Diana Camacho, MBA alumna of 2024 and an Investment Banking Associate in New York, shares how the Liverpool MBA programme and her consultancy based project helped enhanced her business skills and abilities.
Can you tell us a bit about you and your previous work experience?
I have a background in finance and international affairs, including five years of experience in investment banking - two years in a boutique investment bank and three years at Crowe, an international firm, in its transactions division.
Why did you choose an MBA at the Management School?
In my previous role, I led a small team, which sparked my interest in strengthening my management skills. This experience motivated me to pursue an MBA.
At that time, my manager, an alumnus of the Management School, shared his positive experience with me.
After researching the University, I became convinced it was the right choice, particularly as being part of the Russell Group represents a standard of excellence that I deeply value.
Why did you decide to select a consultancy-based project as your final MBA assessment?
I wanted to gain international experience working directly with a company. The project was both a significant challenge and an excellent opportunity to enhance my communication skills while applying my finance expertise gained from previous investment banking and transactions experience.
The project not only allowed me to put my knowledge into practice but also supported the company in improving its decision-making process. Achieving strong results and making a positive impact on a small business in Liverpool gave me great satisfaction, as it allowed me to give back to the local community.
How did the opportunity to work alongside a business in Liverpool come about?
The Management School provided us with a list of projects to join. I initially applied for one of them, but the company selected another student.
However, a week later, after reviewing my CV, they decided my experience could add value to a special project they were developing. They contacted me to ask if I would be interested, and I was genuinely excited to accept the opportunity.
What was the business challenge and how did you support the organisation?
The challenge was to value the company’s intangible assets, as they had identified they were providing certain services without charging for them. I conducted benchmarking research to analyse the market and assess the competition which enabled me to propose a pricing strategy to accurately value these assets.
My work helped the company better understand the value of its business and make strategic decisions to strengthen its operations and revenue generation.
Your role now is as an Investment Banking Associate in New York. Did your MBA and consultancy based project help you to enhance your skills, knowledge and experiences?
My new role requires proficiency in a second language, which is a skill I significantly strengthened through the MBA programme and my experience in the consulting project.
Working in an international environment allowed me to refine my ability to communicate effectively across cultures and adapt my message to diverse audiences.
In addition, my experience in valuing intangible assets has become an integral part of my daily work. The consulting project, where I developed a pricing strategy to value intangible assets, was instrumental in sharpening this expertise.
These combined experiences have broadened my strategic vision, enhanced my confidence in communication, and further developed my leadership skills - enabling me to build trust, foster collaboration, and deliver impactful results in my current position.
Completing my MBA was an enriching experience that enhanced both my strategic and leadership capabilities.
Find out more about our MBA consultancy projects here.