If you’ve been considering the benefits of an MBA at one of the oldest and most prestigious business institutions, you’re not alone. Alliance Business School Manchester draws ambitious professionals from all over the world who are looking to progress their careers or fancy treading a new path.
This is the first interview of our new ‘My MBA’ feature, interviewing real people about their MBA journey on AMBS’ challenging course. Read on to find out Sam’s experience in our interview with him.
My MBA: Sam Williams’ Experience
What was your job before the MBA?
‘I’m on sabbatical from HSBC, as a Project Manager within Risk & Compliance. Responsible for implementing end-to-end transformational change projects throughout the UK, Europe and the Middle East to enhance our regulatory, anti-money laundering and financial crime risk capabilities across circa 57+ markets as part of a Global network.’
Why did you decide to study the MBA & what are your goals?
‘Not only will completion of the MBA complement my Business Studies degree, I want to use this opportunity to develop my leadership skills, gain hands-on consultancy experience and enhance my professional network to springboard my career to senior leadership levels.’
What has been your favourite part of the programme so far?
‘Delivering real value for our client as part of the Social Impact Consultancy Project. This provided an opportunity to get out of the classroom and work with a real-life business in the local community to help them solve a real issue faced by the business and work with them to produce actionable solutions.’
Why did you choose Manchester?
‘The Manchester Method. The Manchester MBA is a unique offering in the MBA market, in the form of 900+ hours of live consultancy projects. This applied learning allows me to make a real impact beyond the classroom, and gain experience in new industries unfamiliar to me in the Social Impact, Commercial Business and International Business consultancy projects.’
The Manchester Method Explained…
As you can see from Sam’s experience, the Manchester Method is a unique draw of AMBS’ MBA course. If you’re looking for an MBA course that is diverse and immersive, the Manchester Method certainly delivers.
The opportunity to take complex problem-solving strategies into real-life consultancy projects is a core principle of the Manchester Method. This is reflected by the three different client consulting projects in the course, which are:
- Social Impact Consultancy Project
- Commercial Business Consultancy Project
- International Business Consultancy Project
These projects will equate to at least 900 hours of hands-on consulting time. So, if you want an MBA that allows you to build your skills in real-life scenarios, rather than purely academic learning, AMBS’ Manchester Method MBA could be for you.
Funding is the key reason why local professionals do not embark on a Full-time MBA. What advice do you have when it comes to funding for those who may consider a Full-time MBA?
‘Do not let funding concerns stop you from pursuing the full-time MBA. AMBS has a variety of brilliant scholarships, awarded based on your prior professional achievements, academic credentials, ethics and your potential to make a difference. A common misconception is that MBAs are only attainable by the wealthiest, and that is not the case.’
What advice would you give someone thinking of studying for an MBA?
‘An MBA has the ability to transform your personal and professional life, but I understand that this comes as an investment of time and cost. Think clearly as to what you want to get out of the MBA, what would your ROI look like? And talk to Manchester Alumni like I did as part of your research, they are always willing to share their insights and guidance.’
Want to become part of Manchester’s business scene? Join an MYP networking event
If you’re contemplating an MBA with our careers partner AMBS, you’d be remiss not to get plugged into Manchester’s thriving business networking community. Here you can make vital connections that can lead to business ventures, job opportunities and lifelong friendships.
Join the MYP community today to get access to our networking events in Manchester.
We’ve been running networking events for ambitious young professionals for many years now. If that sounds like you, come along and make some new connections over a mixer, brunch or even exercise class.
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