The MBA Challenge Project was a valuable experience for me, and one of the best parts of the MBA was the people

From Apple and 5-star resorts to the classroom

Before starting the MBA, I had over 15 years of professional experience across technology, hospitality and financial services. I spent nine years at Apple, including seven years as a Team Manager, leading customer-facing teams and focusing on people development, performance and customer experience. Most recently, I worked as a Hotel Manager at a five-star resort in Turkey, which gave me the opportunity to lead in a very different and fast-paced operational environment.
After many years in management roles, I wanted to step outside my day-to-day experience and develop a broader understanding of business, strategy and leadership. I chose Sheffield not only because of the reputation of the University and Management School, but also because I liked the practical nature of the MBA. I wanted a programme where I could learn from experienced professionals from different industries and countries, rather than only studying business theory. I enjoyed Sheffield a lot and studying in a university city was also so nice.

Hands-on problem solving with Arcadis

The MBA Challenge Project was probably the most valuable experience for me. Working with Arcadis on a real business challenge around global energy supply chains allowed me to bring together many different areas we were learning in the MBA, from strategy and operations to sustainability and stakeholder management. Having the opportunity to research a real industry problem and develop recommendations for a global company made the experience particularly meaningful.

The power of simple moments and new perspectives

For me, one of the best parts of the MBA was the people. Studying and working with classmates from very different countries, industries and professional backgrounds constantly gave me new perspectives. Some of my favourite memories are actually the simple ones: working together on projects, discussing different approaches and spending time together outside the classroom. Those relationships made the MBA much more than an academic experience.

Seeing the bigger picture in business

The MBA has helped me look at business decisions from a much wider perspective. Before the programme, much of my experience was based on leading people, operations and customer experience. Sheffield helped me connect that experience with areas such as strategy, finance, economics, sustainability and organisational behaviour. I now approach problems not only from the perspective of a team manager, but also by considering the wider organisation, market and long-term business impact.

My advice for prospective students

My advice is to approach with an open mind and utilise everything around you. The value of an MBA extends beyond lectures and assignments. Engage with your classmates, learn from their experiences, participate in projects and events, and seize opportunities beyond your comfort zone. Everyone comes with different professional backgrounds, and sharing these experiences is one of the greatest strengths of the Sheffield MBA. Additionally, the university staff are fantastic, so I would recommend making extensive use of networking.