Sherifa

What attracted you to choose the Surrey MBA?

My decision to pursue the MBA programme at Surrey was driven by a combination of compelling factors. Firstly, the University's strong reputation was complemented by reasonable tuition fees, making it an attractive option financially. 

Secondly, the programme boasted a diverse, experienced, and driven cohort, providing an enriching learning environment. 

Thirdly, the faculty's reputation for excellence was a significant draw, promising access to knowledgeable and skilled instructors. 

The programme demanded intense commitment from its students, ensuring a rigorous and rewarding academic experience. The variety of assessment techniques employed challenged students to demonstrate their knowledge in diverse ways. 

Finally, the opportunity to connect with industry professionals offered invaluable networking and practical exposure.

What were the best things about the MBA?

"...investing a year out of work turned out to be very enriching.... The experience helped me re-think career options."

All of the above but, additionally, investing a year out of work turned out to be very enriching. I have been challenged and learned to focus on transferable skills. The experience helped me re-think career options. Despite not having direct consultancy experience, with the help of a career coach, I have been able to secure a position in innovation consulting, which justifies my decade-long experience. 

What do you do now and what impact has the Surrey MBA had on your career? 

I am a Strategy Manager in an innovation consultancy firm named Catalyx. I provide consulting services to global companies, like P&G, Mondelez, Nestlé, and Premier Foods, on how they can launch successful innovations across different markets. 

I first got inspired about the innovation need-space through multiple courses at Surrey, and was truly exposed to complex strategic thinking. The course work, particularly my dissertation as a consulting project, enabled me to utilise strategic frameworks. 

In my everyday job, I have to churn out strategic reports with actionable recommendations in a very speedy manner. I feel the MBA has prepared me for that fast-thinking capability while looking into a lot of details.

Do you have any other comments you’d like to offer about your time at Surrey or life after university?

It was hard securing a job without non-UK experience at first. But with the right career coaching, I was able to pull out the experience from my CV that is applicable to any market. Now, after more than a year when I sit back and reflect, I cannot be less thankful for my MBA journey. It's a slow-burning process; the skills are more acquired than just a certification. One might come across a lot of self-doubt, but I would say to trust the process. This will change you for the better.