The networking events and field trips made the MBA journey unforgettable

Pursuing an MBA would equip me to tackle complex problems

Before starting my MBA, I was working at HP Inc. as a Software Category Manager. I decided to seek more challenging roles but, to achieve that, I needed to enhance my skills in various areas. Pursuing an MBA would equip me with diverse tools to tackle complex problems. An MBA abroad offered exactly what I was looking for, including the chance to learn from different cultures and their approaches to business challenges.

The University's stellar reputation was a major draw

Firstly, the University's stellar reputation and numerous accreditations were a major draw for choosing Sheffield. Secondly, the state-of-the-art facilities of the Management School made it the ideal environment for our studies, offering everything we could possibly need. Lastly, the opportunity to learn from professors hailing from various countries, each bringing expertise from diverse industries, added a truly global and enriching dimension to the experience.

Everyone was genuinely friendly and welcoming

I found it was incredibly easy to settle into life in Sheffield. Everyone, from the university staff to the management team at my accommodation, was genuinely friendly and welcoming. Sure, you might feel a bit homesick at first, but once you dive into various activities, you quickly forget that you're living in a completely different country. The sense of community and the vibrant environment make it feel like home in no time.

The structure of the MBA programme also played a key role in helping me readjust to university life, making the transition seamless and enjoyable. I've always enjoyed the 'student life,' so finding the right balance between academics and social activities came naturally. I knew that weekdays were dedicated to focusing on my studies, while weekends were a perfect blend of leisure and team assignments, which we fondly called 'Diamond time'.

The networking events and field trips made the MBA journey unforgettable

One of the highlights of the MBA experience was collaborating with a South Yorkshire company. This project truly tested my consultancy skills, as our group of five international students had to work closely with a local business. Initially, I thought language and cultural differences might pose challenges, but they actually pushed us to think outside the box and propose innovative ideas that were fresh to the company.

Moreover, the networking events and field trips made the MBA journey unforgettable! We had the chance to visit Land Rover in Liverpool and enjoyed a three-day field trip to London. These experiences were the perfect culmination of a year of intense study with the rest of the MBA cohort. Such hands-on experiences are invaluable, as they offer the richest lessons from working with peers from diverse cultural backgrounds.

I was captivated by a module called 'The Intelligent Organization'. The professors were outstanding, and the content was fascinating, focusing on the technologies disrupting industries and enhancing management practices. This module ignited my passion for technology in business, inspiring me to write my dissertation on a tech-related topic.

I completed a traditional dissertation

I undertook a traditional dissertation, incorporating insightful interviews with professionals from Deloitte and HP Inc. My research focused on Digital Transformation, specifically Robotic and Cognitive Automation in Financial Processes. It delved into the challenges that companies face due to the disconnect between IT and management. One of the key lessons I learned is that even the most brilliant ideas can falter if there isn't a clear bridge between these two groups. Without translating management's needs into IT-specific requirements, the final outcome can deviate significantly from the original vision.

I work as a Report Solution Owner at AstraZeneca

Since graduating, I have worked as a business consultant, a professor, and currently, as a Report Solution Owner at AstraZeneca.

Upon returning to Mexico, I was invited to join Tec de Monterrey as a lecturer. Since 2020, I have been teaching International Business to university students on a part-time basis. Concurrently, I worked at Comercial BBVO, a local agave company in Guadalajara, where I managed procurement activities, including negotiating pricing, terms, conditions, and delivery schedules with suppliers. I also developed and monitored a financial plan aligned with the company's earnings, expenditures, and savings goals.

In 2023, I joined VAISA Construcciones, a construction company, as a Business Strategy Manager. In this role, I leveraged my MBA and extensive experience in procurement, business analysis, and IT to drive strategic planning, budgeting, and the execution of improvement projects. One of my key achievements was successfully implementing Pipefy, a software that streamlined procurement processes and generated financial savings for the company.

Since June 2024, I have been working at AstraZeneca as a Report Solution Owner. In this role, I collaborate closely with Marketing Omnichannel leads and a team of developers to create reporting solutions and dashboards aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of marketing strategies.

Developing cultural intelligence has been hugely beneficial in my career

Developing cultural intelligence was one of the most invaluable aspects of studying in a multicultural environment. It equipped me with skills that extend far beyond theoretical knowledge. At AstraZeneca, this has made me highly effective in my day-to-day Business Reporting and Analytics activities. I prioritize low-context communication to ensure my messages are clear and build strong working relationships with colleagues across the US and India.

I want to continue developing my skills as a reporting consultant

AstraZeneca is currently expanding its operations in Guadalajara. I want to continue developing my skills as a reporting consultant with the goal of securing a leadership role at my office. In the future, I would like to explore the possibility of moving to another country to further leverage my cultural intelligence. I also want to ensure that I maintain a healthy work-life balance, as I have a wife and a daughter with whom I enjoy spending my free time.

The MBA will open the door to new and more exciting opportunities

If you're considering the Sheffield MBA, go for it! The MBA will provide you with a toolkit to analyze and solve problems across various industries. In the Sheffield MBA, you will learn not only from your professors but also from your peers and the local companies you'll collaborate with. The international diversity will teach you valuable lessons that go beyond textbooks and are unavailable elsewhere. The MBA is a career break that will open the door to new and more exciting opportunities.