{"id":9772,"date":"2026-02-10T10:24:24","date_gmt":"2026-02-10T10:24:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sites.manchester.ac.uk\/humanities-blog\/?p=9772"},"modified":"2026-02-10T11:19:00","modified_gmt":"2026-02-10T11:19:00","slug":"maria-camilla-sterling-msc-business-analysis-and-strategic-management-2023-alumni-profile","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sites.manchester.ac.uk\/humanities-blog\/2026\/02\/10\/maria-camilla-sterling-msc-business-analysis-and-strategic-management-2023-alumni-profile\/","title":{"rendered":"Maria Camilla Sterling – MSc Business Analysis and Strategic Management 2023 – Alumni Profile"},"content":{"rendered":"

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I chose the MSc in Business Analysis and Strategic Management because I wanted to move from analysing numbers to helping businesses make better decisions. Financials are a key part of any business model, so with my finance background, it felt like the perfect next step!<\/p>\n

My background<\/strong>
Before joining the programme, my background was a mix of product and finance. I studied Industrial Engineering and started my career in the manufacturing sector at a cosmetics company, first in new product development, where I analyzed the profitability of upcoming launches, and later in a cost\u2011focused finance role. I also spent a short time in the medical devices industry.
Those roles gave me great analytical skills, but they also made me realise I wanted more than just reporting numbers. I kept wanting to understand the bigger picture; how decisions are made, what drives priorities, and how strategy takes shape. That curiosity is ultimately what led me to decide for a master\u2019s degree abroad.<\/p>\n

Why this programme<\/strong>
I was looking for a programme that would help me understand business challenges from a broader, more strategic perspective, while also feeling practical and closely tied to real-world business challenges.
What really stood out about this MSc in Business Analysis and Strategic Management was the hands-on approach. Working through real business cases made the learning feel relevant and immediately applicable, rather than purely theoretical. Combined with the University\u2019s strong reputation, it felt like the perfect fit for what I was looking for.<\/p>\n

Highlights from the programme<\/strong>
Some of my most memorable moments came from the group projects. Working with classmates from different countries, cultures, and professional backgrounds pushed me to think differently and challenged some of my assumptions.
I learned just as much from my peers as I did from the course content itself; about how businesses operate in different markets, how people approach problems, and how to work effectively in diverse teams.
One thing I loved about the Master\u2019s was studying real business cases from a range of companies (Enron, Nokia, Amazon, pharma companies, etc.). Learning through these cases didn\u2019t feel like an assignment! It was genuinely interesting and practical.<\/p>\n

Life after graduation<\/strong>
After graduating, I joined a certification body based in Oxford as part of the Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A) team. Since then, I\u2019ve progressed from Senior Analyst to Business Partner.
In my current role, I work closely with the business leaders to support short and mid-term financial planning and strategic decision-making. I\u2019m part of a truly global organisation and collaborate daily with colleagues across China, APAC, LATAM, the US, and Europe; which requires collaboration, problem solving and an open mind. These are all skills I strengthened during the MSc, and they\u2019re valued in any organization.<\/p>\n

How the MSc shaped my journey<\/strong>
The MSc played a key role in shaping my career path. It helped me develop a more strategic way of thinking, strengthened my communication skills, and gave me the confidence to move into a more business-facing role. The programme helped bridge the gap between technical analysis and strategic decision-making, which has been invaluable in my progression into a business partner role.<\/p>\n

Advice for future students<\/strong>
My advice to future applicants would be to fully immerse yourself in the experience. The learning goes far beyond lectures and exams \u2014 some of the most valuable insights come from group work, discussions, and the people you meet along the way. And honestly, one of the best parts for me was the friendships; my Master\u2019s friends and I still reunite once a year!<\/p>\n

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