Choosing between career progression and further study can feel like a trade-off, but Imperial Business School’s Weekend MBA offers the best of both worlds, allowing professionals to grow academically while continuing to advance at work. Balancing a demanding career with an MBA is no small feat, but our ambitious Weekend MBA Class of 2027 arrive at Imperial ready to rise to that challenge and transform their careers. 

Throughout the next 23 months, the 93-strong cohort will balance their thriving careers with monthly on-campus classes at the weekend. Collectively, they bring eight years of professional experience across various industries, including Banking/Finance (23%), IT/Tech/Telecoms (19%), Consulting/Professional Services (13%), Pharma/Biotech/Healthcare (10%), Consumer/Retail (8%), Transportation/Logistic Services (4%), Manufacturing (4%), Engineering (3%), Government/Public Sector (2%). This diversity creates a rich peer-learning environment that enhances collaboration and insight. Designed to deliver immediate impact, the Weekend MBA enables students to apply new skills to real-world challenges, add value to their organisations and prepare for senior leadership roles. 

Reflecting the programme’s global outlook, the cohort brings together professionals from 36 nationalities across Asia (26%), Europe (24%), the UK (22%), Africa and the Middle East (15%), and the Americas (13%). This breadth of cultural and professional perspectives strengthens classroom discussion and teamwork, encouraging students to challenge assumptions, learn from one another’s experiences and develop a truly international approach to leadership and business. 

Our highly competitive programme pushes candidates to demonstrate their resilience through rigorous applications, interviews and pre-study modules, bringing together a cohort that will drive each other to excellence. 

Career progression is a core outcome of the Weekend MBA experience, with 81% of the Class of 2024 progressing into new roles within four months of graduation, and 31% receiving a salary increase. Students are supported before, during and after the programme by our dedicated Careers Service to ensure they’re able to continue benefiting from their MBA through bespoke one-to-one advice. Personal Leadership Journey, a reflective leadership development module embedded across the programme, ensures participants graduate with the skills and knowledge to navigate career transitions and accelerate progression. 

As they take the first steps into their MBA journey, we explore the Weekend MBA Class of 2027’s professional ambitions, diverse backgrounds and the 23 months ahead. 

Can you share a brief overview of your professional journey so far?

I joined Ocado through a Graduate programme to gain exposure across the business and different areas of the grocery sector. This sparked my interest in the on-site delivery of Ocado’s state-of-the-art robotic automation technology and subsequently delivered complex robotic installation projects across the UK, France, Japan and Australia. I then progressed into project leadership roles, providing insights across the technology, robotics and construction sectors. Throughout this period, I led on Ocado’s first Australian Customer Fulfilment Centre for Coles and delivered the Ocado Smart Platform for McKesson in Canada, our first pharmaceutical client. Now I’m a Senior Strategy Manager, building commercial and strategic expertise to support Ocado’s next phase of growth.

Why did you choose to study the Weekend MBA at Imperial Business School?

As an experienced professional leading large-scale, complex automation programmes, I was looking for an MBA that would strengthen my strategic, commercial and financial capability without stepping away from a role where I can immediately apply what I learn. The Weekend format allows me to do exactly that, enabling real-time application of theory to practice in a fast-moving technology environment.

Imperial’s strong focus on technology, innovation and data-driven decision-making was a key differentiator for me, as I plan to continue building my career within the technology and robotics automation sector. I was also drawn to the rigour of the core curriculum alongside the ability to tailor the programme through Electives on topics such as digital transformation, strategy and leadership. This will directly support my progression towards senior operational and executive roles.

What are you most looking forward to about Global Experience Week and why is this valuable to you?

Global Experience Week offers a chance to explore the world, while strengthening bonds with my cohort. I am particularly interested in experiencing a developing country. While my international experience spans Europe, the Asia-Pacific region, the Middle East, and North America, my work has focused on economically affluent cities where high labour costs drive capital investment in automation. Global Experience Week, in contrast, offers valuable insights into operating models in very different socio-economic contexts and will broaden my perspective on how businesses adapt and thrive globally.

What are your goals after completing the Weekend MBA?

The skills, network and experiences gained from the Weekend MBA will be pivotal in advancing my career in the technology and robotics automation sector. In the short term, the MBA will deepen my strategic, commercial and financial expertise, enabling me to support my executive team more effectively in my current role. I then plan to apply this experience to take on broader responsibilities and build the capabilities expected at Director level. Eventually, I aspire to progress to a COO role, modules in Strategy, Corporate Finance, Leadership and digital transformation will enhance my ability to drive innovation, operational efficiency and impactful change.

Can you share a brief overview of your professional journey so far?

I started my career in management consulting within FMCG, Oil and Gas companies across Latin America. Then, I co-founded a business analytics startup with two friends, aiming to enhance medium-sized companies with the data-driven decision-making capabilities. After doing a Master’s abroad, I relocated to Belgium to work with Johnson & Johnson in the Medical Devices sector. During high school, I considered Medical School, so working within the healthcare industry feels like a step in the right direction. It’s been four years and three roles, and I’m really enjoying my experience in the healthcare industry as it still heavily interests me.

After meeting your cohort during Induction Week, what stood out to you about your classmates? 

It was a truly amazing and welcome surprise to see the diversity of the cohort during Induction Week. The cohort is made up of 36 different nationalities, with some of us travelling to London from distant corners of the world every couple of weeks for face-to-face sessions – showcasing the commitment of the programme. The diversity also spans experience across different sectors. It’s a great opportunity to complement my understanding, while learning from classmates with expertise in other fields, such as finance, HR and even medicine.

Outside of academics, how do you plan to engage with the wider Imperial community?

Throughout the year, I plan to attend events where I’ll be able to network with industry leaders and connect with other MBA students across the UK. The Enterprise Lab offers a safe space to collaborate with students, develop business ideas and learn the latest technologies and practices – I hope to be able to utilise this resource to bring my ideas to life. I hope to be able to utilise this resource to bring my ideas to life.

Can you share a brief overview of your professional journey so far?

My career sits at the intersection of brand building, commercial strategy and consumer insight. It has been shaped by roles across FMCG, from global healthcare brands to smaller acquisition businesses that I learned to scale with limited resources. These experiences formed my belief that great marketing isn’t just creative — it’s commercial, data-driven and deeply human. Today, I’m a Brand Director at Procter & Gamble, leading the direct-to-consumer business for a UK consumer health brand, where I focus on modernising a legacy brand while balancing scientific credibility with emotional relevance.

After meeting your cohort during on-campus Induction Week, what stood out to you about your classmates?

What stood out most was the diversity of industries, cultures, and leadership experiences in the cohort. Being surrounded by operators, founders, and technical experts broadens how I think about solving problems beyond a traditional brand building lens. That diversity creates a powerful learning environment where perspectives challenge, stretch, and strengthen each other.

Outside of academics, how do you plan to engage with the wider Imperial community?

Beyond the classroom, I’m keen to engage with Imperial’s entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem. I’m particularly interested in connecting with founders, early-stage ventures, and initiatives that support scaling small businesses. Building relationships across the wider Imperial community will enrich my learning and align with my long-term interest in entrepreneurship and education.

What are your goals after completing the programme? 

After the MBA, I aim to step into broader enterprise leadership roles where I can shape long-term strategy and scale purpose-driven brands. I’m also passionate about contributing to education in the future, particularly in entrepreneurship and helping small brands grow sustainably. The MBA will strengthen my strategic, financial, and leadership capabilities to operate confidently at that level of impact.

Can you share a brief overview of your professional journey so far?

I completed my PhD at Université Pierre et Marie Curie, where I researched the propagation of brain waves, the Motion After Effect illusion and the function of glial cells. Following my studies, I continued working in Paris on understanding the action potential mechanism in Paramecium at Institut de la Vision. After some time, I came to work at Imperial College London as a Research Associate in the Department of Bioengineering. Now, I’m a Senior Technical Writer, writing and editing documentation related to cloud products of MathWorks.

Why did you choose to study the Weekend MBA at Imperial Business School?

I enjoyed previously working at Imperial, coming back as a student is an exciting opportunity and the experience is completely different this time. When I discovered that Imperial offered an MBA programme that would allow me to continue developing my skills and work full-time, I knew it was the right time to return. Through the Weekend MBA, I’m hoping to explore new industries and broaden my leadership scope, while testing new theories at my current organisation to create impact.

Now that you’ve started the programme, what are your initial impressions of the experience so far? 

I came to Imperial looking to explore the different industries and sectors out there, and just within my cohort I’ve met people from a range of professional backgrounds that I’ll learn a great deal from. Collaborating with my cohort through group projects and coursework will allow me to hone my team building techniques and leadership skills. The curriculum and modules have been methodically structured to support our learning journey, through a range of practical and theoretical sessions, as well as real-world case studies. Having access to an AI teaching assistant is just one example of how Imperial’s STEM foundations are embedded into the programme. With my background in science, being able to responsibly use AI within my studies will be beneficial.