Takehiro Saito: Japan

Before pursuing Liverpool MBA, I worked for an online-based credit card company in Tokyo for ten years. At the company, as well as managing a team, I was responsible for setting marketing KPIs and managing multi-million pound advertising budgets to expand our credit card membership.

Why did you decide to study an MBA?

Following a promotion, I realised that I needed a wider business knowledge that included areas such as accounting, human resources and strategy planning. An MBA seems like the best choice for me. 


Why did you choose the Management School?

When I worked at my previous company, I had opportunities to recruit athletes for our advertising. Moreover, my former company, Rakuten Group, Inc., sponsored FC Barcelona.

In that sense, I have considered the appropriate relationship between businesses and professional sports beyond sponsorship. Therefore, I am convinced that the Liverpool MBA is suitable for my vision


What do you feel has been the most rewarding element of the programme?

The most rewarding aspect of the course is the diverse environment. Through both curricular and extracurricular activities, I can gain a great deal of learning from a wide variety of students.


What do you do when you are not studying?

I am enjoying the British football culture, and since Liverpool is a football city, there are many opportunities to watch matches with my classmates.   


What advice would you give to someone thinking of studying an MBA?

Pursuing an MBA is a huge challenge. You need to think about why an MBA, why an MBA in the UK, and why an MBA in Liverpool will help you explore your ambitions more deeply.


What have you learned from the guest speakers so far?

The guest speakers at our School are very unique I am grateful for the environment that offers opportunities to meet experienced guest speakers with careers in business and the sports and football industry.

Through these opportunities, I can develop an enterprising outlook rather than simply enjoying sports.


What skills and knowledge do you feel you have developed?

I can gain diverse perspectives on how to view businesses. For instance, when analysing a company, my outlook was primarily focused on marketing, which I had been involved in so far.

However, through lectures and seminars, I learned to view businesses from different perspectives, such as finance and organisational strategy.


What aspects of the programme have you enjoyed the most?

I have enjoyed the seminars. Our class is generally divided into two parts: lectures and seminars. In the seminar sessions, we engage in a wide variety of activities, such as discussions and presentations.

Although preparing for seminars is demanding, I feel that I can grow rapidly as an MBA student.


What are you enjoying most about living in Liverpool?

I am enjoying the distinctive culture of Liverpool. When I arrived in Liverpool, a lady told me, 'Welcome to Liverpool, Liverpool is a nice city'.

Through experiences like this, I am confident that Liverpool is a friendly and amazing place. I genuinely love this city of football, music and kindness.