Maximilian Dowling

“Math geek turned entrepreneur, thriving on solving problems except when it’s my own WiFi”

Hometown: Ashford, Kent, England

Fun Fact About Yourself: During my 2022 travels in the US, I outran Hurricane Ian in a Mustang to catch a connecting flight.

Undergraduate School and Major: The University of Manchester, Mathematics BSc

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Operations Lead, Waterhouse Services

What makes Manchester such a great place to earn an MBA degree?

Manchester combines world-class faculty with a global perspective, strong industry ties and a vibrant dynamic city atmosphere. The MBA’s unique focus on hands-on consultancy and its connection to both regional and London-based companies make it an unparalleled hub for professional growth and practical learning.

Aside from your classmates and location, what was the key part of Alliance Manchester’s MBA curriculum and programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you?

The unique focus on hands-on consultancy projects was pivotal. The emphasis on practical, real-world problem-solving resonated with my entrepreneurial background, providing the perfect environment to apply and refine my skills while making an immediate impact.

What course, club or activity have you enjoyed the most at Alliance Manchester?

Serving as MBA Student Council President has been an exhilarating challenge and my most rewarding experience so far. Winning a competitive election with six candidates was just the start. We successfully organised the Diwali celebration, a major cultural event in only five days from starting our positions. This role has allowed me to lead a diverse team, foster community spirit, and make a tangible impact on campus life all while navigating the demands of the MBA program. It’s been an incredible opportunity to grow as a leader and connect with classmates on a deeper level.

Alliance Manchester is known for its hands-on consultancy projects. Tell us a little bit about a project you worked on? What did you learn that will make you a better professional? 

As part of a five-member team from different countries, I tackled a critical business challenge for a sight-loss charity in Greater Manchester. The project focused on improving compliance with government procurement frameworks as well as optimising the business case for securing government funding. Guided by our lecturers Mike and Patricia I learned invaluable consulting methodologies, including how to identify the core of a business problem and develop a structured approach to unlocking insights. This experience enhanced my ability to collaborate across cultures, address complex challenges strategically and transform insights into actionable plans, skills that will significantly enhance my professional effectiveness.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far:

Building Oxnoble Group from the ground up was a defining achievement in my career. Starting with just a £10,000 investment I bootstrapped the business into a thriving operation with £1m in turnover, focusing on delivering innovative solutions and measurable value to clients. Upon exiting I facilitated a smooth handover, ensuring the business’s continued growth and sustainability as evidenced by the success of a subsidiary that operates to this day. This journey taught me the importance of customer impact, resilience and strategic leadership, principles that continue to guide me in my career journey.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in Alliance Manchester’s MBA program so far:

My biggest accomplishment in Alliance Manchester’s MBA program so far has been serving as MBA Student Council President. In this role, I’ve worked to foster an inclusive environment where all cultures are celebrated and shared, encouraging a sense of belonging among our diverse cohort. Beyond the Diwali celebration, I’ve focused on initiatives that will enhance the student experience for future cohorts. A key project has been implementing a SharePoint system to harmonise information storage and sharing across students, industry clubs, and sports and wellbeing groups, ensuring smoother communication and collaboration. Representing the school as President has been a privilege, allowing me to advocate for my peers, build a stronger community and leave a meaningful lasting impact on the MBA program.