Meet The Imperial College Business School MBA Class Of 2025

As the UK’s only university focusing entirely on STEM and Business, Imperial College London is a unique place. As a global top ten university, Imperial can point to 14 Nobel Prize Winners, and many notable alumni including Sir Alexander Fleming, Angela McLean and Queen’s Brian May. Imperial is an institution which possesses the power to change the course of history – whether ushering in a new era of human health, defining scientific policy, or launching a musical revolution.

Driven by a commitment to prioritising science, technology, engineering, medicine and business (STEMB), Imperial is dedicated to harnessing science for the sake of humanity. 

The Business School, nestled within Imperial’s culturally rich South Kensington campus, is no exception to this mission. All too aware of its responsibility to continue to be a force for good, Imperial’s MBA curriculum seamlessly blends the integral business essentials with the modern essentials of data, technology and innovation all with the end goal of harnessing these skillsets for global good.

The Imperial College Business School campus in the heart of South Kensington

The Imperial MBA Class of 2025 is gathered from all corners of the globe, with research scientists, social impact enthusiasts, doctors, teachers and civil engineers alongside consultants and bankers. This varied, highly intelligent collective are brought together by one common theme; they aspire to use their individual expertise to create positive change. 

HARNESSING EXPERTISE TO SERVE HUMANITY

Students like Christa Schweizer, are a great example. With a background providing legal counsel for energy sector clientele, and nurturing a passion-project working on the board of a social impact community development project, Christa knew that getting to grips with ESG was a vital next step in better serving those around her. An MBA that blended business acumen with future-focused STEM know-how was the way to go. “Success would mean leveraging my existing and newly acquired skills to develop ESG solutions that progress net zero goals and address critical social challenges,” she tells P&Q. 

Relocating from Hamilton City in Bermuda to London was the way to make this happen. “I wanted the experience of a full-time MBA at a university that not only offered a strong international reputation but also excelled in sustainability thought leadership and research. Imperial College Business School was a natural first choice for me to gain the skills, knowledge, and network I sought,” she says. 

Classmate Calvin Nisban shares a similar goal. “I’ve always been fascinated by how technology drives change.” After spending four years in an enjoyable, but perhaps too comfortable role in Singapore’s thriving tech sector Calvin felt the need to stretch his capabilities, seeking professional advancement beyond promotions. “I wanted to immerse myself in an environment that would push me intellectually while enabling me to collaborate with inspiring professionals from around the globe,” he shares. Calvin found such opportunity within Imperial College Business School’s vibrant student clubs and societies network. “What excites me the most is being part of the Social Impact and Responsible Business Club, led by my classmate Joe Sandham. The events and activities it organises delve into how social responsibility intersects with a plethora of industries and job functions, offering insights far beyond my own experiences.”

Sofia Baldomir has thrived from similar opportunities beyond the classroom; “I was surprised by the significant presence and influence of career clubs at Imperial. In my previous university, career clubs didn´t exist, but at Imperial they play a central role.” The experience has been so rewarding that Sofia took up the post of President of the Technology, Media, and Telecommunications (TMT) Club, supporting others in their professional growth. 

The Imperial MBA Class of 2025 includes 26 nationalities

It’s an element of the MBA experience that fellow classmate Alia Friedman has also found surprising, but endlessly rewarding. “This might be more of a UK phenomenon, but compared to the U.S., clubs here seem to hold an outsized importance for both career development and networking. The level of professionalism in these clubs, from undergraduate to MBA level, never fails to impress me,” she says.

These collaborations often allow MBA students to benefit from the talents and passions of the wider college. “A standout moment for me was attending an Enterprise Lab Community Collider event,” recalls Riccardo Bassiri. As the MBA’s resident “local” student (hailing from Scotland) he’s been impressed that there’s still opportunity to broaden his perspectives. “I met people from across Imperial’s different schools, both current students and alumni. It was fascinating to explore how our varied skillsets could come together to tackle real-world challenges, showcasing the interdisciplinary spirit that makes Imperial unique.”

THE POWER OF COMMUNITY

Its these inter-student exchanges that provides Imperial’s MBA cohort with an additional rich seam of education to mine. “Coming from a tech background where I was often one of few women in the room, it’s refreshing to be part of such a diverse group,” reflects Arathi Nair. “Our class has everyone, from teachers to civil servants to entrepreneurs, representing over 20 nationalities – think UN but with more spreadsheets and caffeine!” 

Classmate Vatsal Bhandari shares that such diversity helps to facilitate, rather that stifle opportunity .“The willingness to share knowledge and experiences has fostered a supportive atmosphere, which I found both refreshing and inspiring,” Vatsal shares. 

Sofia agrees; “In one of our professional development sessions we were asked to present a personal goal and identify the types of people we needed to connect with to achieve it. What stood out to me was how quickly my peers offered to help. By the end of the session, I had received offers of support from seven classmates, which was a testament to the generosity and camaraderie within the community,” she says.

The Imperial MBA Class of 2025 includes 26 nationalities

This culture of using your know-how support your fellow man, cultivated by Imperial, extends into students’ personal lives too.