How do you bring together professionals from every corner of the world, united by a shared passion to lead innovation, create impact and learn from diverse perspectives? For this group of talented individuals, the answer lies in Imperial Business School’s Global Online MBA. It’s an exciting time as we welcome the Global Online MBA Class of 2027-2028 (students who began their studies in September 2025). After months of preparation, the skilled cohort is ready to embark on a new journey to become global leaders, refine their skillsets and broaden their networks.

Ranked 1st in the world (QS Online MBA Rankings 2026), our Global Online MBA is designed for ambitious professionals balancing a career with part-time study, which is central to our programme. With 21-, 24-, or 32-month options starting in either January or September, students can tailor their journey to fit busy schedules while accessing world-class learning from anywhere. Our online learning platform enriches this experience, offering 24/7 access to materials, seamless interaction with classmates and faculty, and full connection to the Imperial community.

Opportunities to connect in-person are also available, with students commencing their MBA journey together at our South Kensington campus. Our Induction Week provides an essential foundation, helping students connect with their cohort and faculty before embarking on their online studies. The cohort dives straight into collaborating with their new classmates through workshops on Diversity and Inclusion, interactive sessions on AI, and activities with their study groups. Throughout the week, there are plenty of opportunities to connect with the Programme team and ask questions. Beyond the classroom, networking breaks encourage the cohort to build connections ahead of their online studies, ending with an exclusive IMAX screening at the Science Museum.

Following a rigorous application and interview process, students are carefully selected. This year, the cohort comprises 87 professionals from 42 different nationalities, bringing truly global perspectives to the classroom. This diversity is further enhanced by the cohort’s average of 10 years’ experience across many industries.  Professional backgrounds include Banking/Finance (25%), Pharma/Biotech/Healthcare (13%), Consumer/Retail (13%), IT/Tech/Comms (12%), Consulting/Professional Services (9%), Energy (8%), Engineering (7%), Government/Public Sector (3%) and other sectors (10%).

All students are offered online pre-study modules to develop their foundation knowledge, ensuring they are able to excel in the programme’s Core and Elective modules. Areas covered by the pre-study modules include accounting, corporate sustainability, finance and data analysis.

To ensure students can thrive in a competitive job market, they participate in a Personal Leadership Journey. This is a structured Careers-led module to help grow their leadership potential and operational effectiveness. Following a range of assessments, participants end the module with key insights needed to navigate career decisions with clarity, and a foundation to attain leadership positions after the MBA programme. Imperial’s Careers team also supports our Global Online MBA students to develop their professional prospects through one-to-one career support, accessible before, during and after their studies.

How does the curriculum build on Imperial’s strength in science and technology, and why is this important to you?

Having built an extensive academic career in the life sciences, I have been following Imperial for many years and have even collaborated with researchers at several universities. My interest in science has never faded, and this is one of the reasons Imperial is such a strong fit for me. The curriculum’s foundation in science and technology resonates deeply with my background, as it bridges rigorous research with practical business applications.

After spending years working on scientific problems, the opportunity to translate that mindset into strategic and entrepreneurial contexts is invaluable. I have seen how groundbreaking discoveries often struggle to move beyond the lab because the connection to business strategy and market implementation is missing.

Imperial’s unique strength lies exactly at that intersection turning innovation into impact. This is not only aligned with my professional goals, but also gives me the tools to help ensure that scientific progress reaches patients, industries, and communities where it can make the most difference.

What features of the online learning experience do you think will be the most valuable to your development throughout the programme?  

Being able to work through Core modules, such as Finance, at my own pace gives me the freedom to dive deeper into topics when my schedule allows. The weekly live sessions and discussions with my cohort, are equally important as they will keep me accountable, sharpen my thinking, and create a rhythm of continuous peer learning. I am also excited to make full use of the Career service, from coaching and workshops to employer events, I can translate what I learn into concrete career moves. This blend of self-paced study, real-time collaboration, and structured career support is exactly what I need to grow in a high-performance job environment.

How does the diversity of the cohort enrich your learning experience?

Working alongside classmates from different industries and cultures allows me to see the business world differently and pushes me to break out of my own bubble. It broadens my understanding not only of how global markets and sectors operate, but also of how people live, think, and make decisions in different contexts. This combination of business and personal perspectives makes every discussion an opportunity to see a problem through a new lens, and this constant exchange gives me a more well-rounded view of leadership.

What career or study support do you hope to make use of as an online student?

I am excited to join the Careers Clubs, they offer a structured way to explore new fields and assess whether a career change might make sense for me. Weekly cohort meetings will also provide ongoing exchange and support. Beyond this, I look forward to making use of the one-to-one sessions with Career Consultants, as they provide an unbiased perspective on my career path and valuable guidance on how to steer it in the right direction. Having tailored advice will be especially important as I continue to balance professional responsibilities with new opportunities that emerge from the MBA. Together, these resources will keep my development both structured and collaborative.

Can you share a brief overview of your professional background?

My academic background is in psychology and social policy, holding MSc degrees from Oxford and Ibadan, as well as a BA from the University of Zambia. I currently serve as Deputy Regional Director of Operations for East and Southern Africa at Mercy Corps, overseeing activities across 11 countries.

In this role, I manage operational risks, including security, compliance and financial stewardship, while supporting regional strategy. Previously, I was Country Director in Sudan during the 2023 conflict, leading programme delivery and ensuring staff safety. I also co-founded the Cash Consortium of Sudan and chaired the INGO Forum, representing 70 organisations.

What motivated you to pursue an MBA at Imperial Business School?

I chose Imperial for its global reputation and focus on science and innovation. The flexibility of the online format was important to me.

Serving on Plan International’s Board of Directors exposed me to high-level decision-making and highlighted gaps in my own expertise. To contribute effectively at this level, I need stronger grounding in finance, compliance, risk and governance, alongside the ability to lead large-scale change. An MBA will help me close these gaps and prepare me for senior global leadership roles, where I can influence strategy and guide organisations of significant scale.

The diversity of the cohort reflects the international collaboration at the heart of my career, and its focus on applying management concepts to real-world challenges aligns closely with my work.

What career or study support do you hope to make use of as an online student?

In my field, career paths are not always linear. Therefore, having a dedicated Careers Consultant who can help me reflect on my experiences, clarify my long-term goals, and chart the next steps is key. Imperial’s one-to-one career sessions will provide tailored guidance on how to position myself for senior global leadership roles, while also exploring sectors and opportunities I may not have previously considered.

Beyond this, I look forward to the broader career ecosystem at Imperial, from guest speakers to alumni networks, but it is the personalised support from a Careers Consultant that I believe will make the biggest difference in ensuring my MBA translates into tangible professional growth.

What tips would you give to future Dean’s Impact Scholarship applicants?

Imperial’s Dean’s Impact Scholarship recognises applicants who have made tangible contributions in areas such as social impact, leadership, sustainability, and innovation. For me, it goes beyond financial support. The scholarship acknowledges my work leading humanitarian operations in fragile contexts and reshaping approaches in Sudan, Liberia, and beyond. It also gives me the freedom to pursue the MBA without added financial pressure and focus on scaling impact in future roles.

For prospective applicants, my advice is to be authentic and clear. Go beyond listing achievements, show how your experiences shape your values, leadership style and long-term goals. Be specific about the impact you want to create and how the MBA will help you achieve it. The application process itself is straightforward, so focus on telling your story with clarity. Remember, scholarships don’t just recognise past excellence, they invest in potential. Make the case for how you’ll use this support to amplify your impact on your sector, community and society.

Can you share a brief overview of your professional background?

My current role consists of leading long-term strategy for the water sector. Over the past 15 years, I’ve worked across Canada, the Arctic, Palestine, Nepal, Australia and Saudi Arabia in roles spanning strategy, policy, regulation and utility operations. My focus has been integrating strategy with sustainability to help utilities and governments balance public health, environmental protection and economic growth.

What motivated you to pursue an MBA at Imperial Business School?

I would like to consolidate my work experience from the past 15 years by starting a niche consultancy that specialises in working with governments and large utilities to refine their water strategies. An MBA provides the financial, economic, and leadership literacy to support me in reaching this goal.

What networking or collaboration opportunities are you most excited to take part in?

I’m very excited to get involved in the Enterprise Lab, an initiative for entrepreneurship-focused students, staff and alumni at Imperial to gain the skills and networks needed to turn their ideas into ventures. My cohort has already set up virtual networking events to support each other, and I’m excited to build on this collaboration through the case challenges, consulting-style projects and entrepreneurial initiatives that focus on strategy, utilities and sustainability. These experiences will also give me the chance to learn directly from classmates working in finance, tech and healthcare, areas where I’ve had less exposure but eager to deepen my understanding.

How does the diversity of the cohort enrich your learning experience?

I’m deeply grateful for the diversity of the Global Online MBA cohort. In my case, working with people outside the water sector challenges me to reconsider how water strategy interacts with other industries. The diversity of nationalities also mirrors my own career path, where I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate across cultures. This environment ensures discussions are never one-dimensional and often reveal opportunities I wouldn’t see within the utility sector alone.

Can you share a brief overview of your professional background?

I’m currently Head of Marketing for Deliveroo, focusing on the Singapore market. Previously, I’ve worked in regional and global roles for well-known consumer food chains and hospitality groups focusing on new market launches, brand positioning, pricing, global campaigns, covering various markets in Asia and the UAE.

What motivated you to pursue an MBA at Imperial Business School?

An MBA has long been a goal of mine. After five years in senior leadership, I wanted to further develop my skills beyond experience alone. I see it as a way to strengthen my commercial credibility, broaden my cross-regional expertise, and open opportunities across industries and global markets.

Imperial stood out for its global reputation, the strength of its alumni, and the flexibility to balance study with full-time work. Features such as live classes and on-campus options make the experience engaging, while its London base provides excellent access for international students.

How does the curriculum build on Imperial’s strength in science and technology, and why is this important to you?

Beyond the core academic modules, students benefit from initiatives such as the IDEA Lab, which develops and delivers cutting-edge learning experiences. We can also take part in the Global Challenge Lab, an online programme run by the Enterprise Lab that unites students and alumni from partner universities to address global issues through innovation and entrepreneurship. Both initiatives are strengthened by Imperial’s strong foundation in science and technology.

Many innovative solutions require differentiated products and technical expertise, and I see Imperial’s resources and industry-leading knowledge in this field as a significant advantage. This foundation will support me in transforming ideas into tangible, real-world products with a competitive edge.

What career or study support do you hope to make use of as an online student?

As I consider expanding my career beyond Asia, I look forward to utilising one-to-one sessions with Career Consultants and participating in career events. These resources will provide valuable guidance and insights for my international career development. Additionally, opportunities to engage with the innovation field, whether through direct involvement or by observing the work of others will serve as a great source of inspiration and learning.

Can you share a brief overview of your professional background?

I’m a Senior Cybersecurity Engineer and Security Architect. I work with businesses to strengthen their cybersecurity posture, address threats ranging from opportunistic hackers to major ransomware groups. I also develop AWS-based (Amazon Web Services) cloud solutions that align with strategic business goals.

What motivated you to pursue an MBA at Imperial Business School?

It's not possible to talk about prestigious universities without mentioning Imperial. As someone who juggles full-time work and extracurricular projects, I was excited to learn about the flexibility of the Global Online MBA programme.

As someone with a non-business/finance background, I’m pursuing an MBA to bridge the gap between my technical expertise and strategic business leadership. My goal is to leverage the programme to refine my ability to drive organisational growth and eventually become a tech entrepreneur, combining business strategy with technology solutions to create impactful, scalable ventures.

What networking or collaboration opportunities are you most excited to take part in?

I’m really looking forward to taking advantage of Imperial’s Enterprise Lab. I was initially worried I wouldn’t be able to leverage this because I was studying online, but the Entrepreneurship training and opportunities, such as Idea Surgeries and Imperial Venture Mentoring, are available online as well which is exciting.

What are your hobbies, and do you plan to join any clubs?

As someone who's passionate about IT consulting and looking to one day establish my own service offering, I've already started applying to join groups at Imperial, such as Consulting Careers Club and Innovation & Entrepreneurship Careers Club. These clubs are an opportunity to not only meet like-minded people but also leverage my unique skills to create value for those around me.

Can you share a brief overview of your professional background?

My career has centred on wellbeing, starting with children’s psychological wellbeing in clinical and educational settings, where I worked with families and teachers to support social-emotional development through research and curriculum design. I then moved into the corporate world with Cubo, combining strategic investment with business development, which sparked my interest in start-ups.

This led me to Copptech, where I worked across marketing, innovation, and commercial strategy, and now serve as a Board Director. Currently, I am focused on food-tech through Dellanatura, a portfolio company I co-founded, creating healthy food alternatives.

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

Imperial’s prestige and top-class education make my admission to the Global Online MBA valuable. Considering my experience in science-based ventures, I wanted to be part of a learning community that has innovation and science at its heart. The programme allows me to study with an international cohort while continuing my local work, creating opportunities to apply knowledge immediately and collaborate across ecosystems. The online format is also beneficial to integrate a full-time job and family commitments. I have set a study agenda that allows me to make the most of my time and be present, while making the most of my learning experience.

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

The Capstone module sounds like a great opportunity in my second year. I also look forward to taking part in the Enterprise Lab. These will be valuable opportunities to interact with classmates, get involved in startup communities at Imperial, and test-drive some of my ideas.

Can you share a brief overview of your professional background?

I’m a strategy and communications leader focused on bridging divides. I currently serve as Strategic Advisor at Today, guiding strategy and brand amplification.

My work spans social impact, scalable technology and community-led change, particularly across the Asia-Pacific region. Having experienced forced displacement, I believe storytelling has the power to shape lives. This conviction has taken me from crafting inclusive technology narratives for Google’s Next Billion Users in the Global South, to leading Change.org’s transformation as its first Head of Global Brand & Communications. I then founded DrawHistory, one of the Asia-Pacific’s first and highest-scoring B Corp agencies, partnering with UNICEF, Habitat for Humanity, and over 200 organisations on behavioural change initiatives. This journey ultimately led to DrawHistory’s integration into Today, coinciding with the start of my MBA.

I’ve also been recognised as a Forbes 30 Under 30 Honouree, Queen Elizabeth II’s Young Leader, UNICEF Young Ambassador, and a World Economic Forum Global Shaper.

What motivated you to pursue an MBA at Imperial Business School?

Growing up throughout Jakarta’s late-90s economic crisis, I saw business transform my family’s future. Today, with the climate crisis at the fore, I want to do the same for my daughter by broadening horizons through business.

Imperial’s mission to apply science and entrepreneurship for humanity resonates. I aim to transition into strategy leadership focused on supply chain decarbonisation, expanding my skills beyond communications into business design, analytics and adaptive strategy. Imperial’s Global Online MBA equips me to harness business for climate solutions, while balancing family life and career growth. As a busy professional, the hybrid format makes this possible and enables me to apply classroom learning directly to my work at DrawHistory and Today in real time.

How does the curriculum leverage Imperial's foundation in science and technology?

Pivoting into climate requires me to broaden my knowledge and networks. My classmates’ diverse STEM backgrounds, from aerospace to microbiology and technology infrastructure, provide insights I wouldn’t access elsewhere as my work rarely intersects these fields. Imperial’s reputation attracts leaders in these fields, and the curriculum reflects real-world science and technology applications.

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

I’ve already met a classmate who works in sustainability, specifically ESG due diligence, and was interested in building a startup. We had lots of overlapping interests in climate tech, AI, and our regional markets, and coincidentally, plenty of complementary expertise that covered our knowledge gaps. We’re excited to explore options with the Enterprise Lab and take advantage of the support offered.

How will the Global Online MBA curriculum support you in reaching your career goals?

Pursuing an MBA is a pivotal moment in my journey toward making a real-world difference and growing my career in sustainable investment. Imperial’s Global Online MBA offers the right environment to strengthen my capacity to thrive in the investment space, especially as I’ve recently transitioned into this field and launched my own impact-driven business. The Core modules directly support my goals: Corporate Finance will strengthen my valuation skills, Managerial Economics will deepen my understanding of risk, and Leadership will help me guide teams with confidence.

I also see the Electives as a chance to sharpen my skills and apply them to my venture. Longer term, I aim to scale impact through sustainable investment and become a stronger leader in the field.

What networking or collaboration opportunities are you most excited to take part in?

Career and employer events offer a chance to connect with professionals and potential employers in sustainable finance. I’m still open to short-term opportunities in the impact investing to build my skills and grow my network, which will be invaluable for scaling my venture focused on women-led businesses in Sub-Saharan Africa.

What features of the online learning experience will be the most valuable to your development?

Imperial’s online learning platform will be key in my development. It allows me to balance my career, business, and studies while accessing course materials at any time, which means I can immediately apply the knowledge, tools and resources in my workplace.