Background before joining the programme
I completed my undergraduate degree in Computer Science and Engineering in India, and subsequently gained professional experience working with early-stage startups. These fast-paced environments provided exposure to multiple business functions, including marketing initiatives, employer branding projects, and operational strategy.

What influenced me most during this time was the opportunity to work closely with founders and senior leadership teams. Observing how strategic decisions were made in uncertain and rapidly evolving business environments proved invaluable. These experiences shifted my focus from purely technical problem-solving to understanding how organisations design strategy, build market presence, and scale sustainably. This growing interest ultimately motivated me to pursue postgraduate study in international business.

Why I chose MSc International Business and Management at The University of Manchester
I was looking for a programme that combined academic rigour with practical business exposure, and the MSc International Business and Management offered exactly that balance. Alliance Manchester Business School is consistently ranked among the top business schools globally and holds triple-crown accreditation, which was important to me as I wanted a qualification that would be recognised and valued worldwide.

Beyond the programme’s reputation, The University of Manchester itself stood out. As one of the UK’s leading research universities with a strong heritage of innovation, it offered both academic excellence and a vibrant international community. The city of Manchester also appealed to me, it’s dynamic, culturally diverse, and has a thriving business ecosystem. Being in a city with such strong industry connections and a cosmopolitan environment felt like the right place to study international business.

Studying in such a diverse environment meant I could explore business challenges from multiple cultural and economic perspectives, something essential for anyone aiming to work in global business contexts.

Memorable experiences and key takeaways
The most impactful part of my experience was the programme’s strong emphasis on collaborative, case-based learning. Throughout the programme, I worked on diverse case studies spanning different industries and business challenges, from analysing Kodak’s digital transformation and H&M’s sustainability strategy to examining Tesla’s market disruption and Apple’s ecosystem approach. My dissertation focused on M-Pesa’s mobile money success in emerging markets, while other projects explored LEGO’s innovation strategy and turnaround.

What made these experiences particularly valuable was working with teammates from places like China, Germany, and other countries. We approached the same business problems with completely different assumptions about consumer behaviour, regulatory environments, and competitive dynamics. Beyond just the strategic thinking, I learned so much from observing how my teammates worked, their work ethics, communication styles, and approaches to collaboration. My German colleague brought exceptional structure and precision to our planning process, while my Chinese teammate offered insights into relationship-building and long-term strategic thinking that were completely different from what I was accustomed to. These differences taught me that international business isn’t just about understanding markets, it’s about understanding how people from different cultures approach work itself.

The faculty at Alliance Manchester Business School also played a significant role in my development. The professors were not only accomplished academics but also brought substantial industry experience to the classroom. They were approachable and genuinely invested in student success, creating an environment where we felt comfortable challenging ideas and engaging in meaningful discussions. Their mentorship extended beyond lectures, they were accessible for guidance on assignments, career decisions, and research projects, which made a real difference in how I approached my learning.

Beyond the academic coursework, I served as a student ambassador, which allowed me to represent the programme at recruitment events, host campus tours for prospective students, and share my experience with applicants from around the world. This role sharpened my ability to communicate the value of the programme clearly and authentically, while also helping me build meaningful connections across the wider Manchester community.

These experiences, both inside and outside the classroom significantly strengthened my ability to think structurally, analyse business problems from multiple angles, and present well-reasoned solutions to complex challenges.

Career development since graduating
Since graduating, I have built experience across consulting, operations, and business development roles, supporting organisations with market research, strategic positioning, stakeholder engagement, and growth initiatives.

Alongside strategy and operational work, I have also contributed to marketing and employer branding projects, particularly in helping organisations communicate their value propositions and strengthen their market positioning. These experiences have allowed me to apply my academic learning in real business contexts while continuing to explore how organisations grow and compete across different industries.

How the course supported my career development
The programme played a defining role in shaping how I approach business challenges today. It strengthened my understanding of international business strategy and data-driven decision-making, while encouraging me to analyse organisational problems through multiple stakeholder and market perspectives.

More importantly, it helped me develop the confidence to navigate complex business environments and translate analytical insights into practical strategic recommendations skills that have proven essential in my professional work.

Advice to future applicants
I would encourage prospective students to fully engage with the collaborative and globally diverse environment at the University of Manchester. The programme offers far more than academic learning, it provides an opportunity to develop global perspectives, adaptability, and the confidence to pursue diverse career paths in international business.

Here are some specific ways to make the most of your experience:
Embrace collaborative learning: Approach group work with openness and curiosity. These differences are where the real learning happens, and the insights will prove invaluable in your career.
Build relationships with faculty: Attend office hours, seek feedback beyond assignments, and discuss your career aspirations with professors. Their industry experience and guidance can shape both your academic work and professional direction.
Engage beyond the classroom: Join business societies, attend guest lectures, and participate in networking events. Manchester’s vibrant business community can open doors to internships, projects, and future opportunities.
Start career preparation early: Utilize career services and connect with alumni from the beginning. The alumni network is genuinely supportive and can provide valuable guidance.
Choose your dissertation strategically: Select a topic that aligns with your career interests. This develops deep expertise and becomes a strong talking point in job interviews.
Explore Manchester: Attend industry events, visit co-working spaces, and engage with local companies. The city’s dynamic business environment offers valuable exposure to how organisations operate in practice.
Active participation in these areas can significantly enhance both your academic experience and professional development, setting a strong foundation for your career in international business.

Related