| Imperial College Business School

What Advice Would You Give to Your Former Self? Students Write Letters to Their First Day Selves

In this blog students completing their programme, recall their earlier days at the Business School. They reflect on critical moments that have shaped their approaches to learning and share insights from embracing failures as learning opportunities to cultivating genuine professional connections. These personal letters highlight their transformative journeys and offer great advice to incoming students.

Dear Past Me,

Finally, you've arrived at your dream college-congratulations! Your transformative journey has just begun, and I couldn't be more excited for you. As you step into the immersive world of endless opportunities at the business school, there are a few things I want you to keep in mind.

The initial week might seem overwhelming, especially if you are adjusting to a new country, but remember to embrace it all at a steady pace. Breathe, absorb the new environment and relish the sensation of embarking on this incredible journey.

Step out of your comfort zone and connect with those from diverse cultures. Remember, everyone is in the same boat as you. Be open to new challenges and experiences with a positive outlook. A warm smile can bridge gaps and create lasting connections. Every experience, good or bad, is a chance to learn.

Keep celebrating small victories and embrace your mistakes as stepping stones to improvement. Your time management skills will be your lifeline at the Business School, especially as an international student. While it might seem demanding sometimes, the rewards will be well worth the effort you invest.

Above all, believe in yourself, trust the process, and make sure that you enjoy every moment. The days will pass like shooting stars, so seize each opportunity with curiosity. Keep your goals in sight and be ready for the distinctive surprises woven into the program (P.S. Keep guessing the destinations for your upcoming international trips!)

With unwavering support and excitement,

The You Who's Already Been There,

Yogda Kalra (MSc International Management, 2023)

Dear younger self,

I’m writing to tell you how young and blessed you are as you step into this phase of your life. This is going to be your life’s most eventful and challenging year. I’m sure by now you’ve come to realise that dreams do come true, but they come at a cost so always remember to be kind and grateful even when you’re unhappy. Remember that the people around you are facing the same challenges but in a thousand different ways. Try to be there for your family and your community as much as you can.

Every day in this academic year will come with a fair set of opportunities and it’s on you to get the best of them. London is a dream city and it’s a city that tries you in the best of ways. Always try to stay connected with your inner calling. Try to network and connect with people in and through the Business School as that will account for shared learning and growth. I know that’s not one of your weak suits but there could be days you will feel like doing nothing. Don’t let such days take your spirit down. Take it one day at a time and you’ll be fine.

Lastly, the memories you’re going to make this year will be simply incredible so make sure you savour each moment and live life to its fullest. Don’t be afraid of taking risks and asking questions! You got this!

Your older self,

Swapan Bahrani (MSc Economics & Strategy for Business, 2023)

Dear Past Mangala,

As you take your first steps onto the Kensington Campus of Imperial College Business School, you will experience a whirlwind of emotions – excitement, anticipation, and a touch of nervousness. However, do not worry! These feelings mark the beginning of an incredible journey that will shape you into the entrepreneurial and innovative business leader you aspired to become when you first applied to the university.

Through all the assignments and online lectures, just remember to share your thoughts, ask questions, and actively engage with professors and fellow students. Your contributions will inspire others to do the same and encourage class discussions and collaborations.

Remember to brace yourself for challenges. As the old saying goes, when the going gets tough, the tough get going! Every hurdle is a chance to learn and grow. Seek guidance from mentors and lean on your classmates – they are with you on this journey, and their support will be invaluable.

While your academic performance is vital, remember to also take care of your wellbeing. It is easy to stress and lose sleep over assignments and exams. However, when you listen to music, go for a walk and do the things you love to do, you will keep your mind sharp and your spirits high.

Networking events might seem intimidating, but they're golden opportunities to connect with like minder peers and professionals. Be yourself and reach out to many other people – you never know what connections might shape your future.

Stay curious and stay eager. The business world constantly changes, and your desire to learn will help keep you up to date with the latest trends. Embrace the opportunities presented to you and do your best to even surpass your own expectations.

Remind yourself why you came to Imperial in the first place – to make a positive social impact and to be the best you can be. It won't always be smooth sailing, but with your determination and passion, you will come out of this stronger and wiser.

Finally, as the days swiftly turn into weeks and weeks into months, don't forget to celebrate each achievement, no matter how small. Enjoy the journey while it lasts and don't stop making memories.

Yours Sincerely,

Future Managla Prasetia (Global Online MBA, 2023)

Stay curious and stay eager. The business world constantly changes, and your desire to learn will help keep you up to date with the latest trends.

Dear Past Me,

Firstly, hats off to you for choosing Imperial College Business School! It's like you aimed for the stars and landed right on the moon. As you took those first steps onto its iconic campus, little did you know the of the rollercoaster of experiences ahead.

The thrill of meeting people from different corners of the globe was simply exhilarating. It felt like a whirlwind of cultures, languages, and stories all coming together in one place.Among those faces are individuals who will become more than just classmates. They'll be your friends, your 3 AM study buddies, and the ones you'll share unforgettable memories with. These are the connections that won't fade with time; they'll only grow stronger, forming bonds that you'll cherish for a lifetime.

Remember the group projects, recall how you believed assembling a team would be like the Avengers coming together? The reality: more like a sitcom cast with diverse personalities, and the ever-present challenge of coordinating everyone's 'ideal meeting time'. Who knew business strategy also meant negotiating between early birds and night owls?

Yet, amid the spreadsheets, SWOT analyses, and simulation games, you unearthed the essence of Imperial College Business School. It wasn’t just about financial models or marketing strategies. It was about shaping visions, honing leaders, and yes, teaching the fine art of surviving 3-hour lectures on corporate strategy.

Thanks to Imperial College Business School, you're in for a global adventure that's beyond your wildest dreams. Within a year, you'll find yourself jet-setting to incredible countries! Whether it's enjoying a cup of espresso in Istanbul or wandering through Singapore's bustling markets, you'll be gathering priceless memories and friendships from around the world—experiences that no classroom can ever provide.

Looking back, I am grateful for that wide-eyed version of myself who stepped onto campus, ready to embrace every opportunity that came my way. It's going to be a year of growth, discovery, and connections that will last a lifetime.

So, dear past self, continue the journey ahead with an open heart and an open mind. Cherish the friendships, relish the challenges, and savour the victories. Your first week was just the beginning of an incredible adventure, and I can't wait for you to see how far we've come.

With excitement and a hint of envy (because, oh, the adventures you're about to have!),

Your Future Jet-setting, Networked, and Grateful Self.

Navdeep Ghothra, MSc International Management

It's going to be a year of growth, discovery, and connections that will last a lifetime.

Dear Me At First Week Of Imperial,

Congratulations on making it to Imperial College! You did it. Celebrate this moment. As you step into the realm of Imperial, remember to cherish each and every moment, every success and set-back, because this was your dream and you worked hard to get here!

Don’t be afraid or intimidated. Your classmates are just as excited, nervous, and new as you are. Embrace the opportunity to meet new people and make new friends. Find a common ground with fellow students. Engage in conversations that go beyond the textbooks. Ask questions about their backgrounds, their interests, and their daily routines. These connections will forge friendships that will last a lifetime.

In this whirlwind adventure, resist the urge to rush through things. Time will fly by, and your journey at Imperial will conclude before you know it. Every moment counts. Relish in the student life, for these years are unparalleled when it comes to learning, upskilling, exploring, and personal growth.

Remember that grades matter, but learning matters more. Prioritise understanding concepts and developing critical thinking. Don’t put all your energy into acing the exam, rather dedicate yourself to understanding and learning the material. Trust that if you invest in the process, the grades will naturally follow suit.

Amid the hustle, make it a ritual to connect with one new person every week. This could be a classmate, a professor, or someone from a different school within the university. As the semesters unfold and familiarity settles in, it's easy to become complacent. However, remember that growth thrives beyond your comfort zone, and these new relationships will enrich your experience.

Venture beyond the classroom. Explore the plethora of educational resources that Imperial College offers. Attend library workshops, digital literacy classes, Inkpath modules etc. Join clubs and socieities as per your interest like the Enterprise Lab, Finance Club, Student Investment Club etc. These activities will enhance your academic journey and broaden your horizons.

Lastly do not forget the sheer luxury of being in London. Make the most of your historic campus and the vibrant city that it is in. Don’t rush to class, leave early and take a leisurely walk through Hyde Park. Don’t shut yourself in your room and study, immerse yourself in the grandeur of the university library and absorb the energy of all the learners around you. London is your oyster, so delve into its culture, theater, and diverse culinary scene.

Embrace this incredible opportunity with open arms, and remember that growth often comes from stepping out of your comfort zone. Your journey at Imperial College London will be filled with learning, adventure, and personal development. Explore, experience, and relish every moment, for it's a chapter you'll fondly reminisce about in the years to come

Sincerely,

Your Future Self At Graduation,

Aakriti Jhunjhunwala (Global Online MBA)

Dear Kirk,

It’s almost time! For three months, you’ve been thinking about this moment. Ever since receiving your acceptance letter, you’ve been wondering, dreaming, and hoping about your next chapter at Imperial.

Who will you meet? Will you enjoy living in London? What will you learn?

These questions, and many others, are racing through your head. I know you’re seeking quick answers, but have faith they’ll be answered in time. As hard as it may be, try not to compare your timeline to others, and trust your path will lead you where you should be.

Each of the first few days, weeks, and months will be filled with new experiences. Open yourself to these opportunities and embrace the unknown. Your classmates, like you, are excitedly nervous about the year ahead. Everyone wants to make friends, and although it can be difficult, everyone will be grateful if you take the first step and say hello.

You won’t always know what’s going on, and you’ll have your fair share of culture shock. Rather than trying to fit in, recognise and appreciate the unique aspects of your personality and culture you bring to the table. These characteristics will enrich your and your classmates’ experiences; you live in London, but the international diversity of your cohort will open a world of possibilities.

You’ve earned your spot to study at Imperial College Business School and by being your authentic self, you’ll make this experience your own. Enjoy it, embrace it, and have fun! Imperial is a wonderful place to study, and London is an exciting place to live. You’re in for a fantastic year of academic, professional, and personal growth. You got this!

From your future self,

Kirk Zieser (MSc Climate Change, Management & Finance)

As you set out on your own journey, we hope the words of our students inspire you to navigate your own journey at Imperial College Business School. Here's to creating your own path to success!

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Building Bridges Before Day One Of My MBA: Networking Tips for Incoming Imperial College Business Students

Mangala Prasetia, Global Online MBA student shares his top tips for networking ahead of welcome week at Imperial College Business School.

Sometimes, the first day of university can seem quite daunting – where do I go for my classes? What subjects do I pick to study? How do I make the most out of my university experience? These were some of the questions that swam around my head as I embarked on my highly anticipated journey to Imperial College London (15,000 kilometers away from a place I called home – Australia). One of the ways in which I alleviated my concerns was through networking, even before arriving at Imperial College Business School.

Networking is often viewed as the secret ingredient to success. Throughout my life, countless lecturers, mentors, and peers from academic and professional backgrounds have reminded me about the importance of building meaningful connections. In fact, investing in a robust and diverse network can reap rewards – including finding out where classes are held, what subjects and electives to pick, as well as knowing how to make the most of the opportunities available! Without further ado, here are the top five tips to building a thriving university support network.

I personally find that building a strong network before university starts will provide you with a support network and a sense of comfort when you attend your first day.

1. Start a conversation on social media:

LinkedIn, Whatsapp, IB connect, Voxx - there is no shortage of social media channels (both official and unofficial) that allow you to sign up and connect with fellow students, alumni from Imperial College Business School. The Uni Buddy group for your particular study and cohort is a useful starting point. The Imperial College Business School community is always happy to share their experiences which provide a fresh perspective on how to successfully navigate the Imperial life.

2. Join seminars and events:

There are plenty of seminars and other meetups or activities which are offered by the Business School during the semester breaks or orientation week. Most of these can be found on IB Connect. Some of these events are advertised through newsletters, so check your emails! Some events are also hosted by industry professionals, so this is the opportunity for you to obtain insights and advice on how to find opportunities within your target industry or job.

3. Sign up for interest groups and specific communities

Joining communities that align with your interests and aspirations will allow you to engage with other students who share the same passions, whether it be about startups, sci-fi movies or climate education, Imperial has a club for everyone. I’d encourage incoming students to check out one of the biggest student communities, the Imperial Enterprise Lab. Imperial Enterprise Lab Given Imperial is known for its entrepreneurial spirit, it will be beneficial for you to connect with a few students from this Slack group, even if you haven’t thought about your own start-up (yet!)

4. Think outside your cohort

Actively find opportunities to interact with students outside of the Business School – whether it be through seminars or interest groups. Imperial College London is renowned for its STEM subjects, getting an understanding of inter-disciplinary concepts is a competitive advantage in most modern workplaces as businesses actively seek technologically literate employees and harness STEM advancements (such as generative AI).

5. Find a mentor (or multiple ones!)

Lastly, and most importantly, find someone (or multiple people) who are willing to be your mentors and provide counsel to you even before university starts so you can optimise your university experience. In addition to attending seminars, events and being active on social media, you can also engage with your professors and other faculty staff (e.g. programme advisors) to see if they can help identify an appropriate mentor who can guides you throughout your journey.

So all the best with connecting! I personally find that building a strong network before university starts will provide you with a support network and a sense of comfort when you attend your first day.

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My Experience of Networking: How I Made Connections Before Even Stepping On Campus

Kirk Zieser, MSc Climate Change, Management & Finance shares his top tips for building your network and making connections that last, before your first day at Imperial College Business School.

This time last year, I was full of curiosity – curiosity that teetered between anxiety and excitement. With less than one month before my programme, MSc Climate Change, Management, and Finance, was due to begin, I was preoccupied with one of two thoughts. It was always either…

Will I make friends at Imperial? Will I be able to build professional and support networks in a new city, country, and continent?

or...

How in the world will I be able to keep my suitcases under the weight limit?

Although packing for your upcoming move to London may be a challenge, building your network doesn’t have to be. Take a few proactive steps and you’ll be counting those connections in no time.

"I assure you: you will build strong connections. You will create a robust professional network. And most importantly, you will make friends at Imperial who cheer for you to achieve your professional goals and support you through all your ups and downs. "

Unibuddy: find your community

When you received your offer to attend Imperial College Business School (hooray!), you should have also received an invite to join Unibuddy Community. Through Unibuddy, you can join your programme’s official group and meet incoming students from across the Business School. This is a great first way to get to know other students and lay the groundwork for your network.

LinkedIn: your built-in best friend

If you haven’t already discovered the joys of the corporate world’s favourite social media site, you’re in for a treat! LinkedIn is your one-stop shop to build a CV, make connections, and watch your network blossom into a fully formed web that can help you land that dream internship or make a first introduction. Regardless of your LinkedIn level – from “I still need to download the app” to “LinkedIn is literally my home screen” – the Business School will provide a wealth of resources and workshops at the start of the year to help you hone your profile into a masterpiece you’ll be proud to link in your email signature.

The best things you can do right now are:

If you haven’t already, go create your LinkedIn account. It’s okay if it remains pretty basic for the time being – you’ll have the chance to improve it later.

Remember all those students you just met through Unibuddy Community? Search them on LinkedIn and request to connect!

Your master’s cohort is an excellent place to start building your network. All your soon-to-be classmates are just as interested in meeting you as you are in meeting them, so don’t hesitate to send those “connect” requests and start the conversation!

As you search for jobs and people, LinkedIn will indicate if any fellow Imperial alumni work at a particular company, or if you have any connections in common. Having a shared academic background or connection makes for a great icebreaker, so if you see someone you’d like to connect with, you can always add a note in your connection request to introduce yourself! (Hint: if you don’t see the option to “Connect”, click “More”, then “Connect”, then “Add a note”. You’ll be limited to 300 characters, so use them wisely!

WhatsApp: from connections to friends

LinkedIn messaging is great for professional conversations, but for more informal chats (including crowdsourcing potential flatmates), WhatsApp has your back. In my cohort, one person took the initiative to create a WhatsApp group chat; he then sent a joining link to our LinkedIn group feed, and voilà! – the “MSc CCMF 2022-2023” group chat was born (feel free to think of a more creative name for your cohort’s chat). This chat continues to buzz with notifications regularly – everything from coordinating logistics for get-togethers to asking, “when is that project due again?”

While LinkedIn is busy establishing your professional connections, WhatsApp texts help grow your personal support network as you bond with friends over shared memes and funny gifs. Make no mistake: these friendships double as powerful and lasting professional connections, especially once we fast forward to this time next year and you and your friends prepare to (re)enter the working world.

"Your master’s cohort is an excellent place to start building your network. All your soon-to-be classmates are just as interested in meeting you as you are in meeting them, so don’t hesitate to send those “connect” requests and start the conversation!"

Start with what you know

Moving to London can be daunting – it certainly was for me. Coming from the US, I didn’t know anyone on this side of the Atlantic and was nervous about building my professional network, especially since I realised how it’s often your connections at a company, not a cover letter, that help your job application really stand out. Throughout the year, Imperial College Business School will bring in several guest speakers that can form the core of your UK professional network. But if you’re particularly eager to start your network, you may be surprised by who your current contacts know. For example, when I told a friend in the US I was going to Imperial, she shared she has a long-time colleague working in sustainability consulting in the UK. She put the two of us in touch, and conversation flowed from there. Just like that, I had my first connection.

Trust the process

Although your first impression of future classmates may be made through LinkedIn’s “connect” button, it’s only a matter of weeks until you meet the real people behind those online CVs. During the first few days, it’s possible you’ll struggle to remember everyone’s name. But over the course of the year, friendships will emerge, and for decades to come, when you’re successfully running your business that improves the world, those friendships will continue and will remain the bedrock of your professional network in London and around the world.

Keep in mind what matters is the quality, not quantity, of your connections. Just as spiders don’t race each other to build their webs, don’t worry if it takes a little longer to build yours.

I assure you: you will build strong connections. You will create a robust professional network. And most importantly, you will make friends at Imperial who cheer for you to achieve your professional goals and support you through all your ups and downs.

I hope my advice helps quell at least a couple of your back-to-school nerves. If you’re still unsure about how to make that first connection, add me on LinkedIn here. There, that’s one! You’ve taken the first step, now it’s time to embark on your journey.

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Meet our standout Joint Honours alumni

Last month the 30-year anniversary of the Undergraduate Suite took place and we celebrated it with a fantastic event in London. The event featured a star studded panel with Joint Honours graduates who have been doing amazing things with their career. Below are their stories.

Gloria Cheng

Gloria works as a business analyst intern at Sony Music Entertainment in the Global Business Development and Digital Strategy team. Working closely with both account managers and business analysts, she focuses on conducting in-depth business analysis and negotiating commercial agreements with global and multi-territory digital partners. This spans across various industries, including gaming and fitness, and multiple platforms such as Spotify and YouTube Music.

Prior to her current position, Gloria completed a BSc in Biological Sciences and Management in 2020 and MSc in Strategic Marketing in 2021 at Imperial Business School in which she was honoured on the Dean’s List. One of her highlights during her Masters’ degree was working with Immediate Media, a magazine publishing client, for her consulting project module. This involved proposing marketing strategies to digitalise traditional subscription products.

Outside of work, she is passionate about music and dance. She is one of the lead choreographers of Funkology, Imperial’s Hip Hop dance society.

Lee Cowie

Lee is currently Chief Technology Officer for Merlin Entertainments, the world’s 2nd largest location-based entertainment company by visitor volume. He runs a global team spread across 4 continents in 28 countries and is responsible for the technology strategy, the day-to-day operation of the IT and the delivery of new technology to help entertain the guests. Some of our attractions are the size of a small town and there is a lot of behind-the-scenes technology that goes into making a great day out.

Lee graduated from the joint honours programme at Imperial in 1999 and went onto a graduate role at Norwich Union (AVIVA), before a series of job changes saw him land in Broadcast media working for a spin off from the BBC. There he ran the team that launched the very first version of BBC iPlayer and eventually ran video on demand service for all the UK’s major TV terrestrial broadcasters. Lee subsequently moved to Ericsson and spent 4 years travelling the world opening new TV broadcast stations in many countries.

Lee completed an MBA in 2010 and found the joint honours programme gave him a great leg up in completing that course.

Jason Parmer

Jason currently works at TikTok where he leads the UK Gaming team.

Jason graduated from Imperial with a Chemistry & Business Management joint honours in 2013. After graduating he joined Microsoft as a grad to follow his passion for Tech. Starting in the corporate services arm, he then moved to the fast-paced digital advertising arm of Microsoft.

Jason then moved to King, the makers of Candy Crush (who had just been acquired by Activision Blizzard) to launch the company-wide Advertising business. This was quite a fun venture, joining a new stealth team pre-revenue to build it up to well over >$100m run rate and 15x the team within 3 years made for some fun stories. Jason then moved to Berlin for a brief stint leading programmatic revenue at OneFootball, before COVID made him decide to come back to London, where he joined TikTok to launch their Ad Network across the EU before leading Gaming.

Jason is a specialist in programmatic digital advertising, most things technology & the gaming industry (and a bit of VR). Where he can go into very deep detail though is in-app advertising (IAA) & digital brand advertising.

Alumni blog: Ashar Yahya, Quantitative Trader at Nomura

Ashar Yahya completed his MSc Finance in 2021. He now holds a position in CLO trading at Nomura in New York, where he plays a vital role in bond pricing and liquidity provision. With plans to pursue an MBA at Harvard Business School and start his own business in the financial technology sector, Ashar's future looks promising.

Time at Imperial

Ashar's experience at the Business School significantly enhanced his quantitative skills, which he had already developed during his undergraduate studies in Finance at McGill in Canada.

The courses at Imperial were particularly challenging, with demanding problem sets that pushed Ashar to expand his knowledge in the field. Beyond the classroom, Ashar served as the President of the North America Business Club, showcasing his leadership abilities and fostering connections with fellow students.

He found inspiration in all his professors, who demonstrated unwavering support during the COVID-19 pandemic, accommodating various time zones and providing flexibility in exams.

Career since leaving Imperial

Since graduating from Imperial, Ashar has embarked on a successful career in CLO trading at Nomura in New York. His primary responsibilities involve pricing bonds on the secondary market and facilitating liquidity for buyers and sellers. The skills he acquired during his time at Imperial have been instrumental in his career development. Ashar's ability to work under pressure and solve complex problems has proven invaluable in the fast-paced trading environment.

Don’t be afraid of failing - I think throughout my education, I’ve got a couple of bad exam grades, but its more important on how you rectify those mistakes next time

A typical day for Ashar involves arriving at work around 7 am, analyzing bond metrics, determining tentative price talk, submitting bids, and collecting bids from customers interested in purchasing the bonds. This routine requires a mix of analytical skills, decision-making, and effective communication.

Looking to the Future

Ashar's future holds exciting opportunities as he has been admitted to Harvard Business School's deferred MBA program. In two years' time, he plans to enroll at HBS to further enhance his business acumen. Beyond that, Ashar aspires to establish his own business in the financial technology space. His goal is to leverage his expertise and innovative thinking to make a significant impact in the industry.

With the combination of his educational background, professional experience, and entrepreneurial spirit, Ashar is well-positioned for a successful future.

Celebrating 25 Years of Excellence in Finance

On 25 May 2023 at The Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, Imperial College Business School gathered to celebrate 25 years of excellence in finance. The event, which marked a significant milestone in our institution's history, proved to be a resounding success with over 400 finance professionals, esteemed academics, and passionate graduates in attendance.

"It really was so impressive to see how many alumni and other key guests joined us, and that includes those who flew into London just to attend this high-profile celebration of 25 years of excellence in finance."

Joël McConnell

Executive Director of Institutional Relations

Expert panel and Q&A on the topic of “finance for good”

The evening commenced with a keynote address by Professor Ralf Toumi, Co-Director of the Grantham Institute. His thought-provoking speech shed light on innovative carbon capture techniques and the cutting-edge technology required to achieve Net Zero outcomes.

Following the keynote address, a panel of experts took centre stage to discuss the topic of "finance for good." Distinguished representatives from diverse sectors, including government, pension funds, ESG players, private equity, and social impact investing, explored the vast array of capital sources necessary for funding the green revolution. The panel discussion fostered a vibrant exchange of ideas, emphasising the significance of collaborative efforts in tackling society's greatest challenges.

Panellists:

Chris Hunt (SandBrook Capital)
Katharina Schwaiger (Managing Director of Sustainable Solutions, Blackrock)
Mike Weston (Chief Executive, LGPS Central Limited)
Sarah Tennison (Head of Clean Growth Strategy and Impact, Innovate UK)
Michael Liebreich (Co-Managing Partner, EcoPragma Capital LLP Chairman & CEO, Liebreich Associates Host of Cleaning Up podcast and Jean de Fougerolles, Founder Ascension)

Award winners

The event also served as a platform to recognise the exceptional achievements of some of Imperial College Business School's most talented alumni. Their accomplishments stood as a testament to the institution's commitment to fostering excellence in financial research, teaching, and professional advancement. The evening became a celebration of their collective success and a source of inspiration for the next generation of finance professionals.

Beyond their personal accomplishments, these remarkable alumni have actively embraced their role as mentors and volunteers within the business school community. They have generously shared their knowledge, experiences, and industry insights, serving as guides and role models for current students.

Awards presented by Professors Lara Cathcart and Professor James Sefton, joint-Academic Directors of the MSc in Finance programme to:

Reda Farran, MSc Finance 2013
Jonathan Fielding, Investment and Wealth Management (MSc 1YFT), 2018
Roya Rahnejat, Risk Management (MSc 1YFT), 2007
Stephane Renevier, MSc Finance, 2013
Davide Sciuto, Investment and Wealth Management (MSc 1YFT), 2018

"It's been an absolute joy for me to give back to the school by hosting various career workshops and webinars in recent years. Receiving recognition for these efforts and being chosen for the award is a tremendous honor, and I am really grateful to James Sefton and Lara Cathcart for selecting both Stephane and me. "

Reda Farran

Award Winner

Forging Connections

Amidst the celebration of achievements and the exchange of knowledge, the event also provided a picturesque backdrop for alumni to reconnect and network while enjoying views of Hyde Park. As an alumni relations team, we pride ourselves on giving our alumni as many opportunities as possible to network and strengthen their professional relationships.

Are you an alumni and looking to be more engaged?

If so, then there are some easy steps you can take to re-engage with the Imperial Community:

Make sure your contact data is up to date and that you have provided consent for us to contact you with news, opportunities, and event information
Join us for events in London and around the globe, as a general guest or an alumni ambassador.
Participate in the next Global Giving Day which will be happening in the first half of 2024.
Share your success story with us, hire a graduate, help the school engage with your organisation... there really are so many ways to stay in touch and be an active member of the more than 24,000 Business School alumni located in more than 130 countries.

For more information on future events and to sign-up, please visit our event page.

Mental Health Awareness Week: Students share their Mental Health and Wellbeing tips ahead of exams

This week is Mental Health Awareness Week, which is an opportunity for the whole of the UK to concentrate and raise awareness on achieving good mental health. It’s key for starting conversations surrounding mental health and provides the chance to reflect on aspects that influence our wellbeing from day to day.

We spoke to some of our students at Imperial College Business School and they shared some invaluable advice that they would like to pass on to the Imperial College London community, about how they support their own mental health and wellbeing as students, as well as during the exam period.

Mangala Prasetia - Global Online MBA

What are your tips for looking after your mental health and wellbeing as a student? 

My top 3 tips for looking after your mental health and wellbeing would be:

Change up your environment. When you're studying for exams or working intensely through an assessment task, it can get quite mundane to be in the same room for hours on end. Mix it up and go to the local cafe, library, park or different areas of the campus. Get some fresh air throughout the day and find an environment which makes you feel more relaxed and focused. 
Talk to people: As humans, we are social creatures and it's important to maintain social connections for our wellbeing. Regularly catch up with your friends and family (virtually or in person). Sign up to a club or organisation on campus to meet new people who are like-minded and have similar interests. Go to networking events. Say hi and introduce yourself to the student next to you in the lecture theatre. Even the most introverted personalities need some level of human interaction throughout the week. 
Organise your days and weeks in a calendar. Make sure that you have allocated enough time to balance out studying, socialising and spending some alone time for self-care. If you can see what you have on throughout your day, you will feel less overwhelmed. More importantly, allocate yourself small breaks throughout the day and stick to the schedule! That way you don't feel guilty about watching YouTube skits, and you won't procrastinate either.

Do you have a favourite location on campus or in London where you can go to when you feel anxious and stressed?

I personally find that spending time outdoors in parks or gardens helps me clear my mind - it also helps me with my mindfulness and breathing exercises, which takes away the stress and anxiety. The Prince's Gardens on campus is a great place to unwind. Off campus, I enjoy a walk around Kensington Gardens - there are spacious walking paths, it's usually quite peaceful throughout the day, and you get some great views of Kensington Palace! Back in my country of residence, Australia, I like to go to the local beaches to get some much-needed fresh air and hear the sounds of waves (and sometimes feel them on my feet as I walk along the shoreline!)

If you could go back in time and give yourself a piece of advice before taking your exams, what would it be? 

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself the most important thing is to remember it's about the process, not the outcome. Exams are just a small part of the journey. There is so much more to the Business School to experience - the connections and friendships you foster, the memories of activities that you will fondly reflect on (perhaps someday if not now) and the career opportunities you get exposed to. Yes, I absolutely agree that you must dedicate your time to studying and achieving good grades, but at the end of the day, what matters most is if you have tried your best. Your success should not be defined by a single set of exams but it's about your personal and professional growth during the Imperial journey. 

Do you have an inspirational quote that helps and motivates you?

One of my favourite quotes, and something which motivates me to keep going is an ancient Chinese proverb by Confucius, who says something along the lines of "It does not matter how slowly you go, as long as you don't stop" (translated). My late grandfather would often quote this to me to remind me that progress is still progress, no matter how slow it may be. When it comes to preparing for exams, it can sometimes be slow going trying to understand a particularly difficult concept. However, if you continue to persevere, you enhance your resilience and ultimately you are more prepared than you were before. 

Virali Modi - MSc Finance & Accounting

What are your tips for looking after your mental health and wellbeing as a student?

As a student, your mental health and wellbeing are important for your academic success and overall quality of life. Prioritising self-care activities such as getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and engaging in regular physical activity is key.

Another tip is to manage your time effectively; being organised can help reduce stress and anxiety levels. You can use tools like calendars, to-do lists, and productivity apps to stay on top of your coursework and other commitments. 

It's also essential to stay connected with friends, family, and other social networks, especially during stressful times like exams or deadlines. Talking to someone can help you relieve stress and gain perspective on your situation.

Furthermore, developing a positive mindset and focusing on gratitude can help improve your mental health and wellbeing. Take time each day to reflect on the things you are thankful for, practice mindfulness, and engage in activities that bring you joy.

Lastly, if you're struggling with your mental health, don't be afraid to seek help. Imperial offers a Student Counselling and Mental Health Advice Service.

Do you have a favourite location on campus or in London where you can go to when you feel anxious and stressed?

As someone who enjoys reading, I find the library to be a great place to go to when I'm feeling stressed or anxious on our South Kensington campus or in London. The peaceful atmosphere, abundance of books, and quiet study areas help me to calm down and focus my mind on something other than my worries. I usually spend some time browsing through the shelves, picking up a book that catches my interest, and finding a comfortable spot to sit and read.

If you could go back in time and give yourself a piece of advice before taking your exams, what would it be? 

If I could go back in time, I would remind myself to stay calm and trust my preparation. It's easy to get caught up in feelings of stress and anxiety during exam season, but it's essential to remember that I attended all the lectures and studied all the topics throughout the semester. I have gained the knowledge and skills needed to tackle the exam questions. 

It's also helpful to keep in mind that exams are often about applying logic and critical thinking, rather than memorising information. By focusing on the broader concepts and how they connect, rather than trying to recall every detail, I can approach the exam questions with greater confidence and clarity. In addition to maintaining a positive mindset, it's also important to take care of oneself during the exam period. Getting enough sleep, eating healthily, and engaging in regular exercise can all help to reduce stress levels and improve cognitive function

Do you have an inspirational quote that helps and motivates you?

“Always stay true to yourself and never let what somebody says distract you from your goals.” - Michelle Obama. 

This is an essential reminder to stay grounded in who you are and what you want to achieve, despite the distractions and pressures of the world around you. 

Swapan Bahrani - MSc Economics & Strategy for Business 

What are your tips for looking after your mental health and wellbeing as a student?

The first step to overall well-being is self-love and self-appreciation. I believe that starting your day with some form of self-affirmation and positive self-talk can make a stimulating difference. I personally sit for a couple of minutes to meditate every morning and it helps me start my day on a positive and refreshing note. Secondly, I would also recommend indulging in a hobby or developing a skill you personally admire or feel passionate about. I like going for a run once every day or doing functional training in the gym. It helps me drain all the stress that comes with the rigorous coursework and managing personal and social responsibilities. 

Do you have a favourite location on campus or in London where you can go to when you feel anxious and stressed?

I love going to the Tower Bridge pier which has the most beautiful view of the Shard and Tower Bridge. The calm along the waterfront helps me rejuvenate and find my calm amidst the chaos. The skyscrapers give me a sense of ambition and persistence, inspiring me to aim high and never settle for less.

If you could go back in time and give yourself a piece of advice before taking your exams, what would it be?

The only piece of advice I would share with my younger self and everyone else in general would be to not doubt yourself and your mental capabilities during exams. It’s quite natural to feel underprepared before appearing for an exam but the trick is to believe and constantly reassure yourself that you have given it your best and even if certain things do not go your way, you can find a way out of the difficulty.

Do you have a motivational / inspirational quote that helps or motivates you?

The quote that has stayed with me for years is – “grow through what you go through.”

Aakriti Jhunjhunwala, Global Online MBA.

What are your tips for looking after your mental health and wellbeing as a student?

My top tip for looking after one’s mental health is to take time off to just de-stress every day. This could be just 15 mins to half an hour. One can do any activity they want in this time – go for a walk, meet friends, watch a TV show, go for a workout etc. However, I think it is crucial to take these 15 minutes of self-care time daily, to de-compress and let the body and mind relax.

Personally, I really enjoy going to the gym, going for yoga classes and gardening to de-stress. Time that I spend doing these activities is sacred and I don’t look at my phone or emails during this time. I force myself to stop thinking about school work and I am 100% in the present moment.

Do you have a favourite location on campus or in London where you can go to when you feel anxious and stressed?

When I am stressed and just need to breathe and connect with myself, I head to the Serpentine in Hyde Park .The beautiful trees, the open space, the waddling ducks, the white swans and all the adorable dogs out for their walk always cheers me up. If the weather is not conducive for a walk in the park, then I go to South Kensington bookstore and just spend some time without any device and browsing books.

If you could go back in time and give yourself a piece of advice before taking your exams, what would it be?

Well, the first thing I would tell myself would be to prepare in advance and to keep up with the programme material throughout the school year, so that the exam period is not so overwhelming.

During exam week itself, I would remind myself that the amount of time I am wasting worrying, and planning what to do, can be used to study and get the work done instead.

It is a bit of a vicious cycle – we get stressed because of the work, but the more we get stressed, the less work gets done. So, it is crucial to remain calm, break the work up into small, achievable portions and to get the work done.

Finally, I would also remind myself, that exams are not the end of the world. Grades are not the only representation of my abilities and my learnings. The goal is to learn and to grow. Grades are secondary.

Do you have a motivational / inspirational quote that helps or motivates you?

If you make the easy choices, you will have a hard life.

If you make the hard choices, you will have a easy life.

Also,

This too shall pass.

Learn more about Mental Health Awareness Week here.

If you are a student at Imperial College London and you are in crisis or need to speak to someone urgently, please go to our other sources of support page here. If your query is not urgent you can email us directly at counselling@imperial.ac.uk and we will respond to you as soon as possible upon reopening.

For student support and help, please visit our Student Counselling and Mental Health Advice Service.

Attending the NIBC Global Investment Banking Competition

NIBC Global Investment Banking Competition banners

MSc Finance student, Mazin Seid shares his experience attending and representing Imperial College Business School at the NIBC Global Investment Banking Competition.

It was an honour to represent Imperial College Business School at the NIBC Global Investment Banking Competition alongside my classmates, Storm Andreas Larsen, Cameron McRobb and Iulia Tertilova. We’re delighted to say that we made it to the final stage of the competition in Vancouver! In this blog, I shine a light on our visit to Canada and give you an insight into what we learned from this opportunity.

What is the Global Investment Banking Competition?

Hosted in Vancouver, The NIBC Global Investment Banking Competition brings together teams of university students from around the world to act as Investment Banking Analysts through two rounds of competition. It is designed to mimic the high-pressure banking environment as competitors are required to pitch solutions to a series of corporate finance problems along the way. This year, both rounds of the competition were set within the Healthcare sector, specifically focusing on Dentalcorp - one of the largest dental support organisations in Canada.

The First Round

The first round case study was relatively broad in nature. The case study introduced the Canadian Dental Support Organisation space as one that is ripe for industry consolidation and mentioned that there were private equity players active in consolidation plays. To add a sense of urgency, we were told that Dentalcorp received an unsolicited takeover offer from another player. Our task was to pitch potential options to Dentalcorp’s board of directors in response to recent industry consolidation activity. Our main recommendation was the merger of Dentalcorp with 123Dentist, one of the largest networks of dental practices in Canada.

There certainly was a lot to cover for the first round! To begin with, all our recommendations had to be strategically sound, which called for an understanding of the industry specifically within Canada and of the other key players in the space. To come up with our recommendations, we had to value Dentalcorp as a business, putting into practice the valuation techniques we learned in our Business Valuation and Corporate Finance classes before the competition. We knew that we would be assessed on our attention to detail, so we were particularly careful when putting together our slides. Alongside the pitchbook, we also had a video submission, as well as the supporting financial models to back our numbers.

The Second Round

A few weeks later, we were surprised to receive an email containing an invitation to the final round in Vancouver! From over 1000 submissions, we made it to the final 54, but we knew this round would be a lot tougher. Alongside our coursework and exam preparation, we agreed to set aside a couple of days to run through practice cases ahead of the competition.

On the 28th March, we arrived at the Pan Pacific hotel in Vancouver where we were briefed on the competition ahead. The final round case was also on Dentalcorp but was more specific this time; our pitch was to a group of private equity sponsors that were considering a management-led buyout of Dentalcorp, or a roll-up of a series of smaller dental practices across Canada. We had to present a case for the venture that would provide our private equity investors with the most value.

The final round was split into three parts; firstly, we were given the final round case early the next morning and were required to submit the pitch in no later than six hours. Following submission, we took a taxi to Scotiabank Tower to present our ideas in a boardroom to a panel of bankers. This stage would whittle down the 54 teams to nine. The remaining teams had another round of pitches to complete, narrowing down to only three teams. The final three teams would present to a panel of managing directors across Investment Banking and Private Equity firms in the Final Gala Dinner. The committee organised a series of speaker sessions throughout the competition.

Speakers sessions and learnings

We had the chance to attend the speaker sessions, one of which was a panel of Graduate Analysts hosted by Moelis. Amongst other topics, the speakers detailed how to get that highly-coveted return offer during our banking internships. For example, they discussed the sensitivities of communication, i.e., which parties during a transaction should know what pieces of information and at which stage, and how important it is to demonstrate an understanding of this during the internship. In the next session, Jordan Anderson, Managing Director at British Columbia Investment Management reflected on why he transitioned from Investment Banking to Private Equity, speaking of how Investment Banking jobs become increasingly sales-focused with seniority. A move into Private Equity allowed him to retain his focus on Corporate Finance primarily as an investor, rather than a salesperson.

We only made it as far as the first boardroom presentation in the final stage, but we learned so much in the process. The biggest takeaway was that it’s a lot easier now to imagine what investment bankers do on a day-to-day basis through the valuation exercises and boardroom presentations we participated in. Producing a boardroom pitch in the space of a few hours certainly gave us an idea of the time pressure to expect on the job! It was also an excellent opportunity to get feedback from industry professionals on our approach at the end of our pitches, as well as a chance to meet dozens of students from around the world who all share the same passion for Finance.

NIBC Global Investment Banking Competition team — Team together on the company board

Rounding Up

All of this would have not been possible without the support we obtained from Imperial College Business School- we are tremendously grateful that the Business School covered a substantial proportion of the costs for the entire competition. We also had the backing of Dr Jamie Coen, our Corporate Finance professor throughout the competition, who taught us the fundamentals in our first term to be able to participate. Having studied my undergraduate degree at Imperial College London, the choice to return for a Master’s was an easy one; I knew from experience that the college works hard to support and to provide opportunities for its students, particularly in career-related activities.

For those who are considering competing in the future, my advice would be to go in with a game plan. Certain activities will play to certain team members’ strengths, so it is important to understand these well before travelling to Vancouver to be as efficient a team as possible. I would also stress the importance of setting aside at least two or three days to practice cases before doing it for real. You’ll get an idea of what parts of the pitch take the longest to complete, and what the key assumptions and decisions will be in the financial models. Remember to cover all deal types and and not just your traditional merger! Lastly, don’t forget to have fun. As much as you’ll be working hard, the programme is designed for you to get to know your peers informally and to widen your network. While you’re there, be sure to set aside some time to explore what Vancouver has to offer.

Written by Mazin Seid, MSc Finance

NIBC Global Investment Banking Competition city

Learn more about MSc Finance

Business School Careers - An Introduction 2023

This is always my favourite time of year at Imperial College Business School – not only do I get to work with our fantastic current students but in two weeks I start to work with Admitted Students who will be starting in September at the Business School.

This is not just my favourite time of year, it’s also my busiest (busy is good). I’m bringing together our sector teams to ensure all our sector content is current and up to date ready for May plus I am working closely with the Head of MSc Careers and the Head of Full-Time MBA Careers to refresh the Careers Primer ready for all our Admitted Students who gain access to this invaluable online primer at the beginning of May.

I am thankful that I am also helping the Employer Relations Team and their MBA off-cycle Sector CV Books – 10 Books across 7 sectors and 3 global regions!

Working across all the teams within Business School Careers, it strikes me, how do Admitted Students find out about each team and what their core work is? Of course, it’s in your student handbook, on the Hub and we talk about it during your Careers Induction but let me just guide you through each team and how they work with students:

Sarah Cook, Imperial College Employer Relations Director — Sarah Cook, Director of Employer Relations

Employer Relations Team

6 Employer Relations Managers
Work with Employers to build relationships
Each Employer Relations Manager works within a sector
Organise Employer Events
Host on campus Careers Fairs
Compile and Market CV Books to Employers
Manage Career Clubs
Regional Employer Relations Managers in APAC and Continental Europe

Dr Ceri Willmott, Director of Career Consulting

Career Consulting

14 Career Consultants
Deliver 1:1 Appointments on CV Reviews, Applications, Case Interviews, Interview Prep etc
Present Career Workshops
Host Small Group Work sessions
Each Career Consultant works within a sector

Global Skills Development

Workshop delivery on subjects such as Presentation Skills, Cross-cultural competence, Report Writing etc
1:1 English Language support for Academic purposes
1:1 Study Skills and Exam preparation consultations
Presentation rehearsals for assessed module assignments
Language checks for CV and Cover Letters

Business School Careers Reception Team

Welcome team for the department
Career Club Administration
Operational support

Mark Morris, Head of Careers Data & Technology

Business School Careers & Student Life - Data & Technology Team

Careers Primer learner management
Owners of Symplicity, your Career Management portal
Tech support for all Careers platforms
eResources management (CaseCoach.com, Wall Street Prep, VMock, eGold etc)
Data Security compliance
Employment Destinations Collection and Employment Report publication

So that was a very quick rundown of each team’s core business, next time I’ll be writing about the Careers Primer in more detail and be hosting Chloe Baker, Head of MSc Careers on why the Careers Primer is important and what to do after one completes it.

Nathaniel Ayres

Data & Technology Manager

Meet the Executive MBA class of 2023-24

In February, we welcomed our new students to our Executive MBA programme– they have now embarked on their 23-month journey at Imperial College Business School, with the aim of developing themselves as leaders and enhancing their global business perspective.

The Executive MBA's unique blend of on-campus learning, and online study tools will provide our new cohort with knowledge of essential business disciplines as well as opportunities to specialise in their areas of expertise. They will also enjoy international residencies to help grow their global perspective on business.

Learn more about this new class and hear from them directly about their motivations to study the Executive MBA at Imperial Colleges Business School.

What does the new class look like?

The diversity in the Executive MBA programme at the Business School has always been the foundation of creating rich class discussions and enabling students to build a global network. This class is no different - 28 students have joined us this year, 36% being female and the cohort represents 18 different nationalities.

The students also bring a wealth of experience, with the average of 14 years being spent in the workplace by these students, therefore the Executive MBA students will gain a lot of knowledge and learnings from each other in the classroom. The group also offers a variety of industry specific knowledge as they join us from a multitude of sectors, with banking/ finance, IT/tech, energy and consulting being the top sectors for this group.

21% of the class of 2023 have received some form of sponsorship from their employer as testament to their effort and achievement, with a number also receiving one of Imperial’s wide range of scholarships.

Meet the Executive MBA students

Elsie Twumasi-Mensah

Nationality: British

Job role: Innovation Manager, Connect Plus

What aspects of the programme are you most looking forward to?

The main aspects of the Executive MBA programme I am most looking forward to are:

The global residencies to the US and Hong Kong. This will give me exposure to international business practices and operations in major economies and will create a further opportunity to get to know individuals from my cohort on a deeper level.
Learning from my cohort of talented individuals and high achievers from diverse and wide-ranging backgrounds and sectors and making lifelong connections.

How did you come to the decision of studying an MBA, and why did you choose Imperial?

I came to the decision of studying an Executive MBA at Imperial College Business School as I believe that being a well-rounded leader in today’s complex and dynamic business world, requires expertise in leadership and business management. I have always been an advocate of continuous self-improvement hence my decision to pursue the Executive MBA programme.

Having extensive experience in the engineering and infrastructure sector, I recognise the need to bridge my knowledge gaps by developing skills that are outside the core engineering/technical, project and asset management experience I have gained thus far. Studying an Executive MBA will enable me to do this and broaden my horizons in business concepts such as strategy, finance, marketing, economics, and organisational behaviours. Gaining this broader business knowledge through taught modules, team projects and networking with leaders from diverse backgrounds and sectors, will enable that cross-knowledge transfer that will be required to take on bigger leadership roles in different sectors confidently in the future. Through coaching on the programme, I believe I will refine and develop new skills to strengthen my leadership and management style, expanding my lens to make better impacts and create a more positive influence in the working environment.

Choosing Imperial College was a no-brainer due to its world-class status and academic excellence with a global reputation in science, business, engineering and medicine. The world-class faculty, campus facilities and cutting-edge research will enable me to keep abreast of industry developments and continuous improvements. Another attraction to Imperial is the fact that it puts diversity, inclusion, and gender balance at the heart of its community. The cohort at the Business School represents professionals from diverse backgrounds, different industries, and job functions and will enhance learning and cross-knowledge sharing because of this.

One thing that sets Imperial College Business School apart from other business schools is the fact that an alumni can return to the school and study an elective of interest after they have graduated..

I am privileged to be studying at Imperial College Business School and to be the recipient of the very special Black Future Leaders Award, which was established to recognise exceptional MBA candidates from Black or mixed backgrounds from all regions who can demonstrate their leadership potential and want to make a positive contribution to the Imperial community.

Rasheed Abulola

Nationality: Saudi Arabian

Job role: Cloud Adoption Manager, Oracle

How did you come to the decision of studying an MBA, and why did you choose Imperial? 

As technology continues to shape the ways we live, work, shop, and communicate, the expectation for businesses to integrate technologies with their customer journeys is higher than ever.

Since I joined Oracle Corporation, I put my long-term goal to be among the top 10 Cloud technology leaders globally by 2030. I believe studying the Executive MBA is the right booster for this goal since I need to improve my business skillset, leadership style, and the ability to combine business concepts with cutting-edge technologies to drive real impact in our world.

What aspects of the programme are you most looking forward to? 

Persuing an Executive MBA programme in one of the top 10 universities is an excellent opportunity to meet with the world’s greatest minds in one class, sit alongside top organisations’ future leaders, and have broad exposure globally.

Imperial College London is not only among the top ten universities, but also known to be the best in science and technology.

Tom Zhiren

Nationality: Israeli/Polish

Job role: Vice President Operations, Cloudinary

What aspects of the programme are you most looking forward to?

There are several aspects I'm excited about as I start my Executive MBA programme. First, I'm looking forward to getting to know my cohort of like-minded professionals from diverse backgrounds. The programme offers a unique opportunity to build new relationships and learn from my fellow classmates and alumni.

Second, the programme's extensive range of electives, including collaborations with partner universities abroad, promises to provide an enriching learning experience. I'm eager to take advantage of these learning opportunities to broaden my horizons and develop new skills.

Finally, the programme's emphasis on personal and professional development is a key reason why I chose to pursue an MBA. I'm excited to be challenged, step out of my comfort zone, and expand my knowledge, skills, and abilities to prepare myself for the next challenges in my career.

What are your long-term career goals and how do you believe the MBA will support them?

My long-term career goal is to continue developing as an executive leader, with the ultimate aim of progressing to a COO or CEO position or exploring new entrepreneurial opportunities. In addition, I'm passionate about coaching, mentoring, and advising others, and I aspire to become a more effective leader in these areas.

I believe that the Executive MBA programme will be a critical part of my journey towards achieving these goals. The programme's comprehensive curriculum will allow me to gain a deeper understanding of various business functions and provide me with the skills and knowledge to make informed decisions and provide strategic direction. I'm also eager to leverage the programme's resources and network to gain exposure to new perspectives and build valuable relationships.

Overall, I'm excited about the opportunities that the Executive MBA programme will provide me, and I look forward to challenging myself, expanding my capabilities, and shaping my career direction in the months and years ahead.

Richard Boyd

Nationality: New Zealander

Job role: Head of Digital Claims, Lloyd’s of London

What has been your career journey so far?

I graduated in the aftermath of the global financial crisis in 2008 thinking I was going to save the world through writing good government policy. Thankfully, none of the government agencies were hiring. I stumbled into a short-term project support role for what we’d now call digital transformation, and I got the bug hard. As this thing called digital was evolving, I held a variety of broad roles which meant I was responsible for optimising websites for conversion and ensuring we spent our marketing budget for digital channels wisely. As these types of roles matured into defined specialties I pursued product management, as I was more interested in figuring out how technology could drive commercial outcomes than writing content for social media. Since I moved to London, I’ve had the pleasure to work for well-known brands such as British Airways and Lloyd’s Banking Group, and now I’m in a leadership position for Lloyd’s of London as we seek to digitise how London Market Insurance operates.

What are your long-term career goals and how do you believe the MBA will support them?

I’ve always loved business. As a kid growing up with parents who were small business owners, our conversations always came back to growing the business. It’s that passion for driving businesses to succeed that I want to continue to strive for. Ideally, I’d like to move into senior leadership positions with organisations who are really pushing the boundaries of innovation, ensuring they achieve commercial success before running out of funding. I’d also like to develop a career in the boardroom, bringing my knowledge of technology and passion for leadership to the table.

Mai Le

Nationality: Vietnamese

Job role: Management Consultant / Founder, HOFY

How did you come to the decision of studying an MBA, and why did you choose Imperial?

In the next 10 years, I plan to thrive in global tech eco-system as an entrepreneur, business consultant and leader of tech-driven corporation; I believe the programme will enable me to achieve my goal. The Business School’s strong tech-driven approach, tech entrepreneurship, and STEM leadership will enrich my industry knowledge. Through my entrepreneurial journey, I realised a need to further sharpen my finance and marketing expertise and enhance my strategic leadership skills and entrepreneurial mindset. Imperial College Business School’s EMBA will enhance these skills.

What are your long-term career goals?

After graduating, I will open a boutique consulting firm to help traditional IT outsourcing companies upgrade their business model and operational best practices. After 30 years development of the IT industry, engineers in emerging economies like Vietnam and Southeast Asia are now completely capable of building qualified software products, but they still need help to launch their products at a global scale, which my firm will support by connecting them to the right partners and leveraging resources for their projects.

I also want to help remote communities utilise the advantages of tech, as well as enhance collaboration to help tech talents in Vietnam and the rest of the world connect, and work together in a coherent, efficient way.

We are excited to welcome this new cohort to Imperial College Business School and cannot wait to see what this class achieves! If you want to join our 2024 class, don't forget to register your interest and sign up to our newsletter below.

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About Helen Richardson

1. Start a conversation on social media:

2. Join seminars and events:

3. Sign up for interest groups and specific communities

4. Think outside your cohort

5. Find a mentor (or multiple ones!)

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Unibuddy: find your community

LinkedIn: your built-in best friend

WhatsApp: from connections to friends

Start with what you know

Trust the process

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Last month the 30-year anniversary of the Undergraduate Suite took place and we celebrated it with a fantastic event in London. The event featured a star studded panel with Joint Honours graduates who have been doing amazing things with their career. Below are their stories.

Gloria Cheng

Lee Cowie

Jason Parmer

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About Isabella Clarke-Price

Time at Imperial

Career since leaving Imperial

Looking to the Future

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About Isabella Clarke-Price

Expert panel and Q&A on the topic of “finance for good”

Award winners

Forging Connections

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About Isabella Clarke-Price

Mangala Prasetia - Global Online MBA

Virali Modi - MSc Finance & Accounting

Swapan Bahrani - MSc Economics & Strategy for Business

Aakriti Jhunjhunwala, Global Online MBA.

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What is the Global Investment Banking Competition?

The First Round

The Second Round

Speakers sessions and learnings

Rounding Up

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What does the new class look like?

Meet the Executive MBA students

Elsie Twumasi-Mensah

Rasheed Abulola

Tom Zhiren

Richard Boyd

Mai Le

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Swapan Bahrani - MSc Economics & Strategy for Business 