings towards advancing my corporate and entrepreneurial careers. As a technologist, and one who wishes to remain within the technology space, the Imperial Weekend MBA was the perfect blend – it’s like having your cake and eating it.
What did receiving a scholarship mean to you?
Like everyone else on the programme, I weighed the benefits of pursuing an MBA at Imperial against the financial (and dare I say mental) cost to be incurred pursuing an MBA. Receiving the Imperial Weekend MBA Women’s Scholarship greatly reduced the financial task required of me. It empowers me to focus on immersing myself wholly into the full offerings and experiences of the MBA programme. I also consider it a vote of confidence and I hope to one day pay it forward.
Daphne Kaforou, Women’s Scholar
Product Manager Annalect
Why did you choose to study a Weekend MBA at Imperial College Business School?
I have been always interested in business management, and this is the reason why I have chosen to apply for the MBA programme at Imperial College Business School – considering the School’s reputation and primary focus on individuals who have excelled in their professional career to date and wish to make an impact as future leaders. I am very excited to be part of one of the world’s greatest STEM universities with a global leading profile and a focus on collaborative success.
I believe that the Imperial MBA coupled with my professional experience and studies will put me in an excellent position to develop myself as a future business leader at the executive level, who can fully leverage new technologies within modern business settings to achieve outstanding results. Having spoken with Imperial’s current MBA students, alumni and professors, I believe the Weekend MBA is going to be a tremendous opportunity for me.
What did receiving a scholarship mean to you?
I am extremely honoured to have received the Imperial Women’s scholarship for the Weekend MBA programme. Apart from the very substantial financial support, it also serves as a validation that I am seen as a woman who shows exceptional academic achievement and professional excellence. Receiving this scholarship enhances my incentive to grow as a leader who can combine the science of technology with the art of management, entrepreneurial thinking and a mindset of equal opportunities for all, while driving positive societal change. To be chosen among a group of bright and dedicated women who are excelling in their fields, makes receiving this scholarship even more meaningful and challenges me to commit even more into excelling in my professional field, but also making sure that I will try to empower women in both my workspace and on my Weekend MBA programme.
Siera Torontow, Women’s Scholar
Senior Clinical Solutions Account Manager Elsevier
Why did you choose to study a Weekend MBA at Imperial College Business School?
There’s no single response to that question! I chose to study at Imperial to be at the forefront of technology and innovation; to have a diverse, skilled cohort; and to study in London, the centre of business, finance and creativity.
What did receiving a scholarship mean to you?
Receiving a scholarship means more than just financial assistance, it acknowledges my compounded efforts to make a positive impact over the past 10 years. It allows me a new platform to continue to access to a network of like-minded individuals, and to work with and inspire other ambitious women.
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