| Imperial Business School

Meet the Specialised Masters' class of 2023-24

Our Specialised Masters’ are a set of uniquely crafted programmes designed for students looking to develop theoretical and practical knowledge in some of the most rapidly evolving industries.

In September we welcomed five new Specialised Masters’ cohorts to Imperial Business School, eager to start their journey towards expert-level knowledge and a successful career in the sector of their choice.

The Specialised Masters’ suite covers a wide range of subjects. The programmes available are:

MSc Business Analytics (on-campus, full-time)
MSc Business Analytics (online, part-time)
MSc Climate Change, Management & Finance
MSc Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Management
MSc International Health Management (now MSc Global Health Management)

In this article, you will discover more about each class, including insights into the students, their reasons for enrolling in their respective programmes, and the exciting journey that lies ahead of them.

Throughout their studies, students will delve into their specialised subjects through a diverse range of core modules, electives, and projects. These components are designed not only to enhance their knowledge in the field but also to equip them for securing impressive roles within established organisations or founding innovative enterprises, driving meaningful change on a global level.

What does the new class look like?

Fostering a diverse and inclusive learning environment is one of Imperial’s key priorities and is reflected in the melting pot of backgrounds and nationalities that make up the newest Specialised Masters’ cohort.

Having a class that is made up of such varied individuals challenges our students and encourages them to consider alternative ways of thinking. The current cohort, consisting of 491 members hailing from 64 different nationalities, provides an abundance of learning opportunities for all involved.

MSc Business Analytics

Ranked 6th in the world (QS Business Master’s Rankings 2024, Business Analytics), MSc Business Analytics at Imperial prepares graduates for a future of data-driven and evidence-based decision-making. Although grounded in rigorous technical and quantitative training, our programme also provides opportunities to apply your learning in a practical setting. Electives and projects are sector-focussed, giving students the opportunity to tailor the programme to their interests.

The programme is available in two study modes, a one-year, full-time programme, studied at our campus in London, or as a part-time, two-year online programme, studied from anywhere in the world.

This year’s full-time, on-campus programme achieved strong female representation (61% female) and has students that come from a wide variety of academic backgrounds, with the most popular being: Engineering/Technology (24%), Economics (20%), Business/Management (17%), and Science/Medicine (12%).

The online, part-time programme students have an average age of 29, with many of them choosing to take advantage of the part-time nature of the programme and continue working in their current role where they can apply the learnings to their day-to-day projects.

Meet an MSc Business Analytics (full-time, on-campus) student

Henrique Moreira

Nationality: Portuguese
Undergraduate education: Management, Universidade Católica Portuguesa

How does the curriculum of MSc Business Analytics align with your career goals?

The curriculum of MSc Business Analytics provides a strong framework of data analytics fundamentals through the core modules. After that, it delves into more specialised industry-related subjects through electives. Alongside this, we get hands-on experience in workshops and seminars focusing on specific tools such as Tableau, along with other relevant topics.

The structure of the programme really enables me to develop the necessary skills to jumpstart my career as a Data Analyst and to be able to harness the power of Big Data to provide meaningful insights.

What hobbies or interests do you have outside of your academic life?

It is very important to balance academic life with other activities, such as doing physical exercise and taking part in social events. Ethos, one of Imperial ’s sports facilities, is right next to the Business School and makes it easier to achieve a regular physical exercise routine. Besides that, I love to play Padel through the Imperial Padel Club.

I have also joined the Imperial Data Science Society, which organises weekly workshops and has enabled me to learn more about Machine Learning, which will be very important in my future career.

Meet an MSc Business Analytics (part-time, online) student

Milton Caluya

Nationality: Filipino
Undergraduate education: BSc Information and Communications Technology Management, De La Salle University Manila

In what ways do you hope to grow and develop personally and professionally during your time at the Business School?

Although I've worked in data and analytics throughout my career, there were areas of my skills that needed honing. My undergraduate degree focused more on technology, and I wanted to bolster my knowledge in business and maths. The programme suits me perfectly as it addresses this blend of practices, helping me develop a comprehensive skillset.

In my current experience in the analytics industry, lacking strong business knowledge limits the full potential of technology in solving business problems. Without a solid grasp of technology, processes can become costly, inefficient, and fail to enhance overall business operations. Additionally, lacking strong maths skills means solutions aren't fully optimized, and the technology used for problem-solving can lead to unnecessary overheads and processes.

Another area I aim to develop during my time at the Business School is time management. Balancing work, life, and studies while learning to plan ahead and prioritise activities will be challenging but also rewarding.

How does the Hub support your learning?

For those studying an online programme like me, the Hub is the core of where our learning happens. Module content for the current term is uploaded there and is a mix of readings, videos, and interactive exercises. The interactive exercises are really helpful as our professor and teaching assistants provide feedback on our answers, which helps clarify our understanding on the lessons. There are also cases where the answers are shared across the class which also helps us learn from each other. The built-in calendar also ensures that we have visibility on when assignments and quizzes are due, so we could properly plan our time completing them.

MSc Climate Change, Management & Finance

MSc Climate Change, Management & Finance is a one-year programme that prepares the next generation of climate change and sustainability business leaders. On this ground-breaking programme, students learn from leading practitioners and world leading climate change faculty to put the latest academic thinking on business and climate science strategies into practice.

This year’s MSc Climate Change, Management & Finance cohort is made up of 166 students, with 62% of those students being female. A truly global cohort, 35 nationalities are represented in the class having studied a range of undergraduate subjects such as Business/Management (31%), Economics (22%), Finance/Accounting (15%), Arts/Humanities (11%).

Meet an MSc Climate Change, Management & Finance student

Sara Valenzuela Cruz

Nationality: Mexican
Undergraduate education: Chemical Engineering, Tecnologico de Monterrey

How was your first week on-campus?

I will always remember the first week on campus. It was such a great experience. I had the opportunity to meet almost everyone from MSc Climate Change, Management & Finance and a lot of students from different programmes. Everyone shared their excitement about starting this new journey and the adventures ahead. We had “This is the way” sessions that were really helpful in knowing more about the different sectors such as energy and sustainability, finance, and consulting. The Welcome Day at the Science Museum was a great kickstart of the year.

How does the curriculum of your Master's programme align with your career goals?

My career goal is to become an environmental business leader. The first step towards this goal is to pursue this programme, which in tandem with the Grantham Institute and the Centre for Climate Finance & Investment will provide me with interdisciplinary skills, and allow me the opportunity to work with industry experts. Hence, I will be able to understand the conditions and mechanisms of climate finance.

MSc Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Management

MSc Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Management is a one-year full-time programme that builds students’ toolkit in the three key areas of innovation, entrepreneurship and management, teaching them how to manage successful outcomes to create, deliver and capture value from innovation. These students are future angel investors, unicorn founders, innovators and creators.

As well as the varied programme content, there are many opportunities for students to get involved in Imperial’s dynamic enterprising culture including the Imperial Enterprise Lab.

This year’s cohort of 91 students come from across the world, representing 37 different nationalities with 51% female students. On this programme, the most common degree that students have is in Business/Management (46%), while the other half of the cohort have a rich range of backgrounds. Subjects that students have studied prior include Arts/Humanities (23%), Economics (13%), Engineering/Technology (11%), and Finance/Accounting (10%).

The nature of the programme means that all students, no matter their previous experience, are united by a true passion for entrepreneurship.

Meet an MSc Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Management student

Faith Ibrahim

Nationality: Nigerian
Undergraduate education: Design, Product Development & International Manufacturing, Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising

Why did you choose to study MSc Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Management at Imperial Business School?

After completing my studies in design, I launched a fashion apparel business. However, I soon realised that creativity alone was not enough to succeed in the industry. I faced numerous challenges, which led me to seek out an environment that could help me become the entrepreneur I had always aspired to be. That's when I discovered the Innovation Entrepreneurship & Management Master’s programme at Imperial Business School. I am confident that this programme will equip me with the necessary tools to achieve my goals in starting a textile manufacturing company, and pioneering industry innovation in my home country, Nigeria.

In what ways do you hope to grow and develop personally and professionally during your time at the Business School?

I plan to take advantage of the resources available for existing and aspiring entrepreneurs at the Business School. The Enterprise Lab offers numerous opportunities that I have been exploring and hope to gain more insight into throughout the academic year. Also, I have had the pleasure of meeting a diverse group of students with similar interests and aspirations to me. I look forward to building a network and exploring ways in which we can support each other as we embark on our individual business ventures. Lastly, I am looking towards developing my communication and leadership skills throughout the programme.

MSc International Health Management

MSc International Health Management (now MSc Global Health Management) combines business-focussed teaching and cutting-edge research, giving students the chance to learn from internationally recognised faculty at the forefront of health management research. The programme is specifically designed to give an overview of the UK health system and its application in a global context.

This year’s class of 97 students represent a vast range of nationalities with students joining the class from all over the world. Due to the subject matter, the majority of students (45%) come from a Science/Medicine background looking to enhance their knowledge of business and the health management sector.

Meet an MSc International Health Management student

Yuqing Su

Nationality: Chinese
Undergraduate study: Management and Technology (specialisation: Medical Science), Technical University of Munich

Why did you choose to study International Health Management at Imperial Business School?

Having a background in both medicine and business, the decision to pursue MSc International Health Management at Imperial Business School was a straightforward next step in my academic and professional development. I discovered my true passion at the intersection of healthcare and business after earning my degrees.

Combining business and healthcare education, the International Health Management programme at Imperial Business School was an ideal fit for me owing to its stellar reputation and interdisciplinary approach. It is essential for addressing global healthcare challenges that the programme provides a comprehensive comprehension of global healthcare systems, models, and policies; thus, its international focus is vital. Additionally, this program prepares me to make impactful investment decisions in the healthcare sector by providing a unique blend of business and medical knowledge, which is in ideal harmony with my career objective of entering healthcare investment.

How does the curriculum of MSc International Health Management align with your career goals?

The curriculum of Imperial Business School's Master's programme in International Health Management is highly congruent with my professional ambitions in the field of health investment. Through the integration of accounting, economics, business strategy, and mergers and acquisitions, the programme imparts an all-encompassing comprehension of the healthcare and business environments. Employing this integrated approach provides me with the essential competencies required to navigate the intricate realm of healthcare investment. I acquire a comprehensive understanding of financial analysis, market dynamics, and strategic decision-making processes, all of which are indispensable for the identification and assessment of prospective healthcare investment opportunities. My extensive and diverse educational background has equipped me with the knowledge and skills necessary to make well-informed decisions that promote advancements and progress in the healthcare sector.

*Please note MSc International Management is now MSc Global Health Management

Explore our programmes

Meet the Global Online MBA class of 2023-25

We’re pleased to welcome the Global Online MBA 2023-25 cohort to Imperial Business School. The online, part-time MBA programme means that students can become part of the Business School community from anywhere in the world.

With some of the best technology in education, developed by our Idea Lab, at our disposal, our Global Online MBA delivers an exceptional online learning experience. We are proud to provide our students with the same high-quality teaching that they would receive if they were on-campus.

Global Online MBA students are impressive to say the least. The part-time format means that our students have taken on the challenge of developing their skillset while usually continuing to work in their demanding full-time roles. This takes hard work and dedication but will result in a great reward and sense of achievement upon graduation.

What does the new class look like?

The composition of a class has a great impact on the student experience, so bringing together a mix of cultures, backgrounds, and professional experience is a priority. The 2023-25 cohort of the Global Online MBA is no exception – the 159 students in the class represent 50 nationalities.

These motivated individuals bring an average of 12 years of work experience spanning across a wide range of industries including Tech, Pharma/BioTech/Healthcare, and Engineering. Students with STEM backgrounds often come to Imperial to take advantage of the close relationship that the Business School has with Imperial London. Our MBA students often work with the Enterprise Lab to develop their start-up idea, take part in accelerators, and get support on funding.

"The new cohort of the Global Online MBA class is very diverse in terms of professional and educational backgrounds, and also in terms of internationality. Our programme has a cohort-based approach, meaning all the participants move through the core programme together. This provides opportunities for them to learn from one another at every step of the programme which is particularly valuable as they all work in their day jobs alongside the programme and can bring their work experience to class.” Markus Perkmann, Academic Director, Imperial MBA

Meeting in-person on-campus at induction

While the Global Online MBA programme is predominantly online, we offer students the chance to come to campus and meet each other face-to-face at the start of the programme for induction.

This year’s Welcome Day saw Imperial take over the Science Museum, located next to our South Kensington campus. With exclusive access to the museum while it was closed, Imperial students explored the space, watched an immersive welcome movie and participated in interactive and experiential introductions to the Business School.

Meet our Global Online MBA students

Daniel Rubio Sanchez

Nationality: Spanish
Current role: Senior Growth Manager, Google

Can you share a brief overview of your professional background and the industries you've worked in?

My career has related to the tech industry from the start. It started with an internship at Salesforce in their Madrid office and then at Google, where I was also an intern and then returned as a full-time employee after finishing my undergraduate degree. I’ve had multiple roles at Google, but they have all been within the areas of digital strategy, marketing and growth.

My first roles were based in Dublin (Ireland), where our EMEA headquarters are located. Most recently, I transferred to New York for a new client-facing role, and I plan to continue developing my career here. One thing I really like about my role is that I get to work with multiple partners, learn about their business and bring the Google magic to accelerate their growth. We usually work with high potential partners and build plans to scale their business with our tools. It’s fascinating to see the impact AI can have in the success of SMEs and startups and how smaller companies can challenge big players when they do things right.

What do you hope to learn or achieve during your time in the Global Online MBA programme?

When I first considered doing the Global Online MBA, I set two main goals. First, to invest in my own development by shifting the focus from growing responsibilities within the company to building the skills I will need for the next 3-5 years. It is not a requirement to have an MBA to advance your career at Google, but the type of skills you need to succeed in more senior roles are different from those that help you get promoted when you are more junior.

My second goal is more connected to my day-to-day. I want to develop my own leadership style, being able to influence without authority and prepare for future people management roles. I am among the youngest peers in my cohort, and it is a great opportunity to learn directly from peers who have already faced challenging situations as leaders of their companies or business units. Those learnings are invaluable and really complement the coursework.

How have you found the collaboration of business and technology at the Business School?

Imperial brings together the best from both disciplines and offers something different from what other traditional business schools propose. Of course, the Global Online MBA programme covers the fundamentals of Economics, Finance, Strategy or Marketing, but also offers the possibility of learning how to code, getting up to speed with AI innovations, or even sharing electives with students from other programmes with different backgrounds.

Beyond the coursework, I also see a lot of activities going on (both online and on campus). From events organised by the student clubs to company presentations or workshops to tailor your resume for a specific industry. Last week, for example, I had my CV analysed by an AI tool that helps you make some tweaks for your specific sector and include relevant words to maximise your chances of landing an interview. This is part of your experience. The technology is everywhere.

Ukachi Carol Okere

Nationality: Nigerian
Current role: Manager, Continuous Improvement, Standard Chartered Bank, Nigeria

What motivated you to pursue the Global Online MBA, and what are your career goals after completing the programme?

My primary motivation for pursuing an MBA is to advance my career. At this stage, I need to supplement my years of experience with the necessary knowledge and certification to compete globally. When evaluating my achievements against my personal goals in health, finances, career, and relationships at the end of 2022, I realised that I needed to bridge the gap between where I am and my career aspirations. After careful consideration, I decided that pursuing an MBA is the propeller I need. My personal SWOT analysis also uncovered the need to pursue an MBA.

Additionally, as part of my branding strategy, getting an MBA at Imperial Business School is crucial to differentiate myself in a highly competitive organisation like Standard Chartered Bank, with over 85,000 exceptional employees worldwide. The stakes are high, and I must compete favourably to achieve my career ambitions.

Can you share a brief overview of your professional background and the industries you've worked in?

I am a Microbiologist turned Chartered Banker. I stumbled into banking and stayed because I loved it. My journey began with a one-year National Youth Service attachment at Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCO), where I worked with the Health and Safety department. This experience opened my eyes to the corporate work structure and led me on a path that would shape my career in several ways.

I then worked as a pioneer in an Information Technology company, Zinox Technologies Limited, where I was employed as a Customer Service Representative. Working at a start-up company meant I was able to expand my role and try pretty much everything. I opened and managed a showroom, worked with the sales team, and proposed and deployed a credit facility for co-operatives and companies that purchased our products. This experience made me fearless and willing to take on challenges with a can-do attitude, which I have carried on to this day.

A little over a year later, I moved to banking for a more formal organisational structure, like the one I had experienced at SNEPCO. After a short stint with two Nigerian banks, I joined Standard Chartered Bank, Nigeria, where I have worked for the last fourteen and a half years. I held different roles within customer service and relationship management in our individual banking segments before transitioning to the process improvement team, which I have headed for the last four years.

My journey has been one of growth, learning, and perseverance. I have post-university work experience of 22 years, 21 of which is in banking, spanning different functions. I have significant industry experience gained from my various roles and volunteering activities. I am also an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria.

What motivated you to choose online education at Imperial Business School?

First and foremost, given the stage of my career, I could not take a year off work to pursue further studies. Hence, online education was more realistic. Additionally, I wanted a school within my time zone, renowned for its academic rigour and excellence, that maintains high academic standards and offers a diverse range of programmes designed to provide a comprehensive education. Imperial Business School was an obvious choice. I was also drawn to the school because of its student diversity, innovation and technology focus, and extensive alumni network.

Adanna Chukwuma

Nationality: Nigerian
Current role: Senior Director, Global Impact Measurement, Visa Inc

What motivated you to pursue an MBA, and what are your career goals after completing the programme?

At the time I decided to pursue an MBA, I had spent over a decade following my graduation as a doctor working in global health and international development. My work had taken me to clinics, government board rooms, and health insurance funds in Europe, Africa, and Asia, and I was privileged to have led and supported large-scale reforms in several countries driving better health outcomes. However, all my prior experience had been in the public sector, and I was interested in also contributing to conversations within the private sector on driving towards positive societal impact.

Understanding subjects like corporate finance, strategy, and organisational behaviour expands my ability to engage effectively in conversations on impact investing as someone who understands both impact and the intricacies of business operations and financial decision-making. I also made the jump to the private sector in the interim and aim to continue working in the impact investing space in the medium-term.

The Global Online MBA programme at Imperial Business School is one of the highest-ranked in the world and now that I have joined my cohort, it is clear why. This programme is not retrofitted for an online platform, it was built from the ground up to ensure learning is maximised, content is tailored to the experienced professional, and the platform supports learning at a distance, with opportunities to participate in-person.

What do you hope to learn or achieve during your time in the Global Online MBA programme?

I am excited about immersing myself in the world of corporate finance, organisational behaviour, and strategy, all offerings in this excellent programme. The skills I will acquire and my ability to speak that language will make me more effective as an intrapreneur – and change driver – within my organisation and the broader field of impact measurement. One very important result of this programme will also be the connections I build with students and faculty. I have found this to be the case in my prior degree programmes and I am excited about the connections I have made so far.

Learn more about our Global Online MBA

Induction Week at Imperial Business School

Induction Week at Imperial Business School is an unforgettable experience that sets the tone for an exciting academic journey. The week brings together new Masters and MBA students to forge connections, explore the vibrant city of London, and introduce them to the world-class education they are about to embark upon. In this blog, we'll dive into some of the highlights of this time.

The Imperial Advantage: Networking and Beyond

The induction at Imperial Business School is more than just a series of events; it's the beginning of a transformative journey. The activities and interactions during this week lay the foundation for a vibrant and supportive community of students and faculty.

Our induction includes special events as well as workshops, seminars, and networking opportunities where students can connect with faculty, industry professionals, and peers. These early connections often evolve into lasting relationships that support personal and professional growth throughout their time at Imperial Business School and beyond.

"I feel energised and excited to join the Imperial Business School community. This is the best way to kick-off the journey. As a Global Online MBA student, being able to meet my classmates and professors in person during the Welcome Week is an amazing way to start my studies for the next two years" – Daniel Rubio Sanchez, Global Online MBA

Welcome Day at the Science Museum: Where Learning Meets Innovation

This year, students had an immersive experience at the world-renowned Science Museum. It was an opportunity to bond with fellow students and also a chance to gain insights into the latest advancements in science, technology, and innovation—an essential aspect of the Business School's educational philosophy.

The highlight of the day centered around the IMAX theatre, where students were hosted by Sofia Skevofylaka, MSc Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Management alumna. The event commenced with a warm welcome address by Interim Dean Franklin Allen, followed by a session that delved into fascinating research at Imperial .

Scholarship Breakfast: Celebrating Excellence

Imperial Business School recognises the importance of fostering talent and nurturing future leaders. The Scholarship Breakfast was an occasion to honour and celebrate the exceptional achievements of deserving students.

Each year, a select group of Masters and MBA students are awarded scholarships based on their outstanding academic achievements, leadership potential, and contributions to their communities. The Scholarship Breakfast is a gathering where these talented individuals are recognised and celebrated by the faculty, staff, and peers.
As new students embark on their academic journey at Imperial Business School, they carry with them the memories and connections forged during this week. For some programmes, students will have one more week of induction before delving into their studies. These experiences serve as a reminder of the exciting challenges and opportunities that lie ahead and inspire them to excel in their pursuit of knowledge, leadership, and success.

The week was an adventurous week, giving us an insight into the massive number of events and opportunities that await our participation throughout this time at Imperial Business School. I look forward to the new connections, the events and the immense learning opportunities here at Imperial. If one week could be so memorable and fun, I can’t fathom the rest of the 51 weeks in this programme!” - Dhishan Rajshekhar, MSc Management.

Explore our programmes

Celebrating 25 Years of Excellence in Finance

On 25 May 2023 at The Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, Imperial 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 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.

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 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 s 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.

Download class profile book

Your guide to the GMAT

What is the GMAT exam?

The Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) is a core part of the business school admissions process, for both MBA and Master’s business and management programmes. It is a standardised, computer adaptive test designed to assess your skills in quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning and data insights, all of which are vital to your success in business.

More than 7,700 programmes at approximately 2,400 business schools accept the GMAT as part of their admissions process.

What GMAT score do I need for Imperial?

At Imperial Business School, we require the GMAT for our Full-Time MBA. For the GMAT Exam you will need a minimum overall score of 565. If you have taken the GMAT Exam (10th Edition), you will need a score of at least 600 (our current average is 666). Scores are valid for five years from your appointment date.

Having a good GMAT score will also add weight to your application for other programmes, such as our part-time MBAs and MSc Business Analytics.

Why is the GMAT required?

The GMAT helps business schools to assess academic potential and gives a consistent point of comparison between candidates from a diverse range of academic and industry backgrounds, which helps with admissions decisions.

A good GMAT score will help you stand out during the admissions process. Taking the exam shows you are serious about your studies and future career. Some benefits are:

Helps to highlight your skills and boost your confidence in key areas such as critical thinking and analysis
Prepares you to become successful as a student and in business
If you aspire to work in consulting, many top companies will look for a good GMAT score – so putting the work in now will support your future career goals.

Is the GMAT difficult?

Whilst the GMAT is a challenging exam, it is not an intelligence test, and a high score is achievable with proper preparation.

Over the years we’ve seen a lot of bright candidates underperform, so make sure that you understand the structure of the test, question types and how the scoring works – as well as doing plenty of practice and revision. You should give yourself at least 2-3 months to prepare. Find out more about exam preparation on the GMAT website

Practice, practice and practice. The more practice questions you do, the more comfortable you get with the format of questions and the topics they cover.

- Leila Azimova, Full-Time MBA alumnus

Time management is important as you prepare for your test – particularly if you’re balancing your revision with professional and family commitments. Plan in advance if you’re balancing preparation with a full-time job or family.

I took some time off before the test but before that, I would fit in an hour or two daily.

- Devanshi Shah, MSc Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Management

You have around two minutes per question for quantitative reasoning, and even less than that for verbal reasoning – and you will lose significant marks if you rush the later questions or fail to complete the test altogether. Make sure you practice your timing as well as the different question types!

How do I prepare for the GMAT?

Make sure you understand the format, question types and scoring of the test before you take it, so you have a strategy for success.

There are a wide range of ways that you can prepare for the GMAT, including books of practice questions, online resources, apps, private tuition, or preparation classes. What’s most important is finding the right approach for you.

I used several different resources to study for the test and set myself a goal for what score I wanted to achieve. I started with various books that guide you through all the different components of the test. I also bought the Official Guides with the questions from the previous years. These are very helpful as practice is key to improving your score.

- Paul Ludwig, MSc Management

Brush up on official advice on preparing for the exam from GMAT.

When should I start preparing?

GMAT Exam scores will remain valid for five years from your appointment date.

By having a good score in place early on, you can reduce the stress of preparing for the test later and put yourself in a stronger position to get into your target school. Research from the Graduate Management Admissions Council shows that candidates achieve the best GMAT results when they take the test during their undergraduate degree – so it’s never too early to start preparing!

How much does the GMAT cost?

The cost of the GMAT is based on the location of your test centre or your location when taking the online exam. Find out about location-specific pricing and regulations on the GMAT website.

GMAT vs GRE

The main difference between the GMAT and GRE is that the GMAT is typically taken by candidates looking to only go to a business school, whereas the GRE is accepted for most graduate programmes, including those outside of a business school.

At Imperial Business School, we accept both GMAT and GRE. Taking one or the other will not put you at a disadvantage. Check the entry requirements for your programme before applying.

Common GMAT myths

Schools vary in their approach towards candidates who have taken the test several times before reaching the required score – and GMAT allows you to cancel scores that you’re not happy with. Make sure you understand your target school’s position on this before you take the test, as you only have two minutes to decide whether to accept or cancel your score.

At Imperial, we never penalise candidates who need a few attempts to reach the required score – it demonstrates your grit and determination to succeed, and these are qualities we look for in our students.

"For me, taking the GMAT was more of a learning process than an exam. It helped me to develop key business skills, such as critical thinking, integrated reasoning, and precise writing, which have benefited me in my MBA studies and beyond."

Wenxiao Chen

Full-Time MBA alumnus

A Review - My first 100 days of an Imperial Full-Time MBA

Komal Bapna, Full-Time MBA student shares her experience of her first 100 days studying the programme at Imperial Business School.

10 March 2022

The News

It was my dad's birthday. We were just about to cut the birthday cake and I screamed I got in! I am going to London to complete a Full-Time MBA. I am going to be joining Imperial Business School. That's the moment I knew my life was going to change. Throughout the application process, it was a possibility but now it was happening. I was finally fulfilling my London dream.

The next few months were exactly how you would imagine them to be – very busy. The visa application, the nervous moment when I opened my passport to see if I had received the visa, the endless nights of hustle trying to get my new home in London, and a few trips with close friends and family.

25 August 2022

Butterflies

The day was here. I was all packed, super excited and not nervous but super anxious with Butterflies in my tummy. I remember my family telling me to enjoy this next year; just soak in the experience and not put any pressure on a job/visa or sponsorship. My brother drove myself and my parents to the airport and my cousins and my best friends were all there, waving at me as I departed. Hours later, I landed in London. As I stepped into my mews apartment in Kensington, I felt proud of myself.

5 September 2022

Day 0

Dressed in my powder pink suit, I walked through the cobbled street to my first day at Imperial Business School. The next two weeks were a busy and exciting ride as we had an amazing induction planned for us. From the Welcome day at Saatchi Gallery to the adventure team-building trip to Reading – the school and the programme team made sure that I got to know my diverse cohort, that represents 30 nationalities extremely well.

To be honest, I was overwhelmed as I realised it was not just the Business School but the entire university including Royal Colleges and Global Challenge Institutes that I had access to! The induction week introduced me to the endless opportunities and networking available within the Imperial Realm.

By the end of induction, the Business School felt like home. The routine was set, and we went straight into our curriculum. We were thoughtfully split into our diverse study groups to make the most of our peers here at the Business School. The classes had begun, from Business Analytics to my favourite Innovation and Entrepreneurship module – it was all happening and so fast!

To make the most of my time here, I also applied to be a part of the career clubs at the Business School. Being a fintech professional and tech enthusiast, I wanted to be a core part of the Finance Career Club. In a week I was the Head of fintech for the Business School and I was already planning my first event for the Autumn term. While navigating through this new student life, I was also making sure I get the complete essence of living in London! From visiting Richmond Park, and Hampstead Heath to the London markets and South Bank – every weekend I tried to get out and explore the city before the chilly and cozy winters began!

23 October 2022

Missings

As weeks passed, Diwali was here. Diwali is one of India's largest festivals celebrated across the globe. It's a festival of lights, a festival to be with your family at home! But this Diwali I was in my new home, London with my new family. But to my pleasant surprise, I missed my family a little less than I imagined, this was thanks to the boat party that our social heads arranged. Dressed in traditional Indian outfits while on the banks of the Thames, we all danced and grooved to Bollywood music all night.

Just when I thought my learning curve was steep enough, it was time for the Imperial Innovation Challenge (IIC). It was going to be held at Scale Space which is a part of the Imperial's White city campus. Scale Space is a very interesting state-of-the-art facility built in collaboration with Blenheim Chalcot. It's not just a co-working space but a community for start-ups to incubate, innovate, grow and scale. As a part of the IIC, we were assigned a team and each team had to work on a complex technology that is still in ideation/design or testing. Within 10 days of not knowing what solar fuels are to my first MIRO board, I pitched to a panel of investors an alternate use of the technology of solar fuel with my five-member team.

With October ending on this note, November started with more than a dozen deadlines and events to look forward to! While trying to sail through the weeks of deadlines and submissions, one particular project that stood out for me was the strategy group project. It was the perfect example of working in ambiguity and under time pressure. As a team, we picked up the video gaming industry to analyse (none of us in the team had direct experience in), and in a week I knew so much about that industry including the top three US publishers and their strategic competence. I also conducted my first fintech panel as a host, themed - Purpose Driven Fintech. What made this term even more special was my first interview experience, I got shortlisted for one of the top entertainment companies in the world and had the opportunity to interview with them while hustling through the course.

Well, I cannot write this blog without the word 'networking'. Though I have been meeting new people every day since I stepped foot in London, the Full-Time MBA also introduced me to speed networking! In the first week of December, the careers team organised an MBA cross-cohort speed networking event - the MBA World Café. It was a wonderful experience to get introduced to Alumni/Weekend and Global MBAs in 10-minute round table sessions. What made the event even more special was that I was covering it live on Imperial Business School's Instagram as a content creator. In the same week, we also had the MBA winter party – a small celebration of the Autumn term with some mulled wine and Christmas cheer.

16 December 2022

Day 100

And the day was here, after strenuous two weeks of studying, the social leads planned a Secret Santa Soiree for the class at a fancy venue where we exchanged gifts, laughed all night, reflecting over the term while sipping on Christmas cocktails.

Looking forward to the next 9 months

While that was the Autumn term at Imperial Business School in 2022, there is so much that I'm looking forward to in 2023. Amongst the zillion things that I am yet to experience in the spring and summer terms, the things I look forward to most in the next 9 months:

Scholars Reception and Winter Ball at the National History Museum

MBA Careers Week

London Tech Trek

Global Experience Week – Rio Di Janeiro, Brazil

Summer Internship

The Entrepreneurial Journey

Summer Ball

Startup nation elective in Tel Aviv, Israel

MBA capstone

The last 100 days summed up as "What we learn with pleasure we never forget." - Alfred Mercie

Blog by Komal Bapna

Learn more about our Full-Time MBA

Meet the Management Masters’ class of 2022-23

In September, we welcomed our new cohort of bright Management students to Imperial Business School. The class have an exciting challenge ahead, as they begin developing skills that will propel their careers at leading, global organisations.

The Management Masters’ programmes that you can apply for at the Business School are:

In total, 739 students join us this year across these Management programmes, 64% are female and the average class age is 22. Diversity is core at Imperial therefore, we are delighted to welcome a cohort that represents 72 nationalities, giving our students access to an international network and exposing them to many different cultures.

Our world-class Management Master's programmes inspire and develop innovative minds to be the world’s future business leaders. Our Management programmes are truly relevant to business, with a combination of academic rigour and applied expertise. These programmes aim to prepare ambitious graduates for a successful career in a wide variety of sectors such as consulting, financial services, and marketing. We offer cross-programme learning opportunities to provide you with the advanced skills and knowledge to be successful, impactful leaders.

The class have an exciting year (or two) to look forward to, and for many it’s a new place to call home. Living in London puts our students in a central position to develop relationships with international organisations. Very quickly, they will establish a lifelong global network of friends and contacts over the forthcoming year. We offer our students personalised one to one career support to help nurture and support these network connections.  

We look forward to seeing all our students’ achievements this coming year. Our MSc programmes will equip them all with the knowledge and skills needed to pursue their ambitious business goals. With access to our world-class faculty and their cutting-edge research, studying with us will open doors across the world.

MSc International Management

MSc International Management is an exciting one-year full-time programme, that equips students from business backgrounds with advanced global leadership skills to enhance their career in business in a technology-driven world. Imperial Business School was placed 2nd in the UK* in the Financial Times Masters in Management ranking 2022 (*excluding multi-campus programmes).

We are part of the Global MiM network, this is an international exchange programme between four leading business schools. It provides students with the fantastic opportunity to study at another business school for up to one term, as part of their Imperial Business School programme. This gives our students a unique, global study experience.

66 students join us this year for our MSc International Management programme, 53% are female and the average class age is 22. The class represents 20 nationalities with students coming from a variety of backgrounds, such as Business/Management (48%), Economics (18%) and Finance/Accounting (17%).

Anna Shirtstova

Nationality: Russian

Education: Kings College

How has receiving the MIM Global Leadership Scholarship benefitted you?

While I was born in Russia, I moved to the UK when I was 12 years old and went to a secondary school in a small city on the South coast of England, Brighton. I completed my undergraduate studies at King’s College London, studying a multidisciplinary course Social Sciences, which consists of economics, politics and sociology with quantitative methods. During this course, I discovered my passion for social change and created a company that helps disadvantaged students from all over the world to access scholarships in the world - leading American and British Universities. As a scholarship holder myself, I know how many opportunities the scholarship offers. It is not confined to financial benefits, as it also allows one to connect to an exclusive community of other scholarship recipients and build strong ties with the lecturers and staff at Imperial London. Receiving the Global Leadership scholarship also boosted my self-esteem and made me feel more confident to expand this start-up idea into a bigger project by involving other businesses and non-profits in sharing my vision. 

What are you most looking forward to studying on this programme?

MSc International Management at Imperial Business School will equip me with the necessary leadership skills that are crucial in navigating through the socio-political changes. Leadership is a key skill; adapting your thinking and motivating your team to embrace an ever-transforming business climate and keep up with the needs of society. The module, such as Global immersion, allows our cohort to explore other cultures in emerging global economies of Dubai and Singapore and discover their approaches to technology and entrepreneurship. Therefore, the Business School offers a lot of opportunities to get to know other cultures and stay globally connected to like-minded leaders, a key aspect in an increasingly cosmopolitan world. 

Jolande Bot-Vos, Academic Director for MSc International Management and MSc Management said:

It is great to again welcome so many international students to our programmes. Learning together with people from so many different backgrounds and cultures is a great asset for the programme and for you. Together students bring a network of intelligence from around the world. You will be able to learn new things with each other and from each other, widening your global perspective on business. As the workplace operates in a global space this experience is invaluable. When asked, students often mention this new network of friends as one of the highlights of their experience at the Business School.

MSc Management

MSc Management is a rigorous, one-year, full-time Master's degree programme that prepares recent graduates from diverse academic backgrounds for a breadth of different careers in management such as management consulting and professional services. We are continually ranked amongst the world’s top global programmes; our Master's in Management has an excellent worldwide reputation thus our graduates stand out from the crowd.

Our students will study core modules to build their foundation in business, and then they have the chance to tailor and personalise their very own elective portfolio to suit their personal academic and career ambitions.

This year we are joined by 182 students, 51% are female and the average class age is 22. Imperial’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and diverse learning environment, that all our students can thrive in, is visible across our programmes. MSc management is no different in this regard, with our class of 2022-23 representing 42 different nationalities. This provides students with an opportunity for innovative global thinking. Each student joins with their own unique background, many have joined from an Arts/Humanities (49%) and Business/Management (31%) background.

Olivia Charland

Nationality: American

Pogramme: Microbiology & Cell Science, minor in Public Health at the University of Florida. 

What is your background?

I completed my undergraduate degree in Microbiology and Cell Science at the University of Florida. During this time, I learned about how the biological world operates on a molecular level. Research was a large focus of my degree, where I worked on identifying genes responsible for the autoimmune disease lupus. In my senior year, I worked in the technology licensing office at an innovation incubator to bring research discoveries from the lab to the market. Throughout my undergraduate career, I also held various leadership positions in campus organisations.

What is your main motivation for studying MSc Management?

While I enjoyed my undergraduate studies in the life sciences, I felt I was missing the core knowledge needed to pursue a career in business. I was attracted to the innovative curriculum and diverse community that the MSc Management programme offers. Modules such as Economics and Operations Management are developing my real-world problem solving and leadership skills to be successful in the workplace. I especially like that you can tailor your academic journey by choosing different electives that reflect your interests. You can specialise in a particular sector, for example finance, marketing, innovation, and more. Joining Imperial Business School has opened up a truly diverse community that allows me to gain new perspectives and build an international network. The MSc Management programme at Imperial is expanding my knowledge of business principles while surrounding me with bright, inspiring people every day! I am growing both personally and professionally through this programme, and to top it off, London is the best place to have this experience.

MSc Economics & Strategy for Business

MSc Economics & Strategy for Business is a distinctive one-year, full-time programme, it combines cutting edge strategic analysis with contemporary economics, thus preparing students for specialist economic and management consultancies and financial services.

The focus of the programme is interdisciplinary, taught by faculty immersed in leading edge research and business practice in global strategy, economics, digital applications, innovation and risk management. This unique focus allows our students to apply the core principals in real world situations through stimulating lectures, data analysis, immersive business simulations, real world consultancy projects and work placement.

This year, we are pleased to welcome 187 students to our MSc Economics & Strategy for Business programme this year, 65% of students are female and the average class age is 21. In this 2022-23 cohort, 40 nationalities are represented, giving our students access to a global network. Each student joins with their own career story, many join us from an Economics (65%) and Business/Management (24%) background.

Dimitris Kiourtis

Nationality: Greek 

Education: MA Hons Economics with Finance, University of Edinburgh 

What is your background prior to studying MSc Economics & Strategy for Business?  

I was born and raised in Kavala, a small town in the north of Greece with limited educational and professional opportunities. Around the age of 16, I decided to pursue the International Baccalaureate Diploma in Thessaloniki, a nearby city. This 2-year programme reinforced my interest in Economics, Finance and Businesses and helped me secure a place to study Economics at the University of Edinburgh. During my undergraduate studies I was involved in several extracurricular activities. Most importantly, in my third year I was elected president of the Trading & Investment Club, a role that required me to oversee all activities of the university’s largest student-led society. At the same time, I strived to build professional experience by interning in the consulting and advisory teams of PwC, Deloitte and EY in Greece. Eventually, in my final year, I interned in the Investment Banking Division of Goldman Sachs in London, receiving an offer to return as a full-time Analyst after my graduation from Imperial in 2023.  

Why did you choose to study MSc Economics & Strategy for Business at Imperial Business School?

MSc Economics & Strategy for Business at Imperial Business School combines two principles that truly interest me, and which I believe will be vital to my long-term success in the fields of Finance and Business. Economics, on the one hand, is a subject I studied in-depth during my undergraduate degree. Nevertheless, the focus on business applications is a lot more prevalent now. Our lecturers take time to explain how businesses use microeconomic concepts to improve their performance, already giving us an edge in our future careers. The strategy component is equally intriguing; through numerous case studies, we learn about shrewd business practices, which we are then called on to apply to real-life cases of our choice. Our ability to set business strategy is further amplified through our Business Analytics courses, which familiarise us with data science. Using these tools, we can understand market trends and consumer preferences with higher accuracy and therefore better advise our clients in the future. 

The level of teaching, the organisation of the programme and the career opportunities offered to students have so far exceeded my expectations. I look forward to the rest of this fruitful, and intellectually stimulating year.  

MSc Strategic Marketing (on-campus, full-time)

Our Master's programme draws on our world-class marketing faculty and thought leaders in strategy, entrepreneurship, and technology. Therefore, this provides a unique ‘Imperial view’ of marketing — i.e. one where marketing fundamentals intersect with the latest in technology and innovation, and where marketing science is blended with data-driven decision making for business.

This programme is available in two study modes our Strategic Marketing Master's programme is available as a one year, full-time programme, studied at our campus in London, or as a part-time, two year online programme, studied from anywhere in the world alongside your career.

Our MSc Strategic Marketing (on campus, full-time) programme comprises 252 students, 73% being female and average class age being 23. Imperial places an emphasis on diversity so we are pleased to represent 44 nationalities in this cohort. Students come from many backgrounds including Business/Management (51%), Arts/Humanities (18%) and Marketing/Advertising (16%).

Emma Chossegros

Nationality: French

Education: Neoma Business School, Bachelor in Business followed by a Masters in Management

What is your background prior to studying MSc Strategic Marketing?  

Prior to joining Imperial Business School, I did a BA in Business and a two-year master’s in management. I also completed two 6-months internships as a brand manager assistant and trade & merchandising assistant in the LVMH Perfumes & Cosmetics division, an apprenticeship as a product development assistant at the Japanese cosmetic company Shiseido. I also worked a 7-month maternity leave cover with Make Up Forever, an LVMH company in Dubai.    

What is your main motivation for studying MSc Strategic Marketing?   

I chose to study MSc Strategic Marketing to gain specific skills complementing my previous master’s in management, and to gain international employment opportunities.  

I have chosen marketing electives such as Data Analytics, Consumer Behaviour and Digital Marketing. I hope to deepen my understanding of these subfields at Imperial Business School thanks to its data-oriented and innovative approach. 

I know that the renowned alumni network and career service of Imperial London will give me a competitive edge when applying to marketing positions in the beauty and luxury sectors across the world. 

MSc Strategic Marketing (online, part-time)

Our MSc Strategic Marketing (online, part-time) enables our students to graduate with the same programme certification as our top-ranked MSc Strategic Marketing (on campus) programme, without interrupting their careers. The online format means our students can study anywhere in the world.

Our core modules will help our students cement the foundation required as a marketing leader. The wide range of electives gives our students the opportunity to personalise their programme and help differentiate themselves from other graduates.

52 students join our online MSc Strategic Marketing programme, 75% are female with the average class age being 27. This is a diverse cohort with 32 nationalities being represented, and students join from a large breadth of backgrounds, including Business/Management (50%) Arts/Humanities (31%) and Marketing/Advertising (7%).

Sadie Onosode

Nationality: Nigerian

Education: BA Politics & International Relations, University of Reading

What is your background prior to studying MSc Strategic Marketing (online, part-time)? 

Prior to studying Strategic Marketing at Imperial, I was studying Politics & IR at Reading having just returned from California, USA where I had enrolled to study Biosystems Engineering. I worked part-time in marketing, content management jobs and SEO internships in the final year of my undergraduate degree to prepare myself for the MSc programme at Imperial. These jobs were mostly remote, giving me the opportunity to work from various locations such as London, Reading, and Lagos, Nigeria and also preparing me for an online learning environment much like the MSc Strategic Marketing (online) programme.

Why did you choose to study MSc Strategic Marketing (online, part-time) at Imperial Business School? 

The MSc Strategic Marketing (online, part-time) programme at Imperial Business School gave me the unique opportunity I had been looking for, which was to have the option and flexibility of learning anywhere while pursuing other goals I had, be it personal or career-related. The programme incorporates an online structure that perfectly suits part-time learners while providing a plethora of resources to assist students with their future career plans such as entrepreneurship. This ensures I will be gaining the skills I need to succeed in the world of business and beyond. After the rise of Covid-19 and the pandemic era, I was interested to see how businesses were impacted by this and what new measures and strategies they were using to get their messages across to their consumers. The MSc Strategic Marketing programme provided the right modules – such as Digital Marketing and Strategic Marketing Management – projects and resources to ensure I could have the answers to my questions, build the knowledge I needed to enter the marketing industry and put me on the right path to thrive in the field.

By choosing to study this programme at Imperial Business School, immersing myself in Imperial’s multicultural community, and representing a world-renowned institution where I can flourish as a Masters’ student, I am assured that I have made the right decision for myself and my future and this is honestly the best feeling.

Compare our Management Masters'

Content Marketing Officer, working on content creation.

Meet the Finance Masters' class of 2022-23

This September, we welcomed another great cohort of Finance Master’s students as they begin their one-year journey on the following programmes:

MSc Risk Management & Financial Engineering

640 students have joined Imperial Business School across these 5 programmes, with 46% of students being female and the average age being 22. The cohort comprises 71 nationalities, giving students a diverse and enriching learning environment. Each student brings with them a unique career and educational background, many have come from a Mathematics, Finance/Accounting and Economics, as well as a Science/Medicine background.

Our students can look forward to learning through a combination of the latest research, practical application, and studying a wide variety of topics at Imperial Business School. Furthermore, each student can choose their own set of core modules and programme electives, enabling them to tailor and personalise their programme. These include Entrepreneurial Finance, Real Estate Investment, and Innovation and Strategy in FinTech. These are shared across all 5 programmes; therefore, students can socialise and network across our Finance Masters’.

The Business School has developed strong connections with leading companies in the City of London and beyond, providing opportunities for our students to build their skills and confidence in the real world. Each student will gain new, unique skills that will help secure them a successful role in corporate finance, fintech, investment banking, wealth management or any other area of finance they may choose.

We look forward to seeing all our student’s achievements this coming year.

MSc Finance

Ranked #16 in the world in the Financial Times Masters in Finance Ranking 2022, our programme has a proven track record of securing students competitive jobs in the finance industry in sectors such as investment banking, asset management and consultancy. The programme also helps our MSc Finance students to obtain their Chartered Financial Analyst designation, as a member of the CFA University Affiliation Program.

Our 2022-23 cohort is made up of 89 students, 33% of these being female and an average class age of 22. 28 nationalities are represented in our class, exposing our students to new cultures, and providing them with an opportunity for innovative global thinking. Our students join us from varying backgrounds including Economics (52%), Engineering/Technology (10%) and Finance/Accounting (18%), as well as Mathematics (11%).

Zhfian Xu

Nationality: Chinese

Education: Imperial London, Bachelor of Design Engineering

What is your background prior to studying MSc Finance?  

I studied engineering and product design before joining Imperial Business School. Previously, I had experience working in consultancy, venture capital, real estate, quantitative asset management and lots more.

What is your main motivation for studying MSc Finance?

In the long term, I want to be an entrepreneur. I want to create something people want in the future. I believe financial and economic education, delivered through courses such as corporate finance and business valuation, is crucial to make smart financing/investment decisions for the company. Therefore, the programme will be very valuable to me, providing the education I desire. 

In the short term, I am very intrigued by financial markets, because they enable me to quantify the impact of my decisions and continually improve my methodology. I think the ability to understand macro drivers on a top-down level and company specific drivers on a bottom-up level is highly transferrable; it will be extremely beneficial for a future business leader.

MSc Finance & Accounting

MSc Finance & Accounting is accredited by both ACCA and CIMA, it aims to prepare students for careers in financial or professional services.

Our programme touches on some of the world’s best research in corporate finance; it is a highly pragmatic programme, allowing students to find innovative solutions to real-world business and valuation challenges. The wide choice of electives on offer here, enables our students to tailor their learning to meet their career aspirations.

The Business School’s central London location means students can build ongoing relations with major employers in the finance sector, as well as the opportunity to network with leading global organisations and the world’s top companies.

The class comprises 182 students, 51% being female with an average class age of 23. Imperial places an emphasis on diversity so we are pleased to represent 45 nationalities in this class. Many students have come from a Business/Management (35%), Finance/Accounting (46%) and Economics background (12%).

Aayush Gupta

Nationality: Indian

Education: Bachelor's in Business Administration, Emory University, Atlanta, USA

What is your main motivation for studying MSc Finance & Accounting? 

My main motivation to study MSc Finance & Accounting was to enhance and develop an all-rounded skillset. Imperial Business School offers programmes that are at the cutting edge of finance, leveraging the power of technology and smart business to create the business leaders of the future. In recent years, there have been massive changes in the industry with bold new technological advances. These include the increasing popularity of cryptocurrencies, the advent of Web 3.0, the introduction of NFTs as digital assets, and the idea of a metaverse – a shared, connected virtual world becoming a reality. These fundamental shifts will shake the very foundations of finance, and I want to be at the centre of it. The greater uncertainty that comes with the arrival of these new technologies will push investors – individual, institutional, and national – to re-evaluate their investment strategies, and I hope to be able to lead this charge, with the knowledge I obtain at Imperial Business School through this programme. 

What are your future career plans? 

I hope to work in an analyst role within the financial services industry, particularly focusing on corporate banking or financial consulting. These fields will not only make the best use of the skills I have, but also offer opportunities to pursue additional professional qualifications like the CFA or ACCA, which the Finance & Accounting programme also builds towards. In the long run, I believe that I would also be able to develop a wide network in my time at Imperial and beyond, as I begin to identify and work towards my long-term career goals.

Hermine Fanyan

Nationality: Armenian

Education: Bachelor's in Finance at Armenian State University of Economics, exchange semester at Hasselt University (Belgium) in Business Economics 

What is your main motivation for studying MSc Finance & Accounting?  

My undergraduate Finance courses, coupled with my experience in different fintech startups has made me realise where my passion lies. Hence, my enthusiasm in FinTech brought me to one of the most innovative and technology driven Business Schools - Imperial Business School, and particularly to the MSc Finance and Accounting programme.  

This programme is the key to the financial world, providing rigorous courses on the impact of technologies and innovations on finance. It also touches on the role of big data analysis in business decisions. I chose this programme as it delivers courses (e.g. Innovation and Strategy in FinTech, Fundamentals of Derivatives), through which I can receive a better insight into the FinTech revolution, innovation and investment opportunities, and strategic options that will empower me to address local challenges. 

Furthermore, I would like to highlight the opportunities the Business School and the programme provide to help students grow both as a professional and as a person. For example, workshops, finance-related clubs, and other societies that contribute to the enlargement of our highly important social capital.  

What are your future career plans?  

After graduating, I will mostly look forward to opportunities in the FinTech field in the roles of consulting, strategy planning and analytics, where I can provide innovative solutions to financial services. That said, throughout my future work I am eager to contribute my capacity to the policies directed to the increase of digital financial literacy and inclusion, as only that way it will be possible to stimulate the fintech and financial services, as well as achieve sustainable economic growth.  

In the long run, having entrepreneurial ambitions, I plan to establish my fintech company that would address issues of current financial sector, and be part of the technological revolution.

MSc Financial Technology

Graduates of our MSc Financial Technology will gain and enhance the skills required to leverage a successful and innovative career in the ever-evolving sector of fintech and beyond.

Our one-year MSc Financial Technology programme enhances our student’s in-demand quantitative and analytical skills, including coding and programming capabilities. The programme brings together highly relevant modules and electives to provide students with knowledge of the financial sector and practical experience through an immersive learning syllabus. A range of programming tools such as Bloomberg facilitate live implementations of financial models in the classroom and allow our class to analyse real world investment decisions and data.

104 students join this class, 42% of them being female with an average class age of 23. 27 nationalities are represented in this cohort, exposing our students to innovative global thinking. Many come from an Engineering/Technology (40%), Mathematics (28%) and Finance/Accounting (12%) background. The large proportion of Engineering/Technology students emphasises the draw of the Business School’s connection to STEM as part of Imperial London.

Kalina Tsaneva

Nationality: Bulgarian

Education: BSc Computer Science degree, Queen Mary University of London

What are you most looking forward to outside of your studies?  

Seeking to be taught by world-class professors, pioneers in their respective fields, and my eagerness to study with like-minded individuals in a competitive, highly intellectual, and driven environment were amongst the top reasons I sought admission at the Business School – as I believe that the right community is as crucial to one’s success as academic achievement. That is why I plan to obtain the most out of my year at Imperial – academically, socially, and professionally. Academically, I plan to focus more on the core financial modules as part of the programme and gain proficiency in Finance at graduate level which, linked with my Computer Science background, will allow me to pursue a multidisciplinary career and fulfil my professional goals after graduation. Socially, I look forward to making lifelong connections with like-minded people from both the Business School and Imperial, and being an active member of the various sports and creative clubs I am interested in – namely piano, tennis, horse-riding and sailing. As an SSC Social Leader for my cohort, I also look forward to organising and participating in unforgettable events at the Business School, exploring London to the fullest through my “best places in London” list and becoming more acquainted with UK’s rich history by travelling beyond the city. Professionally, I look forward to kick-starting my career journey by making use of the Business School’s Careers Services, Imperial’s central campus locations and my personal connections in industry, which will all prove invaluable when it comes to securing my desired role.

What are your future career plans?  

As a Women in Finance scholar, I aim to obtain the most out of my education – not only graduate with Distinction, but also participate in the various career-development initiatives such as the Continental Europe Business Club, Data Spark programme and Imperial’s Enterprise Lab, which will equip me with the full set of soft and technical skills necessary to succeed in my career. This will build upon my experience at Deloitte which laid the groundwork for my professional ambitions and allow for a solid career progression into a managerial role, where I will be able to use both my Computer Science and Finance knowledge to advance and work with a diverse range of clients and projects. I have always firmly believed that hard work, ambition, and commitment are the pillars of success and plan to use this conviction to succeed within this chapter and beyond.

Opanin Akuffo

Nationality: Ghanaian

Education: Ashesi University

What are you most looking forward to outside of your studies?  

I am most looking forward to the networking opportunities available at the Business School, as well as making valuable connections (both internally and externally), that will last a lifetime. Additionally, I look forward to exploring and discovering London, and hopefully touring Europe soon.

What are your future career plans?  

I hope that my future career plans will include a software engineering role in an investment bank.

MSc Investment & Wealth Management

MSc Investment & Wealth Management is a one-year programme, made up of the latest industry theory findings, alongside the opportunity to find innovative solutions to real-world investment challenges. 

The London location and Imperial’s connections with leading, global finance sector employers means that the programme is well placed to propel students into successful careers in investment, private equity, and asset management.

This year, we are joined by 86 students, 46% being female with an average class age of 23. Our class represents 31 nationalities, giving students the opportunity to create global business connections, contribute different ideas and solutions in the classroom and thereby learn from one another. 33% of the class come from an Economics background, 35% from Finance/Accounting and 12% from Engineering/Technology.

Oghenetega Oghuvwu

Nationality: Nigerian

Education: Economics and Development Studies, Covenant University in Nigeria

What is your background prior to studying MSc Investment & Wealth Management?  

Previously, I worked with the Transactions team at Ernst & Young and I also worked as a fund accounting analyst before that. I am also an ACCA -Association of Certified Chartered Accountants- charter holder.

What are you most looking forward to outside of your studies?  

I am looking forward to developing lifelong relationships and expanding my network, exploring London and having fun to be honest!

MSc Risk Management & Financial Engineering

MSc Risk Management & Financial Engineering prepares our future graduates for careers in financial engineering and risk management. Our programme is credited by the Professional Risk Manager’s International Association (PRMIA) and it is a highly quantitative programme for technically minded students. Our students have joined us, eager to engage in the deep, analytical study of risk management and financial engineering.

With a cohort size of 197 and 23 nationalities represented, this is a diverse class. 52% of the class are female and the average class age is 22. Our students join us from a variety of backgrounds including Mathematics (65%), Economics (15%) and Engineering/Technology (14%).

Salim Rhmari Tlemcani

Nationality: Moroccan

Education: Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Warwick.

What is your main motivation for studying MSc Risk Management & Financial Engineering?  

I believe that the MSc Risk Management & Financial Engineering programme is a masters that brings opportunities in a large spectrum of industries. The students can work in highly quantitative jobs (in finance or other sectors with Data Science or statistics) as well as qualitative jobs in finance.

What do you hope to achieve with the programme?  

I hope to meet as many well-driven and inspiring people as I can. Also, I know from my background how the electronic components of trading systems work, and I hope that with this programme, I will learn more about the mathematical and computational components.

Compare our Finance Masters'

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Meet the Imperial Full-Time MBA class of 2022-23

We have been delighted to welcome our new cohort of Full-Time MBA students to Imperial Business School as they embark upon their one-year endeavour to become future leaders.

These students have already exemplified immense hard work and determination. They have devoted many hours in the application process, interview and GMAT preparation. Each student has been personally selected to join us on this highly competitive programme, thereby exposing everyone to a cohort of exceptional classmates.

After an exciting range of induction activities across our South Kensington Campus, as well as our Welcome Day event at the Saatchi Gallery and Cadogan Hall, our new cohort is settling into their new routines, core modules, and for many a new place to call home.

What does the new class look like?

At Imperial, we take pride in our diverse student body across all our programmes. This year, 73 students have joined us from across the world for our Full-Time MBA programme; 42% are female students. The class comprises 29 nationalities, giving students the opportunity to create global business connections, contribute different ideas and solutions in the classroom and thereby learn from one another.

On average, our students have joined with 6 years of work experience and have come from varying career backgrounds, including banking, consulting, engineering, IT, and technology. This emphasises the draw of the Business School’s connection to STEM as part of Imperial London.

Full-Time MBA Academic Director, Markus Perkmann, shares his thoughts about the 2022-23 cohort:

I would like to warmly welcome this year’s cohort! The cohort is one of the most selective and high-calibre we have had on our Full-Time MBA programme. At the same time, it brings together a great variety of impressive professional, personal and geographic backgrounds. We have updated and refreshed our programme, providing more choices, so each student can use their time at Imperial to discover and develop their interests in the specific subjects in which they want to excel in. We aim to provide an MBA experience with innovation and technology at its very core; we believe this focus benefits our graduates in any industry they are aiming to work in. And thanks to the diversity and global nature of this class, they will make connections that will last them a lifetime.

Meet some of the Full-Time MBA students in the new class

Dr. Obinna Okafor

Nationality: Nigerian

Job prior to the MBA: Senior Project Engineer, Hydrogen Tech, Johnson Matthey

Why did you choose to study the Imperial Full-Time MBA?

I have spent the last four years working with cutting edge technologies and managing projects aimed at providing cleaner energy sources for a greener planet. I was at a point where I wanted to expand my horizons, learn valuable skills to position myself towards becoming an impactful business leader and influence change. The Imperial Full-Time MBA appealed to me on the London location, reputation and focus on innovation. It was an obvious choice due to the connection of the Business School with its world leading research on sustainability and climate related topics and the thriving startup ecosystem. I decided to embark on a journey filled with self-exploration, learning, professional development, and new opportunities.

How have you found the programme so far?

We are currently three weeks in and fully equipped for the ride. The first weeks have been very engaging, comprising of career sessions, alumni panels, interactive lectures and talks, networking, team building activities and socials. Over the next few weeks, we will be working on core modules and career development activities. I am looking forward to learning more from the MBA cohort, staff and students. I am the President of the Black in Business Club. Being a new club, I am eager to support the growth of the black community, creating a space for belonging, championing diversity and inclusivity.

Jacqueline Knapp

Nationality: Canadian

Job prior to the MBA: Distribution Manager, Sony Pictures Television

Why did you choose to study the Imperial Full-Time MBA?

I chose to study the Imperial Full-Time MBA because I could not pass up the opportunity to pursue my degree in a world-class city like London. Imperial’s Full-Time MBA takes 12 months to complete, whereas most other MBA programmes are longer in duration. The Imperial programme made the most sense for me professionally as I did not want to take more than a year off my career.

What are you looking forward to most on the programme?

I am most looking forward to collaborating with the students in my cohort. This year’s cohort is a melting pot of experience, age, industry, culture, and background, and I feel fortunate to be part of such a diverse group of learners!

Jose Serrano Molina

Nationality: Spanish

Job prior to the MBA: Technology Transformation and Disruption Consultant, Acció Catalonia Trade & Investment

Why did you choose to study the Imperial Full-Time MBA?
After developing my career in South Korea, I decided to return to Europe and boost my career by pursuing an MBA to build my skill set and open new opportunities.

With my background in civil engineering and years of experience in innovation consulting, there was no doubt that the Full-Time MBA at Imperial Business School would be the perfect programme to reach my goals. The MBA is well-balanced between business knowledge and technology insights, surrounded by the innovative city of London.

The Business School creates synergies with Imperial through different initiatives, such as the Imperial Innovation Challenge. I look forward to working with other students with different backgrounds in this immersive experience. I hope our work can result in ground-breaking ideas that unlock business opportunities.

In short, Imperial encourages you to shape and enhance your foundations, connect you to a global community of inspirational people, and accelerate your career advancement.

How do you plan on getting involved in Imperial life outside of the classroom?

Imperial life is very dynamic, and there are a lot of opportunities to engage with your cohort and the community. I look forward to participating in some of the great career clubs you can find at Imperial, including the Innovation & Entrepreneurship Club and the LGBTQ+ and Allies Business Club. Career clubs are a perfect platform to complement your career development plan at Imperial and have a great time with like-minded people.

At Imperial, you can breathe innovation and entrepreneurship in an inclusive and diverse environment from the first step you take on campus. It empowers you to go beyond your limits, making your MBA a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Junghoon Kim

Nationality: Korean

Job prior to the MBA: Senior Auditor, Citibank

Why did you choose to study the Imperial Full-Time MBA?

There were 3 reasons I chose Imperial Business School to study my Full-Time MBA.

First, my wife, who is now working in Canary Wharf, received an opportunity to be seconded to a non-profit organisation based out of London last summer. Since we never wanted to live away from each other, I decided to take a hiatus after ten years of working and spend more time with family, while also investing in myself by pursuing a postgraduate degree in London.

Second, the length and characteristics of the programme appealed to me. As I was an older applicant than most others, I wished to spend no more than a year pursuing a degree. On top of that, what truly made Imperial Business School standout was its connection with the world-class parent university, it provides opportunities to work with students in other programmes and majors. Imperial’s atmosphere encourages students to try and be innovative by integrating practical business acumen with technologies that make things possible.

Last, but the most important reason was people. When I was interviewed by a Chilean alumnus and had a chance to ask some questions, I made up my mind that I wanted to attend the school. Also, meeting many future classmates and connecting with the admission team during the MBA admission weekend in April corroborated my belief that Imperial Business School was the one for me.

Which part of the Full-Time MBA are you most eager for?

I’m looking forward to 2 aspects of the Full-Time MBA: Finance Specialism and the global experience opportunity in Tel Aviv, Israel.

The Finance Specialism courses, I believe, will enable me to focus on obtaining the knowledge necessary for making better decisions and honing the skills required to both make a transition to a different role in the short term and be able to manage a company as a Chief Officer in the longer run.

On the other hand, a global experience in a technology startup nation will help me understand what it takes to start one’s own business from scratch and how to overcome many barriers along the way. I’m keen to connect with Israeli entrepreneurs in person, exchange ideas, and learn about ways and processes they follow to create new ideas, nurture a new business, manage people, grow the business model, and finally make profits

Felicity Box

Nationality: British

Job prior to the MBA: Data Analyst, Immediate Media Co.

Why did you choose to study at Imperial?

Working as an analyst has given me a lot of exposure to different business functions and insight into the sort of questions business leaders need to answer on a regular basis. After five years in this role, I have realised that I want to be the one asking the difficult questions, not answering them. I decided to do an MBA to gain the skills necessary to move into a strategy position in a different sort of company.

I am fascinated by post-growth economics, and the idea that economic growth can only generate societal benefits up to a certain threshold. Business profit is a fundamental driver of economic growth, but if economic growth is no longer the only goal - what does this mean for the role of businesses within society? I chose to study at Imperial because of the opportunity to study responsible leadership, to choose modules which focus on business and climate change and to have the freedom to explore business models outside of the traditional purely profit-seeking ones.

How has receiving the Forte Foundation Fellowship impacted you?

Receiving the Forte Foundation Fellowship was an incredible confidence boost. I experienced significant imposter syndrome the whole way through the MBA application process, but being recognised by the foundation made me finally believe that I deserved my place on the programme. It has helped me make friends with other Forte Fellows quickly and I am looking forward to making the most of their extensive network of hugely talented women.

Shirley Lin

Nationality: Taiwan

Job prior to the MBA: Manager, Audit, KPMG Taiwan

Why did you choose to study the Imperial Full-Time MBA?

It is an intense programme that delivers all the components that I looked for in an MBA programme. Even though the pandemic has made things somewhat difficult and full of uncertainty, the immersive and connective design of Imperial Business School’s Full-Time MBA programme in a such prestigious university, made me want to apply.

Which MBA module or elective are you most excited for?

I’m most excited to participate in the programme’s projects. We have the opportunity to explore some challenging topics. We also have the opportunity to utilise the skills we learn during the programme, by applying these to real world scenarios in the classroom.

Varun Bhatia

Nationality: Indian

Job prior to the MBA: Analyst/Technical Consultant, Deloitte India

Why did you choose to study the Imperial Full-Time MBA?

I chose the Imperial MBA programme as I felt that Imperial's proposition of combining business with technology is unique among business colleges. I come from a technical background and this synergy was important to me as it gives me the opportunity to gain business acumen while also further honing my technical skills.

What has been the highlight of the programme so far?

I have found the programme to be quite enriching so far. The cohort is comprised of people from varied backgrounds and the scope for peer learning is endless. The lecturers have encouraged discussions and have emphasised ‘learning by doing’, by using an interactive and application-based teaching style, which I find makes learning enjoyable.

The highlight for me so far has been the away day at Reading which was part of the induction programme, this day allowed me to try out a lot of new activities and bond with my study group.

Maria Merino

Nationality: Colombian

Job prior to the MBA: Full Senior Analytic Consultant, NielsenIQ, Colombia

Why did you choose to study the Imperial Full-Time MBA?

I chose to study the Imperial Full-Time MBA because I have five years of experience in market research for FMCG companies but now I want to change to the tech sector, specifically to a Product Manager role. To achieve this I need to improve my data analytics skills and my experience in the industry. Imperial was the best option for me because it has a strong focus in Tech, gives MBA students the option to specialise in analytics and through the career clubs, the Global Experience Week and my dedicated career consultant I will have a better approach to the tech industry.

Furthermore, I wanted to have an international experience and get to know people from many cultures and countries, and there is no better place to do this.

What have you enjoyed most so far about being an MBA student in London?

This first weeks of the Full-Time MBA have been so exciting; I can’t choose one specific thing that I have enjoyed the most. For me one of the things I have enjoyed are the networking events we had during the first weeks that gave me the opportunity to interact with most of the cohort. The Away Day during the Induction Week was especially amazing, and I got to spend the day with people who I had not talked with and find out we get along well. Also, I have enjoyed having so many different things to do each day, I have been in the parks doing yoga and picnics, I walk or cycle every day to class, I have tried new food in the restaurants that are close to Imperial and many other things that I did not use to do back home and that makes unique the experience of being an MBA student.

What lies in the year ahead?

Our class have an exciting year ahead of them, whilst delving into complex business topics in their core modules, our students can build their own course path by choosing from a wide range of electives in other topics that interest them. These electives cover a broad range of topics such as AI ventures, Banking and Fintech, Digital Transformation, Climate Change and Business Strategy to name a handful.

Living in London puts our students in a central position to develop relationships with international organisations. Very quickly, they will establish a lifelong global network of friends and contacts over the forthcoming year. We offer our students personalised one to one career support to help nurture and support these network connections.

As part of the programme, our class will patriciate in the Imperial Innovation Challenge, which provides an opportunity for students to show case the knowledge they’ve developed during the MBA; they will work in groups to produce innovative economic disruption with positive environmental and social impacts. They will have access to industry experts to support them in their innovative solutions.

Towards the end of the academic year, students will complete a personal project or internship to help support their next steps for their post-MBA career.

The Business School is located in South Kensington, one of the most beautiful parts of the city. Hyde Park is minutes away from campus and so we are sure our students will make good use of the lovely walking/running trails, gardens, lakes and galleries. South Kensington itself has plenty of bars, restaurants, and shops to enjoy with friends. Our campus is located on the same road as the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Natural History and Science Museums – so there’s plenty of things for our students to enjoy here over the next 12 months!

Studying a Full-Time MBA at the Business School will expose our students to new ideas and disciplines and provide them with excellent networking and career opportunities. The programme will challenge our students to innovate. It will equip them with agile skills, along with the confidence to navigate their way through the ever-evolving business environment.

We are so excited to see everything they achieve this year!

Find out more about our Full-Time MBA

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What does the new class look like?

MSc Business Analytics

Meet an MSc Business Analytics (full-time, on-campus) student

Henrique Moreira

How does the curriculum of MSc Business Analytics align with your career goals?

What hobbies or interests do you have outside of your academic life?

Meet an MSc Business Analytics (part-time, online) student

Milton Caluya

In what ways do you hope to grow and develop personally and professionally during your time at the Business School?

How does the Hub support your learning?

MSc Climate Change, Management & Finance

Meet an MSc Climate Change, Management & Finance student

Sara Valenzuela Cruz

How was your first week on-campus?

How does the curriculum of your Master's programme align with your career goals?

MSc Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Management

Meet an MSc Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Management student

Faith Ibrahim

Why did you choose to study MSc Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Management at Imperial Business School?

In what ways do you hope to grow and develop personally and professionally during your time at the Business School?

MSc International Health Management

Meet an MSc International Health Management student

Yuqing Su

Why did you choose to study International Health Management at Imperial Business School?

How does the curriculum of MSc International Health Management align with your career goals?

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What does the new class look like?

Meeting in-person on-campus at induction

Meet our Global Online MBA students

Daniel Rubio Sanchez

Can you share a brief overview of your professional background and the industries you've worked in?

What do you hope to learn or achieve during your time in the Global Online MBA programme?

How have you found the collaboration of business and technology at the Business School?

Ukachi Carol Okere

What motivated you to pursue the Global Online MBA, and what are your career goals after completing the programme?

Can you share a brief overview of your professional background and the industries you've worked in?

What motivated you to choose online education at Imperial Business School?

Adanna Chukwuma

What motivated you to pursue an MBA, and what are your career goals after completing the programme?

What do you hope to learn or achieve during your time in the Global Online MBA programme?

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The Imperial Advantage: Networking and Beyond

Welcome Day at the Science Museum: Where Learning Meets Innovation

Scholarship Breakfast: Celebrating Excellence

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

Award winners

Forging Connections

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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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What is the GMAT exam?

What GMAT score do I need for Imperial?

Why is the GMAT required?

Is the GMAT difficult?

How do I prepare for the GMAT?

When should I start preparing?

How much does the GMAT cost?

GMAT vs GRE

Common GMAT myths

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10 March 2022

The News

25 August 2022

Butterflies

5 September 2022

Day 0

23 October 2022

Missings

16 December 2022

Day 100

Looking forward to the next 9 months

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MSc International Management