Rhea Singhla

Background

Before the Full-Time MBA, I worked as a Consultant in business development, strategy, marketing, and management across multiple industries including healthcare, technology, non-profits, and fashion. I worked for myself which was really rewarding and helped me build an extensive network that I could leverage when needed.

One thing I’m proud of is that I co-founded a charity that teaches children in Africa coding, robotics, programming, and entrepreneurial skills needed to succeed in the new industrial revolution that is currently underway. Though this initiative starts this year, we’ve been partnering with other companies and charities to help children get ahead with access to books and online resources. We are in the process of having our own education platform that families can access.

Why I chose the Full-Time MBA programme?

I wanted to pursue an MBA to learn a foundation in finance, sharpen my leadership skills, and build a strong network with like-minded peers in an international setting. I love London, it’s my favourite city next to New York. I choose Imperial because it is in the centre of London and has an intensive one year Full-Time MBA programme that would let me get back into the real-world faster with a new set of skills. 

Having a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry, I admire the sciences and technology. Imperial is a leading institute in innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship, which aligned perfectly with my background. I would say the Imperial Full-Time MBA is not a very traditional MBA programme that’s only focused on finance and consulting, which is exactly what I wanted.  Not only that, but the name itself also gives you an advantage. Anyone who knows Imperial knows what a great school it is and that you must be smart and talented to get in and do this rigorous programme. 

"Imperial is a leading institute in innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship, which aligned perfectly with my background."

My international cohort

What makes Imperial’s Full-Time MBA unique is the international cohort. It’s amazing to have over 25 nationalities all in one room. Everyone is so smart and talented in their own way, and super easy going. By the end of the first two weeks, I had gotten to know a little bit about almost every single one of the 69 other students. We don’t compete against each other because we understand we are competing against the rest of the world. So instead, we help each other out. Being able to learn and grow with each other has been so rewarding. 

My favourite modules

My favourite module so far is the core module Innovation and Entrepreneurship. I loved the professor, Dr Michelle Rogan. She was so interesting and insightful and made the module really fun. I also want to get into innovation consulting and start up my own company in the future, so the module gave me some good tips as well as knowledge from great guest speakers.

I didn’t see myself ever liking finance or do anything finance related, but now I’m looking to potentially work for a financial institute! I never thought I could understand it or conceptualise financial concepts, but now I find it kind of interesting. I would still never work as an analyst or a role deep into finance but more or the marketing, communications side of it. 

"I also want to get into innovation consulting and start up my own company in the future, so the module gave me some good tips as well as knowledge from great guest speakers."

My career goals

When I was coming into Imperial I was set on setting up my own company with classmates, I just hadn’t found that idea yet. I realised this is still something I want to do however maybe a few more years down the line. I still want to do something with entrepreneurship and innovation – maybe work as an innovation consultant. Or perhaps work at a VC in their business development side. Regardless, Imperial has helped me identify my strengths and weaknesses that will make me a better leader for any industry I choose.

My advice to prospective students

I get this question a lot as a Student Ambassador. My biggest piece of advice would be to know why you are applying for an MBA and to find out what you can get out of it. It may not be worth the time and money for some just to put another degree on their resume. You need to make the most out of this opportunity regardless of which university to go to and to do that, you need to ask yourself where you see yourself in the future and if this MBA can take you a step closer to getting there. For me it was important to gain basic business foundations as my previous degree was completely unrelated. 

Talk to current students and recent graduates about their experience. Find out their likes and dislikes. Everyone is different, what worked for some might not work for others. Look at the modules and the professors, see if the topics interest you. Not only that but to look at reports and statistics of where students have been employed after. Maybe your dream employer is a close contact of the Business School and you can position yourself for your perfect job with the help of the MBA and the School.