Over the past year, MYP and AMBS have hosted panel talks, Q&A sessions and shared insights from students and alumni of AMBS. But one person whose journey has really resonated with our community is Alice, an MYP member who is now approaching the final stages of her MBA at AMBS.
In a recent social post, Alice opened up about the realities of her MBA experience, including the personal development, the challenges, the community and the growth that came with it. If you are contemplating whether an MBA is right for you, her reflections offer exactly the kind of clarity most prospective students wish they had.
If you are considering an MBA and wondering what it is really like, her insights might be exactly what you need.
If you would like the full picture of the programme structure, global elements, fees and pathways, you can download the MBA brochures via the links below. This is the simplest way to explore the programme in depth and understand what an MBA could mean for your career.
What is an MBA and who are AMBS? (A quick recap)
If you have not yet read our earlier blogs, here is a brief context setter.
An MBA (Master of Business Administration) is a postgraduate degree designed to develop leadership capabilities, strategic thinking and commercial insight. At AMBS, the MBA programmes blend academic rigour with real world application, from consultancy projects to hands on leadership challenges.
AMBS is one of the UK’s oldest and most internationally recognised business schools. With over 60 years of innovation, global teaching centres in Dubai, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Singapore, and strong industry connections, AMBS prepares students to lead in complex, fast moving environments.
For a deeper dive into modules, culture and teaching style, you can catch up on our previous blogs. For now, let us focus on Alice’s key learnings.
Alice’s top takeaways from the AMBS MBA
After almost two years of study, Alice summarised her MBA experience in three words:
“Intense, rewarding, challenging.”
Here is what sat behind those words.
1. Massive personal growth, especially in how she works with others
When asked about her biggest character development this year, Alice did not hesitate:
“Learning how to best interact with other people and learning a lot about myself. I’ve moved away from my people pleasing tendencies.”
The AMBS MBA is known for its team based learning and Alice’s experience shows how much interpersonal growth comes with it. Beyond academic learning, she became more confident, assertive and aware of her strengths.
2. Becoming a more well rounded individual
A question asked how her time in Manchester shaped her outside of the classroom. Her answer:
“It’s made me a more well rounded individual. Being exposed to such a vibrant community of brilliant minds has really enriched me personally.”
This aligns with what many AMBS students share. The programme is transformative not only professionally, but personally. Exposure to new perspectives is one of the biggest drivers of growth and Alice shares that she has met some incredible people along the way.
3. Embracing challenges, even the tough modules
No MBA is challenge free. For Alice, the toughest moment came with a famously difficult module:
“Business Accounting and Finance… but we got through, and I learned a lot.”
She adds:
“We need challenges to grow and I’ve grown a lot this year.”
Her peak moment was not a single award or project, but the feeling of completing an intense and fulfilling year:
“Just getting through and being like: yes, made it. Did a good job.”
4. Seeing her future differently and with more possibility
One of the most powerful reflections came when Alice spoke about how the year shaped her view of the future:
“It’s really showed me that opportunities exist out there in everything and anything, even things you didn’t imagine or know about.”
The message is clear. The MBA widens your lens on what is possible.
5. Becoming more purposeful about her career path
Looking towards 2026, Alice shared her intention:
“I need to get specific and purposeful with what I want to do next… take all the learning and growth and see where I need to apply it.”
Many MBA students enter the programme unsure of their next step and leave with clarity. Alice’s reflections show she is now ready to make intentional choices about her direction.
6. Stepping into leadership, even when it feels uncomfortable
When asked what she is most proud of this year, Alice said:
“Sticking with it when things get tough and pushing myself in uncomfortable situations to step up and take a leadership role, even when I might not be the most qualified in the room.”
This theme of courage, confidence and stretching yourself is central to the AMBS learning experience.
7. Looking ahead: consultancy, clients and real world impact
The final stage of the AMBS MBA includes a consultancy project. Alice is currently completing the bidding process to select her international client:
“I’m really looking forward to kicking off with a new client and really getting stuck into the project.”
This hands on element is what sets AMBS apart. Learning through doing.
Why Alice’s experience matters for future MBA students
Hearing from someone who has lived the MBA experience while balancing career and life gives a realistic picture of what to expect. From character development to academic challenges, and from discovering new opportunities to redefining her future, Alice’s story illustrates what the AMBS MBA actually feels like day to day.
If you are considering an MBA, her reflections offer three clear takeaways:
- You will grow more than you expect, professionally and personally.
- The community will shape you as much as the curriculum.
- You will see new possibilities for your future that you did not know existed.
Want to explore the AMBS MBA further?
1. Download the MBA brochure
Everything you need, including modules, pathways, career outcomes and international elements.
Please download either the full time or part time MBA brochure below:
2. Join MYP x AMBS events
We have hosted panel talks, networking sessions and in depth discussions with current MBA students and alumni. More are coming soon, so keep an eye out.
3. Connect with the AMBS MBA recruitment team
Whether you are exploring options or preparing an application, the team are always happy to talk you through every detail.
Final thought
If your career journey feels ready for a new chapter, more growth, more challenge and more possibility, Alice’s story is proof that the AMBS MBA can be a catalyst. An MBA is transformative, and AMBS is a place where that transformation truly happens.
Start by downloading the relevant brochure. It is the clearest way to see what the programme could unlock for you.
If you would like to speak to someone about the MBA, please contact:
Charlotte Xie
Senior Marketing & Recruitment Officer, Alliance Manchester Business School
charlotte.xie@manchester.ac.uk
Many of you will have already met Charlotte at our MYP events, so please feel free to reach out for a chat or more information.
