Meet Students and Alumni of the UCL Flex MBA

Students on the UCL Flex MBA programme join from a range of industries, including healthcare, media, 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 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 the flexibility of the programme supported their professional careers and pursuits, as well as how our bi-annual Immersion weekends presented invaluable opportunities for connection, learning and development.

Charlotte Taylor (Graduated May 2025) - 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 (Graduated October 2024) - Senior Project Manager, Pfizer

What is your favourite part of the UCL MBA?

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.

Fadi Bastaki (Graduated October 2025) - 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.

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.

Themis ploumidakis (Graduated October 2023) - Vice President, Gard AS

Tell us about your experience studying the UCL Flex MBA

I chose the UCL MBA to enhance my position within the company I work for as well as broaden my understanding of the business world. The impact it had on my career was unexpectedly large and very positive indeed. Not only I was promoted at Gard (from Senior Manager to Vice President) but also started my own start up focusing on digital technology (a software house). The MBA gave me the confidence to attempt the latter as well as the necessary knowledge and tools to make informed decisions on strategy that will hopefully lead to a successful outcome.

Emily Wallace (GraduateD October 2023) - Director of Partner Success, Acadeum

What has been the biggest accomplishment of your career so far?

After completing the MBA, I was promoted, then I changed companies and was immediately promoted there as well.

The skills, confidence, and experience I earned during my time at UCL were the biggest catalyst for these changes, and I couldn’t be happier with the choice to get my MBA here.

Lijun Tan (Started April 2024) – Procurement Manager, Volvo Cars

How has the UCL MBA supported your career so far?

The UCL MBA has supported my career through an inspiring network of professors and classmates.

The immersion was a standout moment- meeting everyone in person brought the programme to life, and the three-day experience was incredibly enjoyable and motivating.

Christos Kechris (Started April 2025) – HSQE Manager, Maran Gas Maritime, Angelicoussis Group

What has been your favourite part of the UCL MBA?

I’ve been really impressed by how seamlessly the programme blends asynchronous materials, live online sessions, and the in-person immersions to create a really cohesive and engaging learning environment. I also like how the different modules start to interlock, so that over time they build a much wider understanding of the business context.

However, if I have to choose, my favourite part is seeing the strong connections that are being built between students, and how effectively we can actually collaborate across different time zones and locations, whether
people are London-based or joining from elsewhere in the world.

Misaki Kimura (Started April 2025) – Director of Cyber Security, MUFG

What have you learned that surprised you?

What surprised me most is how much I’ve learned from my classmates. Everyone comes from different industries and backgrounds - from large corporations to startup founders - and hearing their stories has been truly inspiring.

Their experiences and perspectives have broadened my way of thinking and encouraged me to pursue my own business ideas with more confidence.

Maeve Murray (Started April 2025) - Senior Digital Growth Lead, Tesco Media

What are two things [on the MBA] you’ve learned that have surprised you so far?

There have been so many…Critical Leadership Decisions was a module that allowed me to develop the skills around decision making, not just thinking about what will happen if you take an action, but also considering what would be the repercussions of not taking an action. What you’d be leaving on the table. This has impacted not just my professional life, but also my personal choices.

The second is from the Data Analytics module which I took in my first semester of the programme. Although a challenging module, it was also so rewarding and has really equipped me with the skills to talk data and tech, and
most importantly understand the capabilities of what can be achieved using data and technology. This is such an important element in my role as advertisers embrace data and technology in the AI era and have put it into practice so much in just a few short months.

Ruth L. Murhphy (Started September 2025) – Director of Management and Operations, Peace Corps/ Armenia

What has surprised you since starting the UCL MBA?

I was surprised about the seamless transition of going back to school after having been out of school for such a long time. I’m already half-way through my first term and it has been an amazing experience. Even with the time difference it’s been surprisingly easy to adjust. It has been refreshing!

One major thing is UCL standing by their word of offering executive coaching and academic support. From the initial week of school staff have reached out with opportunities and availability of this support.

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.
Three years of 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 and UCL School of Management alumni community. With over 8000 former School of Management students based in over 80 countries, and more than 450,000 alumni from across the university, 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