It can be easy to feel stuck in your career. Where will I go next?

It can be hard to decide on your next steps in career development and truly recognise what will benefit your career goals in the long term. We spoke to Tom about his experience completing an MBA, and how this enabled him to go on to create his company, Chew Chew, and take part in the Venture Builder programme.

Tom joined AMBS seeking a new direction. He went on to co-found Chew Chew, a great-tasting and award-winning company headquartered in Manchester. The brand is passionate about creating high-quality, science-backed products that customers can trust. Tom and his co-founder launched Chew Chew after seeing a gap in the market for quick and easy food that is also clean to eat.

When you first started the MBA, did you imagine that you’d be launching your own business by this point?

Tom said he believed he would not be as deep into business as he is today without completing his MBA. Having a business partner, securing funding and getting his product into as many shops as it is currently in have all benefited from completing his MBA.

He said he had hoped this would happen, but had not imagined it would happen so quickly. The MBA was a stepping stone into bigger things in Tom’s career. The support he received throughout the network helped him achieve his goals much faster than he had expected.

As well as mentors, he learnt from people first-hand, which also sped up his career progression. The MBA not only enabled Tom to create Chew Chew, but also meant he developed an understanding of how to give the brand a strong narrative.

Chew Chew’s growth and milestones

Chew Chew is in seven stores already, what a great milestone! With grant funding from the University of Manchester, a commercial agreement is also in place for a further 20 shops to stock Chew Chew products soon.

Chew Chew is on two business programmes, which they competed for and won against other businesses to achieve. One of these includes the Masood Entrepreneurship Venture Programme. Within this, the company pitched for funding in an upcoming competition, which is now in the final stages. This is with one of the biggest venture capital funds, GC Angels. Chew Chew were accepted onto the programme against other brands.

On top of this, Chew Chew were shortlisted for the AMBA Excellence Awards, a business award competition for MBA programmes across multiple universities.

MBA teachings

Gaining skills in business, finance and accounting has assisted Tom with financial modelling, such as margins and operating costs. As well as this, learning about operations and supply chain management helped Tom with manufacturing Chew Chew products.

Tom said his key learning is strategy. Doing the course has given his company an advantage in the market.

On top of business skills, the programme gave Tom the confidence to be proactive. This was due to the strong support system at the university. Resources were provided by the university, and whenever he had questions, they were answered.

Tom had a passion for being in the position he is now, in the business he created, and for doing well from it financially. Completing this MBA helped Tom’s dream become a reality. MBAs can be the stepping stone you need to level up.

The large network gave Tom some key contacts, including his co-founder at Chew Chew. He had always had big ideas, but was unsure how to move forward. The MBA programme meant he met people who could help him build these ideas, truly bring them to life and grow them.

Tom learnt to care less about what people thought of him, whether they judged his decisions or saw something as a failure in their eyes. He became more confident and less hesitant.

What can an MBA provide?

MBAs give you choice and time, depending on what you want to do. They give you a chance to not only reflect on your ideas, but also speak to people who can give you clarity and direction.

Overall, they give you a broad understanding of business, which you can then apply to your own business or current role.

An MBA isn’t just about adding another qualification to your CV, it could be the thing that takes your ideas, confidence and career to a completely different level. It could be your next big career move and, like Tom, you might be surprised by just how far it can take you.

Thinking an MBA could be right for you?

 

Find out more here