Meet the Weekend MBA Class of 2026

We are excited to welcome the Weekend MBA Class of 2026 to Imperial College Business School. These ambitious professionals have taken on the challenge of pursuing a part-time MBA while continuing to advance in their careers—demonstrating resilience, drive and a commitment to lifelong learning. Over the next 23 months, they will embark on a transformative journey, building on their expertise while gaining new skills, network connections and leadership insights to propel their careers forward.

The blended learning format of the Weekend MBA allows students to balance their studies with professional commitments. By combining monthly on-campus weekends in London with remote learning, they can immediately apply their knowledge to real-world business challenges. The programme is designed to accelerate their growth towards senior leadership, equipping them with the tools to drive innovation and impact within their industries.

Gaining a place in this highly competitive programme is no small feat. These students have already demonstrated their commitment by crafting exceptional applications, excelling in interviews and completing pre-study modules—laying a strong foundation for the journey ahead.

At Imperial College Business School, career support is an integral part of the MBA experience. Our world-class Careers team offers tailored guidance to help students secure roles in their desired sectors and achieve long-term career success. This includes a range of personalised services—available before the programme starts, throughout their studies, and even after graduation—ensuring that Weekend MBA students have the resources and support to thrive in an ever-evolving business landscape. 77% of our Class of 2023 Weekend MBA students secured a new role after graduation, highlighting the advantage of our tailored career support.

As they embark on this next chapter, we take a closer look at this impressive cohort—their diverse backgrounds, remarkable achievements, and what led them to join Imperial College Business School.

The Weekend MBA Class of 2026 at a glance

This year’s cohort of 98 students brings together a wealth of experience, through an average of seven years' work experience across industries including technology (21%), banking and finance (21%), consulting (16%), energy (9%), healthcare (8%) and engineering (7%). 41% of the class are female and 34 nationalities are represented on the programme from regions across the UK (30%), Europe (30%), Asia (22%), Africa/the Middle East (10%) and the US (8%), this truly international class fosters a global exchange of ideas and perspectives.

In this blog, we take a closer look at the individuals who make up the talented Class of 2026, including their motivations, backgrounds and what led them to Imperial College Business School.

What lies in the years ahead?  

After completing their pre-study modules, which equipped them with the foundational knowledge needed to excel, our students officially began an immersive induction week on campus. This week was designed to ease them into their new environment with introductory lectures, networking with their new peers and meeting faculty.

Kicking off with core modules in key management principles, the students begin to delve into essential business theories and practical applications, incorporating case studies and simulations to consolidate their learning.

As this programme welcomes students from a range of disciplines, pursuing different paths in their careers, they have the flexibility to choose from six elective modules to tailor their learning journey. They can choose to specialise in the following areas:

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

A global perspective is crucial for aspiring leaders; therefore, providing students with international exposure is a key component of our Weekend MBA programme. The Global Experience Week offers students the opportunity to travel abroad with other Imperial MBA cohorts, explore dynamic business markets, learn from innovative companies and immerse themselves in a different culture. Previous Global Experience Week destinations have included Brazil and Kenya, where students examined how business can drive climate action.

As they complete their second year, students put their knowledge into practice through a final individual project, leveraging their learning and new expertise to deliver strategic value directly to their organisations.

Can you share an overview of your professional background?

I am an Orthopaedic Surgery Registrar (formerly in a training programme) currently practising within the NHS, in trauma and elective surgery. Alongside my clinical career, I co-founded Joint Venture Health - an international healthcare facilitation company tackling the crisis of NHS waiting times by enabling UK patients to undergo timely and affordable joint replacement surgery with NHS-trained consultants at a world-class hospital in Bangalore, India. This entrepreneurial venture has allowed me to transition into the healthcare business space, gaining invaluable experience in cross-border healthcare delivery, start-up operations and strategic business development.

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

The motivation behind pursuing this MBA stems from my desire to bridge the worlds of clinical excellence and business leadership. The reality of NHS under-resourcing and my own experiences during COVID-19 highlighted that health and business are inseparable—economic stability underpins a functioning healthcare system. I want to be a leader who understands both.
My career goals reflect this dual focus. I plan to grow Joint Venture Health into a scalable business, revolutionising orthopaedic surgical pathways in the UK, while simultaneously transitioning into management consulting to sharpen my business problem-solving toolkit. Ultimately, I aim to become a Medical Director within the NHS, driving systemic change armed with both clinical insight and strategic business expertise. Beyond this, I am passionate about scaling my family’s pharmacy business in Nigeria, honouring my grandmother’s memory by ensuring safe and effective access to medication.

What global experience are you looking forward to the most and why?

Based upon the previous cohort’s Global Experience Week in Nairobi, Kenya - this excites me most. Having roots in Nigeria and firsthand exposure to healthcare inequalities in Sub-Saharan Africa, I am passionate about exploring how business can be a force for good across the continent.

This experience will offer valuable insights into how the business world is changing and ideally provide exposure into healthcare delivery models in emerging markets, equipping me with the tools to scale my family’s pharmacy business in Nigeria and explore future healthcare ventures across Africa.

It is more than a global experience—it is an opportunity to learn, give back and build a future that honours my family’s legacy.

Which scholarship(s) did you receive, and what inspired you to apply?

I am honoured to have been awarded three prestigious scholarships for the Weekend MBA programme at Imperial College Business School: The Black Future Leader Award, the Dean’s Impact Scholarship for Entrepreneurship and the Imperial Excellence Scholarship*. These awards recognise my professional achievements, leadership potential and my commitment to driving positive change within the healthcare sector.

I applied for these scholarships as they represent more than just financial support; they acknowledge my aspirations to transition from clinical practice to business leadership and my desire to make a meaningful impact. The Black Future Leader Award is particularly special to me, reflecting Imperial’s commitment to fostering diversity and empowering individuals from underrepresented backgrounds. Being recognised as a future leader reinforces my belief in my capabilities and fuels my determination to excel.

*If you are offered an Imperial College Business School scholarship and are subsequently offered a larger award by us, the larger one would supersede the first award and would not be in addition to it.

Can you share an overview of your professional background?

I have worked in the Department for Business and Trade for the past four years, working as Private Secretary to the Secretary of State, on trade tariff policy, and as an Investment Manager in the Office for Investment. Prior to the Civil Service, I worked as an Account Director in a business development consultancy, and before that I worked in Colombia with the regional government for three years. 

Why did you choose the Weekend MBA format at Imperial College Business School?

Having researched MBA options in the UK, I realised that Imperial College Business School was the best fit for me. Not only is it a prestigious university, but the weekend format allows me the flexibility to work full-time. The science and technology focus at Imperial complements my work, where I often speak with potential investors from AI, technology and industrial fields with interest in the UK market.

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

I want to add value to the government’s offer to investors. I believe the government should truly understand businesses, why they succeed and their challenges. In my role, I would like to become an increasingly useful voice for investors, with the ability to speak their language and understand the pressure points when they enter or expand in the UK. I hope to progress within my current role, work towards future roles with No.10 Downing Street or the Treasury and continue working with businesses.

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

I would like to revive my enjoyment of maths, especially learning its application in the professional world through Corporate Finance and Financial and Management Accounting modules. I also want to meet a new, diverse group of people who operate across different industries and professions.

Personally, I also want to feel challenged, as well as experience a learning environment where I can debate and learn with international colleagues. I want to push myself, know more about business and be equipped to deliver as a leader in the future.

Can you share an overview of your professional background?

I specialise in HR technology, rewards and systems, helping large organisations optimise their HR processes. As an HR Technology Manager, I focus on HRIS (Human Resource Information System), compensation frameworks, and end-to-end HR processes blending strategic and technical expertise to ensure technology effectively supports people strategies.

My path into HR tech was unconventional—I started in architecture, drawn to structure and creativity. Over time, my interest shifted to how systems shape workplace dynamics, leading me to pivot into HR technology, where I apply systems thinking to improve organisational processes.

What do you hope to gain from Imperial’s Weekend MBA programme to support your career aspirations?

Learning from such an engaged and ambitious group is just as valuable as the coursework itself. The ability to exchange ideas, collaborate on projects and gain insights from peers in different industries and global markets is something I know will shape my growth in ways I can’t even anticipate yet.

I also hope to expand my impact beyond my current role and location. With HR technology and automation reshaping workplaces, I see an opportunity to bridge the gap between people and AI while ensuring workforces remain efficient, fair and human-centric. Gaining a broader business perspective in finance, economics, and marketing will strengthen my strategic decision-making as I work toward leadership—whether in the corporate world or as a consultant.

Ultimately, I aspire to lead my own consulting practice, helping businesses navigate HR tech and the future of work. At the same time, I remain open to corporate roles that align with my vision for fair, accessible, and globally connected workplaces.

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

I’m really looking forward to the Capstone Consulting Project, which will give us the chance to tackle a real-world business challenge alongside a company. It’s an opportunity to put what we’ve learned into practice, work through complex problems and collaborate with classmates who bring a variety of perspectives and expertise.

I’m excited to contribute my experience while also learning from others in areas outside my own. It will be a great way to push our thinking, develop practical solutions and see firsthand how different industries approach challenges.

What does receiving the LGBTQ+ Scholarship mean to you, and what advice do you have for future applicants?

Receiving the LGBTQ+ Scholarship is both an honour and a personal milestone. Beyond financial support, it recognises my journey, challenges, and values. While it reflects progress, it’s also a reminder that barriers still exist for LGBTQ+ individuals in business.

For those applying, my advice is to own your story and be authentic. This scholarship isn’t just about achievements, it’s about your impact and perspective. Most importantly, remember your voice matters, and this is a chance to drive change, challenge norms, and build a more inclusive future. Go for it!

Can you share an overview of your professional background?

I am an expert in career and workplace culture, with extensive experience setting up and managing shared workspaces across the UK. As the Director at Projects, a coworking space operator, I have supported thousands of organisations in their growth. . I am also the Founder of Favourite Positions, a platform dedicated to workplace empowerment, born from my frustrations with outdated career norms, gender biases and ageism. Through this platform, I have built an engaged community of over 10,000 followers, and my work has been featured on the BBC, Channel 4, Cosmopolitan, Metro, and Start Up Magazine,

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

I’m committed to creating workplaces that empower individuals, drive business success, and ensure equal opportunities for all. This programme will refine my leadership and enhance my ability to create meaningful change in business and society.

After the Weekend MBA, I plan to expand the Projects platform across the UK, providing more professionals with opportunities for inclusive workspaces. I also want to grow Favourite Positions into a leading platform for career progression and workplace equity, offering tools, mentorship, and advocacy. My goal is to bridge the gap between talent and opportunity, ensuring equitable career access for everyone, regardless of their background.

How do you plan to manage you MBA studies, home-life and job?

Time management and prioritisation are going to be key. I enjoy balancing multiple responsibilities and I plan to structure my time efficiently, leveraging my amazing team at work and maintaining a strong support system. I have created an epic Notion to help me stay on track of what needs to be done for the programme, my personal life and my work. I also think it’s important to schedule regular time with family and friends, so no matter how busy life gets, you don’t end up with all work and no play.

What hobbies or interests do you have outside of your academic and professional life?

Beyond my work, I am deeply passionate about advocating for workplace inclusivity, gender equality and social impact initiatives. My podcast and platform, Favourite Positions, allows me to highlight the voices of those pushing for progressive change. I also enjoy exploring new cities, discovering amazing restaurants and fitness. At Imperial, I am eager to engage with entrepreneurship and diversity-focused groups to further these conversations.

Can you share an overview of your professional background?

My background spans from working in the manufacturing and sports industries, having first worked in a large manufacturing FTSE 100 industry, I then moved into the sports sector and played a key role in delivering the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, the largest sporting event the United Kingdom had seen since the London 2012 Olympics.

After finishing such an exciting milestone, I had a buzz for the fast-paced industry which led me to the industry I am in now, Formula 1, where as a result of such an exciting and amazing industry the buzz continuously grows each day.

What hobbies or interests do you have outside of your academic and professional life?

Outside of my professional and academic background, I’m a vocal advocate for mentorship and community outreach and engagement. To me, the biggest reward is helping others - nothing tops that.

I've led initiatives that connect young people from all backgrounds, helping to build confidence and ambition among our local youth. I am also an England Athletics Athlete Panel member, where I focus my time and effort into community outreach with the aim of wanting to help improve peoples’ welfare with a positive outlook for the future.

What global experience are you looking forward to the most and why?

Imperial’s Global Experience Week will give me the opportunity to understand business behaviours and how companies interact culturally from a completely different perspective than what I experience in the UK. These are the kinds of insights you can’t truly appreciate until you’ve been there and lived it yourself. It’s also a great opportunity to network with people from all MBA cohorts. I’m a strong advocate for practical learning, and the best way to see how the world is changing and figure out where I fit within it is to get out there and experience it firsthand.