The decision to pursue an MBA was never about an immediate change of career direction. Instead, it was rooted in a strategic desire to future-proof my skillset for an increasingly digitised and globalised business environment. As industries evolve at an unprecedented pace and leadership challenges become more complex and interconnected, I recognised the value of stepping back to gain a broader, structured view of global business dynamics, leadership and innovation. The MBA was the natural next step to complement my international experience and prepare for leadership in tomorrow’s workforce economy.
1. The Main Driver for Pursuing an MBA
The main driver was to evolve from strong operational and regional expertise into a profile that is globally minded and digitally fluent. I believe that modern leadership requires the ability to navigate complex international markets, understand emerging technologies, and drive business growth while addressing sustainability and people leadership challenges. The academic rigour by the world-class faculty at PBS offered me access to frameworks, methodologies and peer learning opportunities that would accelerate this transformation.
2. The MBA Search Process
My search process methodology was grounded in clarity of objectives. I evaluated business schools globally based on their ability to offer:
I. A strong international alumni network
II. A modern, customisable curriculum focused on innovation, leadership and sustainability
III. Flexibility to balance study with my professional commitments
IV. Being London-based, I wanted a location that would help me expand my personal and professional connections
I spoke with alumni from several schools in the UK and globally, analysed rankings and outcomes data and participated/reviewed the virtual events. The decision was ultimately made on the alignment between the programme’s strengths and my personal development goals.
3. Why Porto Business School
Porto Business School (PBS), ranked 8th by the Financial Times globally, immediately stood out as the right fit. While I have extensive professional experience in the Iberian Peninsula, my activities had historically been centred in Spain. Portugal remained a strategic white space in my network and professional knowledge and so, enrolling at PBS provided an ideal opportunity to broaden my understanding of the Portuguese market, culture and business environment.
Additionally, the school’s dynamic, international cohort and close ties to industry resonated with my objective of building relationships across sectors and geographies. The quality of the faculty and the forward-looking curriculum convinced me that PBS would provide the best platform to strengthen my leadership capability in an international context.
4. The Experience of Visiting Porto
My visits to the city of Porto including for the Business Impact Challenge – where I collaborated with my cohort have been both enriching and memorable. Porto offers an exceptional balance of tradition and modernity. The city’s atmosphere fosters both reflection and learning. Each visit has been highly rewarding, from exchanging insights with professionals across diverse industries to experiencing the distinctive culture, cuisine and history of Porto. These experiences have allowed me to forge strong personal connections with my peers, the school and the city itself.
5. Personalising My MBA Journey
From the outset, I have been intentional in shaping my PBS experience to match my long-term goals. I have prioritised electives and projects that focus on leadership in international environments, digital transformation and innovation strategy. The flexibility of PBS’s approach has afforded me with the opportunity to customise my learning journey and gain maximum value from both the academic and networking dimensions.
6. Next Steps After Graduation
The MBA has positioned me to navigate the next phase of my career with greater confidence and preparedness. I aim to continue building a career focused on leading market expansions, driving sustainable growth and embracing digital opportunities within international business landscapes. My ambition is to apply the knowledge and global network I have gained to positively influence strategic business decisions and contribute to building future-ready organisations.
Article by:
Going Global Scholar
Global Online MBA 2024/2025
Development – Europe at Yum! Brands