Mehmet Ulker

Warwick Business School

“Honest, trustworthy, generous, positive, supportive, hardworking, committed, peaceful and friendly.”

Hometown: Oxford, United Kingdom

Fun Fact About Yourself: I appreciate good food (yummy!), love cooking but get told off for creating a mess! I enjoy traveling and seeing different parts of the world, meeting different people, experiencing different cultures, and of course enjoying their exciting cuisines in the process. More recently, I have developed a real interest in woodwork; it’s a great way to relax as it allows me to work with my hands and use my creativity. It also allows me to have some time alone to reflect which I find very important. I have already made a wooden stool and look forward to making more wooden objects and hopefully do some woodcarving!

Undergraduate School and Major: Technology Management (Hons), Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, United Kingdom

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Banco Santander, Management

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: I was recognized for achieving the second place nationally for my overall performance as a personal banker in Santander. Performing at 224% above the commercial objectives, I was promoted to a branch manager role within only 14 months of starting my employment.

Describe your biggest accomplishment at Warwick so far: Getting 29 MBA-students up Mount Snowdon within weeks of starting the MBA course! Given how diverse and international our cohort is, I was keen to introduce my fellow classmates to the beauties of the British natural landscape. A little ambitious of me to ask a cohort of 120 students if they would be interested in climbing Snowdon! Organizing transport, accommodation, and the actual hike was challenging but all worth it. The 29 students who made it to the peak represented over 7 countries; they absolutely loved the views (we were lucky it was such a beautiful day with clear skies!). The whole experience also strengthened our bonds of friendship and the day is still one that people still talk fondly about on campus… “Snowdon, a memory that will never be forgotten” is the quote that you may hear from my fellow classmates.

What quality best describes the MBA classmates you’ve met so far and why? Disciplined, hardworking and always willing to learn. They are creative problem-solvers and are very decisive. They are high performers yet also know how to have loads of fun!

Aside from your classmates, what was the key factor that led you to choose this program for your full-time MBA and why was it so important to you? I was attracted to Warwick’s excellent academic reputation (being ranked top MBA course in the UK by The Economist) and the quality of its teaching. However, what really led me to choose Warwick Business School over any other MBA school was the heartfelt and warm hospitality which I received at Warwick – and the genuine interest that was shown to me as an individual from the first time I made contact with the staff here. It soon became clear that this was part of the school’s culture. Being here feels like being part of a big happy and caring family who take a genuine interest in your success, development, and future.

What club or activity are you looking most forward to in business school? Networking with individuals and organizations. Rock climbing and hiking clubs.

What led you to pursue an MBA at this point in your career? An MBA was my next natural step. The course provides the right platform for me to broaden my learning and network with different sectors and organizations, thus strengthening my profile and shaping my next career move.

What other MBA programs did you apply to?

Cranfield Business School

Oxford Said Business School

Judge Business School (Cambridge)

How did you determine your fit at various schools? MBA open days have been invaluable in gaining a good understanding of the various schools, their teaching style, their general culture and the value they were likely to add to me as a person and my career. Speaking to current students and alumni answered many of my questions and helped shape my final decision. Brainstorming with friends and professionals who have completed an MBA also added value. The answer to my personal equation was Warwick Business School, and I do not regret my decision in the slightest!

What was your defining moment and how did it shape who you are? The passing of my father when I was 15 years old meant that I had to grow fast and take on his role at home. I became not only responsible for myself, but also for my siblings and my mother. This has made me the man I am now. Since then, life and its challenges have taught me many valuable lessons and have helped me gain the valuable experiences and insights which may take years for some to achieve. This exposure has both strengthened me and made me a better person, equipped me with the passion to excel in all aspects of life and to support my loved ones and society as a whole. I believe that hard work, dedication, and discipline are the key ingredients for success, with some positive thinking and fun to spice up the mix!

Where do you see yourself in five years? A proud son, loving husband, caring father, a value-adding member of the society and a successful entrepreneur, adding value to everyone and everything I encounter.