Christa Schweizer

Imperial College Business School 

Hometown: Bermuda

Fun Fact About Yourself: Theatre enthusiast with a current love for the play ‘Hamilton’

Undergraduate School and Major: Spelman College (USA), BA Political Science

Graduate School and Major: University of Bristol (UK), MA Law

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Butterfield Group – Vice President, Legal Counsel

What were some of the key motivating factors behind pursuing your MBA, and why did this seem like the right time for you? Pursuing my MBA has been a long-term goal realised. During my time as in-house legal counsel for an energy services group, I had the opportunity to support renewable energy projects that contributed to the company’s clean energy goals. This work strengthened my desire to dedicate more of my career to sustainability initiatives and wider net zero targets. Over this period, I also served as a director on the board of a philanthropic organisation focused on social impact and sustainable community development. These experiences reinforced the importance of embedding sustainability into strategic decision-making and led to the decision to pursue an MBA. At this stage in my career, I am ready to build on my legal, regulatory, and governance expertise by acquiring practical business skills needed to lead environmental, social and governance (ESG) and sustainability strategies at the corporate level.

What have been your first impressions of the Imperial MBA students and alumni you’ve met so far. Tell us your best Imperial story. Imperial truly attracts the best and brightest across all disciplines, and the MBA class is no exception. The diversity of cultures, experiences, and viewpoints in my cohort is unparalleled and I thoroughly enjoy the opportunity to learn with and from my classmates. Imperial’s MBA alumni community is equally impressive, comprising professionals from all backgrounds and industries who have generously shared their time through mentorship, guest lectures, and networking opportunities, providing us with invaluable support and guidance.

In addition to its incredible network, Imperial offers a unique blend of business, innovation, and technology. During one of our Organisational Behaviour lectures, our class had the opportunity to visit Imperial’s Data Observatory—the largest of its kind in Europe—at the Data Science Institute. One may not see a natural relationship between Organisational Behaviour and data science, but Imperial understands the importance of equipping future leaders with the tools to navigate a data-driven world. This mindset is evident not only in Imperial’s cutting-edge research across the university but also in how it integrates this approach into the MBA programme.

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? When considering MBA programmes, Imperial College Business School’s focus on sustainability and innovation made it an ideal fit for advancing my career goals. 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. Consistently ranked among the top ten universities globally (including in sustainability) with renowned professors and industry experts, Imperial College Business School was a natural first choice for me to gain the skills, knowledge, and network I sought in an MBA programme.

What makes London such a great place to earn an MBA? London is a city of networks. As an MBA student in London, you gain access to a global business hub, comprised of the world’s largest multi-national companies, innovative startups and a vibrant business landscape offering essential resources for both seasoned and prospective entrepreneurs. Pursuing an MBA in London also provides fantastic opportunities to engage with professionals across a wide range of industries, many of whom are open to sharing insights and impart practical career advice. This is particularly valuable for those aspiring to build their careers in London after completing their MBA. Beyond professional opportunities, London has an exciting social scene with many free museums, concerts, and events that make it an   ideal place to study and explore.

What module, club or activity excites you the most at Imperial? Imperial’s MBA includes a module called LEADS (Leadership, Ethics, Awareness, Diversity, and Society), which encourages us to introspectively evaluate our leadership skills through the lens of ethical decision-making. What I appreciate most about this module is its focus on fostering self-awareness, enabling us to develop a more thoughtful and considerate approach to leadership.

Looking at your admissions process, what was the moment when you realised Imperial was the right program? Why? Imperial’s admissions process stood out for the warmth and approachability of its Admissions Team. During what can be a daunting period, it was refreshing to engage with Admissions Officers who were eager to assist and address any questions, no matter how trivial they might have seemed. This level of support is often an undervalued aspect of the admissions experience, yet it makes all the difference. I was equally impressed by the alumni I connected with during the process, including an alumna who, like me, pursued her MBA with a young family. Their insights and experiences further reinforced my decision to choose Imperial for my MBA.

What are two things you have learned at your School that have surprised you so far — one academic and one non-academic? While Imperial is widely recognised for its strong focus on STEM education and research, I was surprised to learn that this research has led to the creation of numerous pioneering spinout companies. This reflects Imperial’s broader commitment to entrepreneurship, demonstrated by its support for startups through its Innovation Lab, an exceptional resource for entrepreneurs to seek advice and collaboration, and its dynamic business ecosystem at the White City Scale Space campus. Beyond academics, I was pleasantly surprised that

Imperial has a Secret Garden located within its South Kensington campus. Students and staff can enjoy this peaceful green space to retreat from the busy campus and even participate in gardening activities through Imperial’s gardening club. This is yet another example of how Imperial integrates sustainability into its campus environment.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: I was the Legal lead for the implementation of my previous employer’s first SEC-registered Employee Share Purchase Plan (ESPP). This initiative enables employees across all levels and jurisdictions to acquire company shares at a discounted rate, allowing them to participate in the company’s financial success. The ESPP’s impact is significant as it provides wealth building opportunities to employees who might not have otherwise had access to the investment market and I am proud of the collaborative efforts that brought this project to fruition.

Looking ahead one year, what would make your MBA experience successful? A year from now, I would consider my MBA experience a success if I have not only transitioned into an in-house sustainability role but also formed meaningful connections with my cohort and broader alumni community. Success would also mean leveraging my existing and newly acquired skills to develop ESG solutions that progress net zero goals and address critical social challenges.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into Imperial’s MBA? I would advise potential applicants seeking admission to Imperial’s MBA programme to approach the application process with authenticity and clarity about their goals. It is important to take the time to reflect on why you want to pursue an MBA, why Imperial is the right fit for you, and how your unique experiences and aspirations will contribute to the Imperial community and beyond. I would also suggest engaging with current students and alumni, whether directly or at prospective student events, as this will provide a deeper understanding of Imperial’s MBA and the opportunities it offers.

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