Students on the UCL MBA programme join from a range of industries, including healthcare, media, the government, education, finance and consulting. They have gained a breadth of experience that has challenged their thinking, grown their networks and transformed their careers.
We recently caught up with a handful of our fantastic UCL MBA student and alumni community to learn more about their experiences on the programme, as well as the key takeaways that they have been able to gain and apply to their relevant industries. They describe the ways in which online learning supported their professional careers and pursuits, as well as how our bi-annual Immersion presented invaluable opportunities for connection, learning and development.
Charlotte Taylor (started october 2022) - Client Services Director, Flywheel Digital
What are two things you have learned that have surprised you so far? 
From a non-academic perspective, it has been the relevance of all the modules to my everyday life - from leadership, to negotiation to communication and emotional intelligence and also the power of networking and relationships. From an academic perspective, it has been the variety of experiences across industries shared by the cohort which has really challenged and enhanced my thinking having only worked in two organisations within the CPG (consumer packaged goods) industry.
Hoang Son Lu (started april 2023) - Senior Project Manager, Pfizer
The programme offers the opportunity to build an international network. Engaging with people from diverse geographical regions has reinforced the importance of networking, epitomised by the adage ‘your network is your net worth’. Each connection contributes to a unique journey of success, making these relationships incredibly valuable. The programme’s flexibility also allows students to progress at their own pace.
Charlotte Rutherford (started october 2023) - Senior Director of Marketing & Communications
What is the first word that comes to mind when you think of UCL? 
The first word that comes to mind when I consider UCL is ‘thought-provoking’. I love that the format of the classes is focused upon a collective discussion, which encourages us to challenge our thinkings, interrogate the theory and frameworks in each module and to consider in real time how you can incorporate these learnings in your current role or organisation’.
Matt Gascoigne (started april 2023) - Co-Founder, Thrive Consulting
What has been the biggest accomplishment in your career so far? 
I’ve had many career highs and successes, but leaving the security of the corporate world to set up my own consultancy focusing on people strategy tops them all. Since Sept 2023, we’ve been helping organisations improve their employee engagement and it’s going really well! This move, roughly 6 months into my MBA, was no coincidence. The practical tools, inspiration, advice, and support from UCL School of Management, MBA colleagues, and lecturers gave me the coincidence to make the leap - a decision I’ll never regret.
Wren Loucks (graduated may 2024) - Founder, Be-Kin
Tell us about your experience studying the UCL MBA. 
I launched the business in January 2021, just one year into my studies at the UCL School of Management. I found the advice and mentorship of my MBA professors immeasurably helpful, as I was able to ask the kinds of questions that many founders don’t ask until much later on in the process. Although studying for an MBA and launching a business at the same time presented me with its own challenges, having access to the expertise and considerable business experience of the academics at the School of Management has been invaluable.
Sebastian Garcia (started october 2022) - Sustainability Manager, BIP UK
Which aspect of the UCL MBA has supported your career the most? 
The one thing that helped me the most is how you can implement your learnings immediately. So, bringing your learnings into the workplace straightaway and being able to test it out and see if it’s effective or not. If it doesn’t work the first time round, you can bring it back into class [to discuss with your module leaders and peers]. With so many smart people with different backgrounds even the smallest of discussions becomes a very interesting moment of learning.
Charlotte Drache-Lambert (started october 2023) - Director of Programs and Customer Engagement, OPEN Technologies
What are two things that you have learned that have surprised you so far? 
The power of a learning mindset in negotiations completely transformed the way I approach negotiating. When you switch to an open and information gathering approach you avoid the pitfalls of bounded awareness, where critical information is ignored or left unseen when making decisions.
Otherwise, I have been so surprised with how seamless the online learning experience has been and the connections I have built with my fellow MBA students.
Ben Gamble (graduated october 2022) - Founder, Nylon Pie
What was your favourite aspect of the UCL MBA? 
What I really liked about the UCL MBA was that you start with the mandatory modules, and that sort of sets the base and foundation for everything else.
The UCL MBA programme takes your real life experiences and applies them to the content of each module. There’s a really clear path of picking your interests and picking the right modules that work for you.
We also recently caught up with Ben, Founder of Nylon Pie, a London & New York-based leisure consultancy and events business. During his time on the programme, Ben learned the skills and knowledge necessary to launch Nylon Pie, gaining the confidence to make strategic decisions and drive the success of immersive events and experiences.
Fadi Bastaki (started october 2022) - Team Leader Risk Management and Assurance, Kuwait Petroleum International
What experience excited you the most during your time on the UCL MBA?
The experience that excites me the most is my involvement in the World Government Summit and participating in digital hackathons. These opportunities allowed me to engage with global leaders, explore innovative solutions to pressing challenges, and hone my skills in digital transformation, all of which are invaluable to my personal and professional growth.
Wendy Kent (graduated may 2024) - Procurement and Operations Director, Linstol Inc.
Which course, club, activity, or experience excites you the most and why? 
The AI White Papers. These are published in conjunction with Capgemini, an analysis, review and critique of the benefits and risks of AI and how they should be globally regulated to prevent misuse and impropriety.
I also enjoy the Immersions - these are great mixers where the students travel from around the world coming from their home/work environment to meet and mix in London for an extended weekend of business discussions, learning and fun.
Derek Pan (started april 2023) - Key Account Manager, Coca Cola Bottler Canada
Tell us about the UCL MBA in-person Immersions. 
The MBA Immersion is definitely one of the experiences that I really enjoyed. Learning about the UCL MBA support team, exploring its history, and interacting with other students in person significantly enhances my online module interaction experience.
UCL MBA Alumni - lifelong learners
Our UCL MBA alumni are spread across the globe, yet they are all invited and return frequently for MBA Immersions and continued learning. Graduates can take two further electives after graduation, allowing you to explore trends and topics that may be particularly relevant to your post-MBA career.
Our full benefits list includes:
- Invitation to MBA Immersions
- Access to two further elective modules
- Access to our space at our Canary Wharf campus, London’s central business district.
- Two years careers & coaching support
- Alumni exclusive events
- Opportunity to give back to the programme through alumni led initiatives
Global Community
MBA graduates are also part of a wider UCL School of Management alumni community. With over 8000 former students based in over 80 countries, you are never far from an opportunity to engage, reconnect and maintain a lifelong connection to UCL.
Find out more about the UCL MBA or learn more about our alumni community