Alastair Bulger

Your time at Imperial College Business School

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

Imperial was my preferred business school, given the focus on innovation and entrepreneurship throughout, and the opportunity to study under some of the most influential business thinkers, such as Professor Yip. The added flexibility of being able to do a Weekend MBA was also important. The programme, therefore, was a perfect match for my interests and my availability.

What was the most important learning point you took with you from the Business School?

The most important factor to your success and enjoyment of your MBA will be your cohort — and they will provide you with the most insight and value. My cohort was simply brilliant. There was always at least one person who had practical experience on any topic raised, and everyone was committed to helping each other get the most out of the programme. I must also give a special shout-out to all the programme staff, who are all fantastic and will work miracles on a daily basis to help you succeed!

What advice would you give to a prospective student considering studying the same programme as you?

Doing an MBA over your weekends is tough and time-consuming, but incredibly fulfilling. It is a unique opportunity to collaborate with some of the most brilliant people you will meet — people who are all as committed as you are to your success. So my best piece of advice would be to make sure you look after yourself so you can embrace this once in a lifetime experience fully and don’t hesitate in asking for support.

What was the most surprising thing about the programme?

How quickly it finishes! Before you know it, you will be deep into your final report. Time flies when you are having fun.
 

Tell us about your current job

How has your programme contributed to your career success?

As a mathematician, many of the more quantitative subjects throughout the programme were of limited added value to me and so I focused on more subjective, qualitative programmes that I personally found more challenging and rewarding. I use many of the insights gleaned from these subjects on a daily basis, helping me to have much more valuable engagements with the startups I mentor.

How do you plan to use the skills and knowledge you gained during the programme within your career going forward?

Working with early-stage companies, I use many factoids and micro-insights on a daily basis. As these companies grow, I expect to be able to weave these points together using the larger theory, driving more significant value.

What do you enjoy most about your current work and what are the main challenges that you face?

I love helping founders realise something of meaningful value, and helping them maximise that value. It is incredibly satisfying when it all comes together. The biggest challenge is simply achieving that success: sometimes, startups will just fail despite everyone’s best efforts, and that’s always tough.
 

Alumni community

In what way is remaining connected to your alumni network important to you?

When you go through such a unique experience, you inevitably form strong relationships with your cohort. It is very important to me to keep connected with my friends; to celebrate their successes; to help them where I can; and to meet up and exchange war-stories! One’s cohort is one’s MBA, and remaining connected with them is critical.