I was offered the position of part-time Business Development and Sales Manager following the Marketing Consultancy Challenge

I wanted to gain a more holistic understanding of business and leadership

I decided to pursue an MBA to enhance my career and build on the skills I had already developed. After six years of mechanical education and four years of experience in construction, I gained strong technical expertise and some management abilities. However, I wanted to broaden my perspective and gain a more holistic understanding of business and leadership. That's when I realised an MBA would be the ideal next step to help me achieve my goals and reach new heights in my career.

The Management School's Triple Crown accreditation was a major draw

What attracted me to study at Sheffield University Management School was a combination of key factors I had in mind when choosing an MBA program in the UK. The School’s Triple Crown accreditation was a major draw, ensuring high academic standards. Additionally, Sheffield offers a lower cost of living compared to other UK cities, making it a more affordable option. The strong student support, especially from the student union, was also an important consideration for me. Together, these factors made Sheffield University Management School the perfect choice for my MBA.

Sheffield quickly felt like a second home

Moving to the UK was a smooth transition for me. After spending about 25 years in Vizag, Sheffield became my second city, and I felt well-prepared for the change, especially the winter as I arrived in September for the intake. Making friends came naturally - I connected with my cohort within the first week and began exploring the city by the second. Despite the shorter days, the incredible people I met made Sheffield quickly feel like a second home.

Re-adapting to university life after a few years away has been a smooth process, largely thanks to the incredible support from my cohort and Programme Director Dr Sabrina Thornton. Sabrina's clear introductions to the modules made it easier to understand what the course required, and my cohort has been instrumental in helping me tackle the workload. We worked together to break down each module, making the tasks more manageable. I truly feel fortunate and humbled to have had such support from my cohort members and the Management School's world leading academics throughout my MBA journey - their support continues even beyond the classroom.

The Personal, Professional and Career Development module has been incredibly valuable

The Personal, Professional, and Career Development (PPCD) module has been incredibly valuable, particularly in preparing me for client interactions. I made sure to attend every guest lecture, and one that stood out was a negotiation class led by Chris Clinton. After that session, I found it much easier to frame my mindset so that negotiations tend to result in both parties being satisfied. This has been a key takeaway for me, and I believe it highlights why this module is such an important part of the MBA - it equips us with practical skills that we can apply in real-world business situations.

The international study trip to Germany was a standout experience

The international study trip to Germany was a standout experience, and I have just three words for prospective students: “Don’t miss it!”

Not only was the trip educational, but it was also a lot of fun. We were hosted by Mannheim Business School, where we gained valuable insights into German companies, particularly the Mittelstand and their unique culture. For me, the trip was especially memorable as it took place during Ramadhan, and I had the unexpected opportunity to pray in a beautiful mosque in Germany - something that made the trip even more special.

It was a fantastic blend of cultural immersion and learning, and I highly recommend it to anyone considering the programme.

Following my work on the Marketing Consultancy Challenge, I was offered a part time position

During the Marketing Consultancy Challenge, I had the opportunity to lead a team of four, working with The Northern Wine Guy (TNWG), a Sheffield-based company founded by Management School alumnus Andrew Lofthouse. Our primary focus was to enhance the brand’s local outreach, and we developed an Integrated Marketing Communication strategy to achieve this. Our strategy was built around strengthening TNWG's visibility, and thanks to frequent interactions with Andrew, we felt deeply involved in shaping the company's direction, almost like board members working together.

The implementation of the strategy was successful, and after the challenge, I became more intrigued by TNWG’s business model. Having just completed my marketing module, I was eager to apply the new strategies I had learned. Additionally, through my MBA, I honed essential skills such as client-facing abilities, sales techniques, and negotiation, which are key for a Business Development and Sales Manager role.

Recognising the growth potential in the business, I expressed my interest in continuing to work with TNWG. Andrew, appreciating my work ethic, values, sharp learning abilities, and attention to detail, offered me the position of part-time Business Development and Sales Manager. This opportunity arose from a combination of practical experience and a genuine passion for the company's future growth.

Looking to the future

Studying this MBA has equipped me with the ability to approach challenges from multiple perspectives. Moving forward, the experience I gain will help me determine the most effective approach to solving each specific challenge. In the short term, I aim to pursue a role in business development, consulting, or operations. Over the long term, my goal is to establish my own consulting firm, leveraging the expertise and experience I gain along the way.

My advice for future MBA students

For students considering the Sheffield MBA, I would advise them to stay open to opportunities, which can come from anywhere. It's important to focus not only on academic success but also on building and nurturing meaningful connections. Networking is more than just adding someone on LinkedIn; it’s about engaging with people, following up, and looking for ways to offer value. Building genuine relationships can open doors and create opportunities for collaboration and growth, both during and after the programme.