Alan Ma

Programme

Why did you decide to study your programme and why specifically at Imperial College Business School?

I wanted to advance myself to a higher level in my career, thus I was looking for an MBA programme among the prestigious schools in the world. Imperial is located in London which is an international finance centre, this could give me the exposure and network I need for my future career. The one-year programme appealed to me when comparing the length of programmes from other institutions.

What makes the programme you are studying at Imperial College Business School unique?

The diverse background among the cohort. The support from the school in terms of both academic and career service.

What has been the most challenging part of the programme?

Everything has to be done in one year and it is quite intensive.

What has been the most rewarding part of the programme?

The entrepreneurial spirit and innovative mind-set I gained throughout the programme.

People

Which seminars, events or guest lectures at the school that have been useful in developing your skills and knowledge?

The 360 Business Challenge week. We knew what we had to do, from pitching to the investor for funds, through to purchasing the stock we need and selling our products to the market; we got it all done in four days which was a real challenge and good learning experience. The feedback from the consultant who spent a whole week observing us was very inspiring.

How would you describe your cohort at Imperial?

Friendly, outgoing and brilliant. A very strong cohesion among the cohort.

What clubs, societies or other activities have you been involved in at Imperial?

Private Equity Society. The seminar and networking event with the private equity provides the best platform for us to get in touch with those funds.

Opportunities

What has been the greatest opportunity you have had at Imperial that you wouldn’t get anywhere else?

Networking opportunity. The fact that we have a small cohort gives us more chance to network special guests at events. Being located in London opens up opportunities for professionals from different industries to visit us throughout the year.

How have you benefited from the services provided by the Career and Professional Development Service?

The one-to-one career service definitely helps a lot.

What are your career goals and how have they been realised since being at Imperial?

I am aiming at advance myself to a higher level in the finance industry. By studying in Imperial, I enriched my finance knowledge from the high quality teaching in the school. The final project gave me a chance to work with the investment banking professionals in London, as well as the opportunity to work in a FinTech startup as an intern, these experiences have been invaluable to my future career.

Location

Whereabouts do you live in London and why did you choose to live there?

One of the GradPad studios. It was recommended by the school and as I didn’t want to waste time searching for accommodation, I simply went with it. It’s worked out to be really good.

As an international student, what have the benefits been in regards to moving to London?

Enjoying the life in a metropolitan like London is the benefit.

Tips

What advice would you give someone who was thinking about applying to this course?

Studying in a world-class university like Imperial College London is a lifetime experience that you cannot miss.