Why did you decide to study an MBA?
Doing an MBA abroad was my main motivation as I was eager to develop my skills and knowledge in business management, and doing so by also being able to engage with people from different parts of the world adds invaluable knowledge.
At different points in my career, I felt that I needed a set of skills that I lacked to be able to materialize certain projects or ideas I had, or even to continue to escalate in my career. An environment of continuous learning like an MBA and on top of that, specialising in football, felt like the perfect opportunity.
What do you feel has been the most rewarding element of the programme?
Being able to connect with so many people from around the world, with different backgrounds and experiences.
Also, the modules have been really challenging with outstanding lecturers, which has been fruitful in terms of knowledge and discussions we’ve engaged in. The career development aspect of the MBA is also something I’ve enjoyed quite a lot.
Not only the theory is important but how we apply everything we’ve learnt and how to use it as leverage to also develop our interpersonal and leadership skills is key and to have workshops to help us with that has been great.
What do you do when you are not studying?
I try to go out and explore Liverpool, it is such a wonderful city with a lot of history and beautiful architecture, so when time allows it, I enjoy going for a walk through the city with some of my MBA classmates or alone.
Watching live football as well, we’ve had the opportunity to attend some games at Anfield which has been incredible!
What advice would you give to someone thinking of studying an MBA?
Be comfortable being uncomfortable and be ready to be challenged. An MBA requires full-time dedication and the challenge is not only academically but personally, especially if coming from abroad.
Surround yourself with a good support network, keep in touch with loved ones and rely on your peers to make the most out of this experience.
Also, take on the opportunities to grow your network, and interact and talk with people that can be key for your future projects although you feel too shy to do it, get out of your comfort zone.
Why did you choose the Management School?
I really liked the idea of having an MBA specialising in the football industry.
I was looking for a master’s in sports management but when coming across the Football Industries MBA, which it’s unique in its kind, it just made sense to be able to develop and learn about business management, while applying it to football.
What have you learned from the guest speakers so far?
Although we’ve been through many different topics, there have been some remarkable insights about the UK’s football industry.
With guest speakers such as Robert Elstone and Paul Barber, learning about how clubs have been strategically managed to achieve success and purpose has been outstanding and truly inspiring.
Also, the value of networking in an industry such as football is key to being able to develop projects.
What skills and knowledge do you feel you have developed?
A better understanding of organisational strategy as well as financial management has been truly helpful to better understand how to better manage an organisation overall.
Although we’ve only been through the first three modules, they have been great for nurturing analytical and critical thinking skills, stepping out of our comfort zone with weekly presentations and getting us comfortable working under pressure, helping us to be more adaptable.
What aspects of the programme have you enjoyed the most?
The guest speaker sessions have been incredible. To be able to listen first-hand to so many experienced and successful people in their jobs has been amazing, to see how everything we see in the modules is applied to real-life contexts.
It’s an incredible opportunity to get some top insights into the industry from the best professionals.
What are you enjoying most about living in Liverpool?
The city is beautiful and very lively. I just love its energy, music culture and especially its football culture. Having been able to go to some football matches in Anfield Stadium has been a highlight of this experience.
Hope I get to attend a few more throughout the year.