Meet the Global Online MBA class of 2023-25

Daniel Rubio Sanchez 

Nationality: Spanish 
Current role: Senior Growth Manager, Google 

Can you share a brief overview of your professional background and the industries you've worked in?  

My career has related to the tech industry from the start. It started with an internship at Salesforce in their Madrid office and then at Google, where I was also an intern and then returned as a full-time employee after finishing my undergraduate degree. I’ve had multiple roles at Google, but they have all been within the areas of digital strategy, marketing and growth.  

My first roles were based in Dublin (Ireland), where our EMEA headquarters are located. Most recently, I transferred to New York for a new client-facing role, and I plan to continue developing my career here. One thing I really like about my role is that I get to work with multiple partners, learn about their business and bring the Google magic to accelerate their growth. We usually work with high potential partners and build plans to scale their business with our tools. It’s fascinating to see the impact AI can have in the success of SMEs and startups and how smaller companies can challenge big players when they do things right. 

What do you hope to learn or achieve during your time in the Global Online MBA programme?  

When I first considered doing the Global Online MBA, I set two main goals. First, to invest in my own development by shifting the focus from growing responsibilities within the company to building the skills I will need for the next 3-5 years. It is not a requirement to have an MBA to advance your career at Google, but the type of skills you need to succeed in more senior roles are different from those that help you get promoted when you are more junior. 

 My second goal is more connected to my day-to-day. I want to develop my own leadership style, being able to influence without authority and prepare for future people management roles. I am among the youngest peers in my cohort, and it is a great opportunity to learn directly from peers who have already faced challenging situations as leaders of their companies or business units. Those learnings are invaluable and really complement the coursework. 

How have you found the collaboration of business and technology at the Business School? 

Imperial brings together the best from both disciplines and offers something different from what other traditional business schools propose. Of course, the Global Online MBA programme covers the fundamentals of Economics, Finance, Strategy or Marketing, but also offers the possibility of learning how to code, getting up to speed with AI innovations, or even sharing electives with students from other programmes with different backgrounds.  

Beyond the coursework, I also see a lot of activities going on (both online and on campus). From events organised by the student clubs to company presentations or workshops to tailor your resume for a specific industry. Last week, for example, I had my CV analysed by an AI tool that helps you make some tweaks for your specific sector and include relevant words to maximise your chances of landing an interview. This is part of your experience. The technology is everywhere. 

Ukachi Carol Okere 

Nationality: Nigerian 
Current role: Manager, Continuous Improvement, Standard Chartered Bank, Nigeria 

What motivated you to pursue the Global Online MBA, and what are your career goals after completing the programme?  

My primary motivation for pursuing an MBA is to advance my career. At this stage, I need to supplement my years of experience with the necessary knowledge and certification to compete globally. When evaluating my achievements against my personal goals in health, finances, career, and relationships at the end of 2022, I realised that I needed to bridge the gap between where I am and my career aspirations. After careful consideration, I decided that pursuing an MBA is the propeller I need. My personal SWOT analysis also uncovered the need to pursue an MBA. 

Additionally, as part of my branding strategy, getting an MBA at Imperial College Business School is crucial to differentiate myself in a highly competitive organisation like Standard Chartered Bank, with over 85,000 exceptional employees worldwide. The stakes are high, and I must compete favourably to achieve my career ambitions. 

Can you share a brief overview of your professional background and the industries you've worked in? 

I am a Microbiologist turned Chartered Banker. I stumbled into banking and stayed because I loved it. My journey began with a one-year National Youth Service attachment at Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCO), where I worked with the Health and Safety department. This experience opened my eyes to the corporate work structure and led me on a path that would shape my career in several ways.  

I then worked as a pioneer in an Information Technology company, Zinox Technologies Limited, where I was employed as a Customer Service Representative. Working at a start-up company meant I was able to expand my role and try pretty much everything. I opened and managed a showroom, worked with the sales team, and proposed and deployed a credit facility for co-operatives and companies that purchased our products. This experience made me fearless and willing to take on challenges with a can-do attitude, which I have carried on to this day.  

A little over a year later, I moved to banking for a more formal organisational structure, like the one I had experienced at SNEPCO. After a short stint with two Nigerian banks, I joined Standard Chartered Bank, Nigeria, where I have worked for the last fourteen and a half years. I held different roles within customer service and relationship management in our individual banking segments before transitioning to the process improvement team, which I have headed for the last four years.  

My journey has been one of growth, learning, and perseverance. I have post-university work experience of 22 years, 21 of which is in banking, spanning different functions. I have significant industry experience gained from my various roles and volunteering activities. I am also an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria. 

What motivated you to choose online education at Imperial College Business School?  

First and foremost, given the stage of my career, I could not take a year off work to pursue further studies. Hence, online education was more realistic. Additionally, I wanted a school within my time zone, renowned for its academic rigour and excellence, that maintains high academic standards and offers a diverse range of programmes designed to provide a comprehensive education. Imperial College Business School was an obvious choice. I was also drawn to the school because of its student diversity, innovation and technology focus, and extensive alumni network.