Meet the Global Online MBA Class of 2027

We are thrilled to welcome the Global Online MBA Class of 2027 to Imperial College Business School. This cohort of driven professionals has chosen to immerse themselves in a truly diverse programme to transform their careers, build their global networks and broaden their outlook.

With the option to study for 21, 24 or 32 months from January or September, the Global Online MBA offers students the flexibility to study at a world-renowned institution from wherever they are in the world, while continuing their career. Leveraging the Business School’s unique learning platform, the Hub - the cohort benefits from rich collaboration opportunities and comprehensive support. The Hub allows students to complete their online modules, track their peers’ progress on modules and stay in contact with faculty and classmates. It also offers additional features designed to ensure students feel integrated into the Imperial community.

Although delivered online, the programme includes an on-campus Induction Week, where students connect with their cohort and faculty through sessions and networking events. This year, they also gathered at London venues, collaborating with peers from other MBA programmes.

After completing the rigorous application and interview process, students are invited to take online pre-study modules to build a foundation in key areas such as accounting, corporate sustainability, finance and social innovation and ethics. Given the programme’s diverse industry experience, these modules ensure students are well-prepared to excel and apply their learning effectively.

The Business School offers a variety of personalised career services students can access before, during and after their studies. Throughout the duration of the programme, Global Online MBA students also embark on a transformative Personal Leadership Journey, a careers-led module equipping them with the skills and confidence to thrive as global leaders, with a focus on personal impact, networking and executive communication. Our MBA students graduate with the tools needed to excel in their careers and use their skills internationally in a competitive job market. 76% of the Class of 2020 changed roles following the completion of their MBA, demonstrating the impact of our career support.

The Global Online MBA Class of 2027 at a glance

The 165 students making up the Global Online MBA cohort share 10 years of work experience across various fields including banking and finance (22%), biotech, healthcare and pharma (13%), IT and tech (13%), energy (13%), consulting (11%) and engineering (5%). Representing 46 nationalities, the programme brings together a diverse group of professionals from Asia (30%), the UK (18%), Africa/the Middle East (19%), Europe (16%) and the Americas (18%).

In this blog, we explore why they chose Imperial College Business School as well as their aspirations and backgrounds.

What lies in the years ahead?

In addition to rigorous core modules in leadership and management that prepare students for complex environments, the programme allows them to customise their MBA with two or more Flexcore modules, four electives, and a concentration. Choosing a concentration highlights your business interests to future employers, areas of specialisation include:

• Analytics and Operations
• Entrepreneurship and Innovation
• Finance
• Leadership and Organisation
• Marketing
• Strategy

In the spring term, students put their learning into practice through the Capstone module. Working in teams, they tackle a real-world business challenge, applying strategic thinking, leadership skills and innovative problem-solving to deliver impactful recommendations. This hands-on experience reinforces their ability to navigate complex business environments and make meaningful change.

During the summer term of their second year, students can further enhance their global business experience through optional Global Exchanges and IB Glocal Electives. These experiences let students study abroad or tackle local business challenges, gaining cross-cultural insights and expanding their global network. If students would like the opportunity to collaborate and travel alongside the other MBA programmes at the Business School, they can also choose to take part in Global Experience Week.

Read more about our September cohort

Tanya Yeremeyeva

Can you share a brief overview of your professional background?   

My background is originally in motion design, but I ended up finding my passion and career sweet spot in branding. After freelancing in New York for years, I became a creative director at a successful prescriptions savings startup and led their brand and creative initiatives in-house for several years. 

What motivated you to pursue an MBA?   

In my experience, there is a natural connection between good design and good strategy: both require creative thinking that is rooted in available data. As I grew in my career, I started seeing more and more opportunities to apply my creative skills to business, and I want to empower myself to do this successfully going forward. 

So far, how have you found the collaboration of business and technology at Imperial and within your programme?   

My mind was blown during Induction Week by the presentations we saw around AI, with some of the best thinking and research I’ve ever seen on the subject. Since AI is all the hype right now, I will definitely be trying to follow that conversation for the next two years. 

How does The Hub support your online learning?  

The Hub makes it easy to find everything we need in the same place. I love the little interactive exercises that let us play with data. As a visual person, that makes a huge difference in understanding economics and mathematical concepts. Also just simply seeing that my classmates (that I became friends with at induction) are online is sometimes all the motivation I need to keep learning in that moment. 

How have you built connections and networked with your peers and professors?   

Even as an online student, I feel like I have made a ton of friends at Induction, and I still keep meeting NYC-based students and alumni. It’s an incredibly warm community that I am thrilled to be a part of. 

Go back to featured September list

John Kim

Can you share a brief overview of your professional background?   

I entered the mobile gaming industry after completing my undergraduate studies, starting out as a translator. My role at the Korean gaming company involved translating (or 'localising') Korean text into English to enable our games to launch in Western app markets. I eventually progressed to a project management position, where I am now responsible for overseeing localisation operations across multiple languages for the company’s live games.

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

I really wanted to continue building on what I learned through my work experience. What I could learn from work really depended on the specific conditions and scope, so I believed an MBA programme could help me aim higher. While I don’t have a specific focus just yet, I am determined to transition into a new career. I’m confident what I learn and experience at Imperial College Business School over time will help me gain a clearer objective. 

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

The Induction Week alone was an eye-opening moment for me because it felt like this cohort was composed of such a talented and determined group of people hailing from such a variety of industries. I am fascinated to learn more about their experiences in management and beyond from their point of view throughout our time on the MBA programme. 

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

I was looking for an opportunity to join a programme that allowed me to continue my education, but not at the expense of leaving my current job. The Global Online MBA offered by Imperial College Business School provided that specific balance, and their prestigious reputation on a global scale solidified my determination to learn from the best.

Go back to featured September list

Aishwarya Kaki

Can you share a brief overview of your professional background?   

I have experience in the technology industry with Dell Technologies and the financial services industry with Edward Jones. My core skill set lies in enterprise strategy planning and execution. I deliver innovative, value-focused strategies that drive organisational growth and cultural transformation. I cultivate enterprise leadership mindsets that prioritise user experience at the forefront of our strategy, while delivering cost-effective solutions for the business.

What motivated you to pursue an MBA?  

I am at a point in my career where I want to combine my personal passion with my professional career. I want to help underprivileged communities and especially single mothers gain financial stability through owning homes. Through my MBA, I hope to gain the network and skillsets to switch to the real estate industry and create my own property development firm that will allow me to build affordable housing for those in need and wanting to gain financial strength and stability. Home is a strong part of my identity and I want to be able to give others the opportunity to have a place to call their own too.  

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

I want to open my mind to innovative ideas and challenging conversations I would not be able to have in a regular day. Joining this programme has opened up a world of opportunity to connect with peers from across the world and I hope to leave the programme with lifelong friendships and a community of passionate individuals who have an entrepreneurial spirit like me.  

Go back to featured September list

Read more about our January cohort

Damian Nnotum

Can you share an overview of your professional background?  

I am a Product Leader with a decade of experience in the payments and banking industry. I lead teams to build innovative products that meet the needs of large enterprises globally. I am also a qualified Lawyer, and earlier in my career, worked as a Junior Public Prosecutor.

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

My ultimate goal is to make a major impact in the financial services sector in developing countries via the creation of innovative solutions, leveraging my skills and providing organisational leadership to make a sustainable contribution.

Pursuing an MBA and in particular, the training, coaching and connections that I would obtain through the Global Online MBA are integral for me to grow as a Business Leader on my way to achieving my goal.

So far, how have you found the collaboration of Business and Technology at Imperial and within your programme?

I am very excited about being a part of the Imperial community because of its desire to combine both Business and Technology to drive positive and impactful change in society.

The Enterprise Lab is a standout feature of the Business School. As students, we have the opportunity to exercise our entrepreneurial skills by building innovative technological solutions that solve business needs. I have already engaged with some students outside of my cohort and we plan on utilising the lab to prototype our ideas.

How does Imperial’s Hub support your online learning?

The Hub is a great innovative tool for immersive online learning. It is easy to navigate through different courses and materials, which has been crucial to my positive learning experience at Imperial so far. My favourite feature is the Module Progress Tracker! This allows me to compare my progress against the class’s average to ensure I am not behind in my studies.

Go back to featured January list

Yuanzhen Cai

Can you share an overview of your professional background?  

I am currently a Senior UX Designer based in Norway, working at a global medical technology company operating in 26 countries. My work focuses on digital transformation in the healthcare sector, particularly in developing solutions that enhance CPR and AED training for laypeople. One of my most impactful projects was leading the UX design for RevivR, a CPR training app developed in collaboration with the British Heart Foundation. By integrating gamification elements and data-driven design, I helped reduce the app’s drop-off rate from 90% to 70%, improving user engagement and confidence in life-saving skills.

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

After three years as a Senior UX Designer, I realised I had entered a comfort zone. While I had gained deep expertise in user experience and product development, I wanted to expand my impact beyond design and play a more strategic role in business decision-making. I’ve always been proactive in bridging business goals with customer needs, but I found that many key business decisions were made by product managers and executives. The Global Online MBA at Imperial College Business School is the perfect opportunity to strengthen my business acumen, leadership skills and strategic thinking. In the long term, I aspire to step into a leadership role, where I can drive innovation and strategy in the digital healthcare industry.

What do you hope to learn from the Global Online MBA, both professionally and personally?

I want to deepen my knowledge in corporate finance, strategy and leadership while applying these insights directly to my work. I am particularly excited about the modules in Organisational Behaviour and Strategy, as they will help me leverage data-driven decision-making and explore opportunities for innovation in digital healthcare. I also look forward to enhancing my leadership skills. I have always been proactive and structured in my work, but I want to refine my ability to inspire and lead cross-functional teams in high-impact projects.

Are there any specific projects or initiatives you're excited to work on with your classmates during the programme? 

I am particularly excited about collaborating with my classmates on innovation and strategy-related projects. Given my experience in digital healthcare, I am eager to integrate initiatives that combine technology, business and impact-driven solutions.

Additionally, I would love to be part of projects that support women in business. Whether through mentorship programmes or initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion, I hope to contribute to meaningful discussions and actions that help more women thrive in leadership roles.

Go back to featured January list

Sarah Hirshowitz

Can you share an overview of your professional background? 

I began my career as a Junior Consultant at Deloitte Data Factory, a fast-track programme combining client work and intensive training. After being promoted to Consultant, I worked primarily with financial institutions and gained exposure to mining. Seeking new challenges, I joined MTN and advanced through roles in Decision Support, Commercial Modelling, and Strategy, including a secondment with MoMo, MTN’s fintech arm. Now, as a Senior Strategy Manager, I focus on strategic planning, internal consulting, and innovation.

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

Career advancement – In senior strategy roles, an MBA is often an unspoken requirement. To continue advancing my career and unlocking leadership opportunities, an MBA provides a strong competitive advantage.

Entrepreneurial aspirations – Having explored side ventures, I see an MBA as essential for gaining the tools, network, and strategic mindset to transition into full-time entrepreneurship.

Personal growth – Lifelong learning is a core value for me. This journey isn’t just about career progression—it’s about broadening my perspective, refining my leadership skills, and embracing new challenges.

Looking ahead, I plan to continue advancing in my corporate career while positioning myself for a long-term transition into full-time entrepreneurship.

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

I was recently promoted and didn’t want to lose the momentum I had built by taking a break from my career. I’m passionate about my role, and stepping away from it didn’t feel like the right decision. The Global Online MBA allows me to advance my career while maintaining financial stability and staying committed to my professional development. 

How does Imperial’s Hub support your online learning?

Imperial’s Hub completely transforms academic studying from traditional textbooks into a dynamic environment that brings the modules to life. With videos, interactive quizzes, and journaling, it makes the learning experience enjoyable and engaging. My favourite features include progress tracking, tutor engagement and visibility of cohort submissions, fostering a collaborative learning environment.

Go back to featured January list

Khaled Elmadany

Can you share an overview of your professional background?

Before starting my MBA, I worked in a variety of sectors such as finance, advisory and government consulting for a range of companies including PwC and General Electric. My journey has taken me to a few different countries. I started off in Egypt before working in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, then to Canada where I spent a few years. Now, I’m back in Dubai doing banking.

Why did you choose Imperial College Business School for your Global Online MBA?

Imperial has a deep history in engineering and technology, which are areas I’d like to develop as they’re sought after skills in the current job market, I needed to attend an institution that can blend these elements with the traditional business curriculum – which is what Imperial does.

 A standout feature of Imperial’s programme is its exceptional flexibility, allowing students to choose from 21, 24, or 32-month study options. With the Business School’s online platform, you can learn from anywhere in the world without disrupting your personal or professional life. I enjoy learning new concepts and being able to apply them right away. This was a big advantage of attending Imperial for me.

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

I’m a big believer in lifelong learning. After my bachelor’s degree, I completed my Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) qualifications, but I always wanted to do an MBA. Previously, the timing didn’t align due to other personal commitments, but with the new developments in AI and machine learning, I felt it was the perfect time to invest in my education so that I am able to move on to a C-suite or executive position.

How do you see the Global Online MBA impacting your professional development?

I’m confident that I will be well-equipped with the knowledge and information needed to progress in my career following the programme. After all the experience I’ve accumulated over the years, I’m ready to complete my MBA to ensure I gain a well-rounded understanding of business, marketing, organisational behaviour and strategy.

Go back to featured January list

Gemma Barker

Can you share an overview of your professional background?

I have a background in medical diagnostics, medical affairs in the pharmaceutical industry and the NHS where I have worked across various roles. My experience has given me insights into both the scientific and business aspects of the industry, and I am keen to leverage this knowledge to drive impactful change in healthcare.

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

I was motivated to pursue an MBA to enhance my leadership skills and gain a deeper understanding of business strategy, particularly in the pharmaceutical industry. As a mother of three small children, I wanted to future-proof my career by expanding my expertise beyond my technical background. After completing the programme, I aim to take on a leadership role within the pharmaceutical or not-for-profit sector, focusing on innovation and business development.

What do you hope to learn from the Global Online MBA, both professionally and personally?

I hope to develop a strong foundation in business strategy, leadership and digital transformation. The Global Online MBA at Imperial will allow me to refine my decision-making skills and build a global network of like-minded professionals. Additionally, I want to gain a broader perspective on business trends and best practices that can be applied to the pharmaceutical sector.

You were awarded the Imperial Women’s Scholarship, what advice would you give to future applicants?

The Imperial Women’s Scholarship enabled me to pursue the Global Online MBA while balancing my career and family. This opportunity has been invaluable in developing my leadership skills and driving industry change. For prospective applicants, I recommend clearly articulating career goals, demonstrating leadership impact and sharing your personal motivations to strengthen your application. Additionally, showing a commitment to using your MBA to create positive change whether in business, technology or society can make an application stand out.

Go back to featured January list

Martins Awoponle

Why did you choose to study the Global Online MBA at Imperial College Business School?

I chose to study the Global Online MBA programme because I want to advance in my company and I felt this was the best step to take. Implementing the innovative strategies and knowledge I learn on this MBA programme will allow me to get a promotion and salary increase in my current position.

What are you most looking forward to as part of the Global Online MBA?

Aside from graduation, I’m looking forward to tailoring my MBA experience to my discipline and careers aspirations through the range of modules available. This will allow me to apply my new knowledge and skills to my company in Nigeria and implement innovative changes.

What was the biggest highlight of your in-person MBA Induction Week?

The highlight of my week was the team bonding exercises where I got to give my ideas, based on my experience, about how we should tackle a problem. But I was also able to hear plenty of different perspectives on how people from different backgrounds would address the same issue. These challenges taught me so much and allowed us to bond as a team, and it’s only the first week.

Why is collaboration across different MBA programmes important?

Meeting in-person during Induction Week highlighted the value of collaborating with students from other MBA cohorts. It was great to be working with students from a range of disciplines, the diversity of ideas and experience helped us to find different ways to tackle problems. For example, I have my own rigid way from my engineering background, but listening to other people's ideas and perspectives will help in my decision-making process in future.

Go back to featured January list