From harnessing big data and AI to tackling climate change, driving entrepreneurial ventures, and advancing global health, the latest Specialised Master’s cohort at Imperial Business School is preparing to make an impact across industries. In September, we welcomed 617 students to our Specialised Master’s programmes. The cohorts are at the starting point of their journeys with the Business School, and are ready to gain a mix of practical and theoretical skills that will accelerate their careers and prepare them to become leaders in their fields.

The students in this blog are beginning one of the following Specialised Master’s programmes:

• MSc Business Analytics
• MSc Climate Change, Management & Finance
• MSc Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Management
• MSc Global Health Management

Early in their journey, students shared their motivations for pursuing a Master’s, how they plan to apply their skills, and their advice for future applicants. Throughout the programmes, they will build strong foundations through Core modules, personalise their learning with Electives and Concentrations, and apply their knowledge through options such as an Extended Work Placement, Consulting Project or a Global Immersion Trip. Join us as we meet the people behind the programmes and hear their stories.

How does the curriculum leverage Imperial's foundation in science and technology and why is this valuable to you?

Imperial’s strength in science and technology means the curriculum goes beyond theory into innovation that can be applied to real-world health challenges.

This is critical as it allows me to explore how solutions like digital health platforms or mobile clinics can be scaled effectively in resource-limited settings. The fact that the programme challenges us to think about both the scientific and managerial sides of global health is what makes it distinctive, and it’s exactly the perspective I need to prepare for a career where progress depends on both innovation and implementation.

Which projects or modules are you most excited about, and why? How do you think they will contribute to your goals?

I’m excited about the Health Systems, Policy and Financing module because it will give me the tools to understand how systems are structured, financed and governed, and how those choices determine the quality and accessibility of care. It’s important for me to analyse why some systems succeed while others struggle, and how those lessons can be adapted to strengthen health delivery in different contexts. I’m also drawn to the Commercial Determinants of Health module, which pushes us to confront the influence of industries on health outcomes - a perspective I see as essential for advancing equity. Together, these modules will equip me to think more critically about how health policies are made, and how they can be steered to create fairer, more resilient systems.

How will your chosen Concentration support you in achieving your career goals?

I’ve chosen the Management concentration because my long-term goal is to strengthen health systems at scale. Technical knowledge alone isn’t enough, sustainable change depends on being able to lead people, manage resources and bring strategy together with implementation. This Concentration gives me the chance to practise those skills in a structured way, and to think about how management tools can be applied to the realities of global health.  The real challenge lies not in designing policies but in ensuring they work in practice; strong management enables lasting results, even in the most challenging settings.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

I grew up in Oxford and recently moved to London. Before beginning my MSc in Global Health Management, I studied Human Biosciences at undergraduate level, then worked in Corporate Development and Mergers and Acquisitions at a French pharmaceutical company. More recently, I have been working independently as a strategy consultant for an early-stage biotech company.

How will your chosen Concentration support you in achieving your career goals?

I chose the Management Concentration as I want to build the skills needed to guide healthcare organisations and early-stage biotech companies through strategic and operational challenges. My background has given me exposure to transactions and business development, but I want to deepen my understanding of how to manage resources, design effective strategies, and lead teams in complex health systems. The Concentration offers a practical toolkit, from finance to leadership, that will support my goal of becoming an advisor who helps life sciences and healthcare companies grow sustainably and bring innovations to patients.

What did you learn from the application and interview process and what advice would you give future applicants?

The application and interview process taught me the importance of connecting my past experiences to my long-term goals in global health. Rather than comparing every programme, focus on how the programme’s structure and network align with your ambitions. Before the interview, I immersed myself in current global health issues instead of rehearsing answers. Engaging with peers ahead of Induction Week made the transition much easier, and skimming readings for key arguments helped me stay engaged. At Imperial, balance is essential: manage your energy, not just your time.

What technical or analytical skills do you want to develop throughout the programme, and why?

I want to further develop advanced machine learning, natural language processing, and big data management skills. These are increasingly important not just for data scientists, but for business leaders who need to make informed, strategic decisions in a data-saturated environment.

As an international student, how was it moving to London and finding housing? Do you have any advice?

Completing the visa application process was quite simple thanks to the clear guidance provided by Imperial’s International Student Support team. But I would suggest having everything prepared in advance to avoid unnecessary stress.

Finding housing in London can feel overwhelming due to the competitive market, but starting early and using multiple channels really helps. I found it useful to check Imperial’s accommodation portal, student WhatsApp groups, and platforms like SpareRoom. My advice would be to view multiple options, be ready to act quickly, and, if possible, connect with other incoming students to share recommendations or flat-hunt together.

Are there any clubs, societies, or networking opportunities you’re looking forward to, and why?

I’m looking forward to joining the Algorithmic Trading Society, where I can apply my technical and analytical skills in a competitive and practical setting. I see it as a great opportunity to collaborate with like-minded peers, refine my quantitative abilities, and gain exposure to how financial models perform in real-world market scenarios.

Which projects or modules are you most looking forward to, and how do you see them helping you achieve your goals?

Based on my career aspirations, the Machine Learning module stands out. While learning Python, I built machine learning models to predict credit risk, one of my most rewarding academic experiences. Comparing logistic regression and decision tree approaches taught me to balance accuracy with interpretability and to adapt analytical methods to real financial contexts. Strengthening these skills at Imperial will be essential for my career goal of applying advanced analytics to improve financial decision-making and risk management.

I’m also looking forward to the Optimisation and Decision Models module. Learning tools such as GUROBI and AIMMS will help me design efficient, data-driven solutions within finance. Together, these modules will strengthen my technical expertise and my ability to drive innovation in the sector.

What kinds of roles, industries, or opportunities are you aiming for after completing your MSc?

I aspire to work at the intersection of technology and finance, where I can apply data-driven insights to improve decision-making and performance. I am particularly drawn to roles in product management and analytics, with a focus on business experimentation and process optimisation within the financial sector.

Fintech companies also greatly attract me, as they combine innovation with financial services to create more inclusive and efficient solutions. Whether in consulting or within a fintech firm, my goal is to leverage analytics to drive meaningful transformation across the finance industry.

What does it mean to you to receive the Black Future Leader Scholarship, and what advice would you offer future scholarship applicants?

Receiving this scholarship means more than financial support—it recognises my experiences, contributions and potential. It also reminds me of the importance of representation, and I am proud to stand for my community at such a prestigious institution.

My advice to future applicants is simple: be authentic. Tell your story in a way that highlights your experiences, values and aspirations; show how your journey aligns with the scholarship’s purpose. Beyond funding, this scholarship opens doors to a supportive community and valuable networks, so approach the application with confidence and share your unique perspective.

Are there any clubs, societies, or networking opportunities you’re looking forward to, and why?

I’m especially looking forward to joining Positive Investment Imperial, which brings together students passionate about sustainable finance. I also hope to collaborate with the Grantham Institute and the Centre for Climate Finance & Investment — both leaders in research I care deeply about.

MSc Climate Change, Management & Finance students also have weekly sessions with experts from both industry and science working on sustainable finance and climate change.  These sessions provide invaluable insights and unique opportunities to network with companies, leaders and peers shaping the future of finance and sustainability.

How do you hope to combine your business skills with creating impact in sustainability?

I view finance as a bridge between ambition and action in sustainability. My background in risk management has shown me how capital flows, incentives, and financial instruments can either accelerate or impede change. At Imperial, I am honing my ability to design and implement solutions, from climate risk scenarios to innovative financing structures, that align financial returns with long-term resilience. My goal is to use my business skills not just to manage risk, but to actively direct investment into projects and companies that reduce emissions, protect ecosystems, and support adaptation.

As an international student, what factors influenced your decision to study in the UK?

The UK, and London in particular, is a global hub for finance, policy, and sustainability, offering access to institutions, organisations, and networks at the forefront of climate finance. Imperial stood out as the ideal bridge: an institution with global prestige, with strong connections to both science and industry, and located in the heart of London. So far, the experience has exceeded my expectations. The diversity of the cohort, the quality of teaching, and the energy of the city all make this an inspiring place to study and grow.

Which aspects of climate finance or sustainable business are you most excited to explore during the programme, and why?

With AI becoming integral to business strategy, I’m interested in how it can be used as a force for good—maximising its benefits for sustainability while managing the energy and water demands it creates. Recently, the Managing Director of the World Bank discussed how AI-driven data centres are increasing energy demand, highlighting the need for countries to rethink their energy grids. The week before, Hitachi speakers explored how nations can expand renewable energy capacity without doubling infrastructure. These opportunities to engage directly with industry experts are a key reason I chose Imperial’s MSc Climate Change, Management & Finance programme.

Which projects or modules are you most excited about, and why? How will they contribute to your goals?

I’m particularly looking forward to the Finance in Cleantech and Climate Finance: A Global Overview Electives, both highly recommended by alumni. Climate Finance explores how climate mitigation and adaptation projects are funded, an area that’s new to me. Learning about impact funds has shown me how finance can drive sustainability and even inspired me to consider it as a career path. I’m also keen to understand how emerging climate technologies are financed and scaled.

The Science of Climate Change, a Core module, is one of my favourites, taught by Dr Paulo Ceppi, a leading climate physicist and Lead Author for the next IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) report. The report presents the latest discoveries in climate science and provides an important record of how far climate change has progressed. Learning directly from someone shaping the global conversation on climate science is a rare and inspiring opportunity, reflecting Imperial’s scientific strength

What kinds of roles, industries, or opportunities are you aiming for after completing your MSc?

The Careers team has encouraged us to reflect on our skills and values and to engage with alumni and employers, which is helping me explore potential paths. With my background in product management and data, I can see myself in clean tech or impact investing, perhaps as an analyst where I can apply my quantitative skills. I’m using this year to explore, network and identify where I can make the biggest impact.

How do you plan to leverage the network and resources at Imperial to support your entrepreneurial ambitions?

I’m amazed by the wealth of resources and networks available. Every conversation sparks new ideas and opportunities to explore. Within the MSc Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Management cohort alone, I’ve connected with founders across industries, venture capitalists, digital specialists, family business next generation, and even artists.

These networks feel like new puzzle pieces I can add to my ecosystem map, providing expertise, potential partnerships, and bridges across markets and borders. They bring me closer to my goal of designing high-quality programmes for entrepreneurs and building subnational innovation ecosystems that tackle both social and environmental challenges.

How do you hope to use the Enterprise Lab to develop your business ideas or entrepreneurial skills?

I really enjoy participating in the events they offer, which provide an excellent opportunity to connect with like-minded students and faculty from different disciplines in an engaging, collaborative setting. I’m particularly keen to extend my expertise in programme design and implementation through the Lab, combining my professional experience with my academic journey at Imperial. Beyond that, it represents an important step toward building a global career while contributing to Imperial’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

How do you think studying in London enhances your career prospects in your industry?

London, ranked just behind Silicon Valley and New York as a global hub for start-ups, offers the perfect playground for me to immerse myself in a world-class entrepreneurial ecosystem. Through Imperial’s extensive facilities, such as the Enterprise Lab and the White City Innovation District, and opportunities like London Tech Week, I look forward to building networks that will strengthen my career in ecosystem building. Beyond that, London’s diversity and vibrancy also offer invaluable life experiences that will enrich both my personal and professional journey.