Can you describe your experience studying at the Management School where you pursued your Liverpool MBA?
My experience was truly exceptional, not merely for shaping my career but also due to the remarkable cohort and faculty. From the very first day, it felt like being part of a close-knit family. All the faculty members, especially Dr Dane Anderson and Bernadette Lyons, were constantly motivating and supportive throughout my journey.
The MBA programme is designed to cater to the diverse backgrounds and needs of the cohort. For me, the most valuable aspects were the group assignments, presentations, and the Management Consulting module. Collaborating with group members, engaging in thought-provoking discussions prepared us for the real-world challenges ahead. The group presentations were another memorable highlight of my entire MBA experience.
Were there any particular courses or experiences that stand out as having a significant impact on your development?
There is a module called ‘Management Consulting’ and my experience of working on that module is my favourite experience of the MBA. This module provided invaluable real-world experience as we had to work in groups that were assigned to simulate realistic consultant-client engagements where professionals often work with new teammates. Each group was given an actual company and a business problem for which we had to come out with business solution. This allowed us to think and operate as consultants. My own team comprised individuals from diverse professional backgrounds. We functioned as a support network, helping each other develop skills for independent work and collaborative teamwork.
The module will always be close to my heart because I had worked for 10 years, mostly in managerial positions, before I started the MBA, and this module gave me the opportunity to experience work-life as a student. While working on the project I was able to identify the skills that I should pay more attention to be an efficient team member and recognise my strengths that now I can say helped the team while working on this project. Today when I work in my current organisation, I still use this learning and use it in my day-to-day work-life.
You also received the ULMS Excellence Scholarship. How did this help you in your studies?
When taking a decision to pursue education abroad, there are many aspects to think about and one of the most focal one is the expense. I had applied for several UK Universities. However, the ULMS Excellence Scholarship made the difference and became important criteria for my decision making.
There is no doubt that the University of Liverpool has an exceptional reputation as one of the UK’s best destinations for pursuing an MBA. I was elated upon receiving my acceptance letter from the University of Liverpool, however I still had to thoughtfully weigh the costs encompassing not just tuition fees but also accommodation and living expenses. However, the email informing me of the ULMS Excellence Scholarship provided relief, as the tuition fee reduction enabled me to better manage my overall financial obligations, ultimately solidifying my decision to enrol. Being a recipient of the ULMS Excellence Scholarship also provided me with a competitive advantage during my job search in the UK.
You currently work as Global Portfolio Lead at The Law Debenture Group. Could you provide some insights into your current role and responsibilities at your workplace?
My job includes subsidiary management at global level. I look after corporate secretarial compliances of companies in a group structure across the globe. On a day-to-day basis, we interact with the company’s personnel and legal counsel from across jurisdictions to ensure all the group companies are compliant with their respective compliance requirements. I also look after knowledge development of my colleagues by keeping them updated with all the recent amendments in corporate law and taking training sessions on various compliance related topics. My job role is quite varied, and the company give tremendous growth opportunities for anyone who wants to excel in this business.
What skills do you believe are essential for success in the field or industry you're working in?
I work in an industry where you need to manage work along with managing stakeholders, therefore project management and stakeholder management skills are foremost to succeed in this industry. Patience and communication skills are also very important as different stakeholders needs to be communicated same thing in different ways and thus communication skills come in handy.
What are your plans for the future in terms of career advancement and professional development? Do you have any specific goals or aspirations that you're working towards?
I am a Chartered Secretary of India, UK & Ireland and an MBA graduate. I have always worked for corporate secretarial compliances of companies and have mostly been in consulting. Though it may sound cliché, but I love my work and I want to reach to leadership position and would always want to be in consulting. I like the fast-paced work life of consulting and enjoy my job which includes interaction with stakeholders. Being in the UK job market for almost 8 months now, I really enjoy the work culture here. I want to continue working in this field and reach a leadership position in an organisation where I can help develop staff members and be an integral part of business development and decision making.
In addition to succeeded in my career, I now also realise the importance of being connected with the University of Liverpool Management School to help and guide students in whichever manner possible. That is why I enjoy attending the University of Liverpool’s MBA events where I get the opportunity to interact with current and prospective students and provide my insights as a graduate.
For professionals who are considering pursuing an MBA, what advice would you offer based on your own experiences?
I would advise prospective MBA candidates to think about their motivations and desired outcomes before embarking on this academic journey. Leaving a secure professional role to restart one's education is a significant decision that warrants careful deliberation regarding future goals and the suitability of the chosen country for post-MBA employment prospects. In my case, I was steadfast to pursue an MBA in the UK.
I would say that the MBA is a transformative experience, as the coursework, assignments, and practical company engagements refine invaluable skills that prove immensely beneficial in post-MBA careers. From personal experience, I can say that the MBA has profoundly impacted my approach to work, as the curriculum fosters the development of new perspectives and competencies.