Calvin Nisban

Imperial College Business School 

Hometown: Singapore

Fun Fact About Yourself: I have a knack for remembering obscure flags, countries by shape and can identify nearly every country’s flag and its shape.

Undergraduate School and Major: National University of Singapore, Double Degree in Business Administration & Arts and Social Science

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: SAP, Strategic Sales Programs Lead (Asia-Pacific Japan)

What were some of the key motivating factors behind pursuing your MBA, and why did this seem like the right time for you? This felt like the right time because I was at a pivotal moment in my career. After almost four years in a role where I had found a rhythm and comfort zone, I craved personal growth and a new challenge. This went beyond seeking 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. Coming from a B2B enterprise technology background, I was particularly drawn to institutions that emphasise innovation and technology. Imperial’s focus on these areas motivated me to step away from the security I had in Singapore for this transformative experience.

What have been your first impressions of the Imperial MBA students and alumni you’ve met so far. Tell us your best Imperial story so far.  My peers and alumni have been nothing short of inspirational. When I joined the Imperial MBA, I had a straightforward goal: career advancement. However, through countless conversations, I’ve found new sources of inspiration, especially around Social Impact. These interactions have encouraged me to explore uncharted territories, blending this new focus with my prior experiences. My best Imperial story so far is how these connections have reshaped my ambitions, pushing me to explore areas I never imagined pursuing.

Aside from your classmates, what were one or two key aspects of Imperial’s MBA programme that led you to choose this Business School and why were they so important to you? Two key aspects led me to choose Imperial: its world-class ranking—#1 in the UK and #2 globally—and its vibrant, innovative ecosystem. Having worked in tech, I’ve always been fascinated by how technology drives change. Imperial College Business School’s interdisciplinary approach, offering collaboration opportunities with students from diverse fields like Engineering and even the Royal College of Music, truly embodies this spirit of innovation. The chance to learn from perspectives outside the traditional business world was incredibly attractive to me. This unique emphasis on cutting-edge learning and cross-functional collaboration aligns perfectly with my desire to approach challenges creatively and holistically.

What makes London such a great place to earn an MBA? Coming from Singapore, I see London as another global melting pot—a city rich in diversity and culture. This diverse community offers endless opportunities to learn from people with varied perspectives, which is essential for my growth as an empathetic leader. Additionally, my love for musicals and plays makes having the West End so close feel like a dream come true! London’s position as a global hub ensures unparalleled exposure to industries and ideas, making it the perfect backdrop for this transformative growth journey.

What module, club or activity excites you the most at Imperial? What excites me the most is being part of the Social Impact and Responsible Business Club, led by my classmate Joe Sandham. This club has been instrumental in nurturing my newfound passion for Social Impact. 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. It has been incredibly rewarding to explore these intersections and broaden my perspective, keeping me inspired to contribute meaningfully to this space.

Looking at your admissions process, what was the moment when you realised Imperial was the right programme for you? Why? For me, it was the interview process. It went beyond surface-level discussions and allowed me to explore Imperial’s unique offerings in depth. Hearing firsthand from the admissions team and alumni about how Imperial fosters innovation, community, and growth reaffirmed that this was the right choice for me. Their authenticity and enthusiasm resonated strongly and solidified my confidence in the program.

What are two things you have learned at your School that have surprised you so far — one academic and one non-academic? One thing that surprised me academically is the shift in focus compared to my undergraduate classes. Back in university, the emphasis was often on understanding concepts and answering questions correctly. However, here, discussions are centered around practical application. My classmates consistently draw on their professional experiences to analyse theories and frameworks, offering real-world insights and exploring how these tools can be applied across industries and situations. This dynamic approach has made learning far more meaningful and impactful.

On a non-academic level, I was struck by how quickly our cohort bonded despite our diverse backgrounds. Within just a few weeks, we went from strangers to forming a close-knit group that supports one another both inside and outside the classroom. This sense of community has been a powerful reminder that the relationships we build during an MBA are just as valuable as the academic knowledge we gain. These connections have enriched my experience in ways I hadn’t anticipated.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: One of my proudest accomplishments was establishing an intern and early talents network in my previous role. This initiative created a cycle of mentorship, where early career full-timers guided interns as they explored their career paths, and in turn, these interns became ambassadors for our company and its internship program. My vision was to foster a culture of giving back, enabling young professionals to become the mentors they once aspired to have. Watching this network flourish and seeing its tangible impact on others’ careers has been deeply rewarding.

Building on this experience, I now serve as the Careers Leader for my MBA programme and as the Vice President of Careers on the Dean’s Student Advisory Council for Imperial Business School. In these roles, I aim to create a similar network—one that inspires and empowers my peers to give back, creating lasting value for the entire Imperial community.

Looking ahead one year, what would make your MBA experience successful? Success for me will mean stepping out of my comfort zone and using this year to explore opportunities, functions, and industries I never considered before. An MBA is a unique chance to be a student again—embracing the privilege of trying, failing, and learning without fear. Success isn’t about a single quantifiable outcome but about having no regrets, knowing I explored every possibility to make the best decisions for my future.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into Imperial’s MBA? Be authentic. Your application should reflect who you truly are—your experiences, knowledge, and contributions. Everyone brings something unique to the MBA community, so focus on what makes you, you. Think about how these qualities can make you an active and impactful member of the cohort. An MBA is more than a degree; it’s about the connections you’ll build, the lessons you’ll learn from others, and the lifelong relationships you’ll create.

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