Meet The Alliance Manchester MBA Class Of 2026

This year, the Alliance Manchester MBA program has brought together a remarkable group of students from around the world, each with their own inspiring journeys and ambitions. The cohort is tackling academic challenges, gaining real-world experience, and building strong connections along the way.

From consultancy projects that push the boundaries of creativity to personal milestones that redefine leadership, these twelve MBAs have shared their firsthand experiences on what makes Manchester such a great place for future leaders.

WHY THEY CHOSE MANCHESTER

Manchester is undoubtedly a magnet for aspiring leaders. Ezio Vizcardo from Lima, Perú, was drawn to Manchester because of the diverse industries in the city – energy, construction, and tech. Students can connect with professionals and gain hands-on experience right near campus. “Manchester is a global hub for business, innovation, and culture,” he says.

Vizcardo also admires the city’s commitment to the net-zero policy. “Manchester’s advanced implementation of NetZero strategies provides an exceptional environment to learn cutting-edge solutions and prepare MBA students to lead responsibly in a changing world,” he adds.

For Jun Shimoda, from Tokyo, Japan, Manchester is the perfect blend of academic excellence and cultural enrichment. Shimoda has worked with both American and Japanese companies, and their tendencies totally contrast. “American companies tend to be highly individualistic and results-oriented, while Japanese corporations emphasize collectivism and hierarchy,” he shares. Now, he’s exploring business in Europe. “The city of Manchester strikes an ideal balance between vibrancy and livability,” he shares.

From Shanghai, China, Weiwen (Vivienne) Jin offers another perspective. “From my MBA student perspective, transportation is very convenient,” she notes, highlighting the city’s walkability and affordability for students.

Beyond logistics, Jin treasures the warm welcome she’s received as an international student. “Mancunians are famously friendly – there’s a reason Manchester is often called the ‘friendliest city in the UK.’” Jin also praises the city’s economy and vibrant networking scene which she sees as a gateway to unparalleled career opportunities. “Its economic momentum shows no signs of slowing, making it an ideal city for MBA students,” she says.

WHY THEY CHOSE THIS MBA PROGRAM

What were the most important draws to this MBA program? For Jin, it was the school’s reputation. “The university’s prestigious reputation and extensive global alumni networks appeal to me,” she shares.

Some were drawn to the program because of its reputation for having experiential opportunities. “The Manchester Method stood out to me because of its hands-on approach, particularly the three consultancy projects that provide real client interaction,” shares Rodrigo Zamalloa, from Arequipa, Perú.

He especially valued the three projects the program offers – The Social Impact Project, the Commercial Business Project, and the International Business Project. “These experiences were essential for sharpening my strategic thinking and preparing me to deliver innovative solutions,” Zamalloa says.

FAVORITE ASPECTS OF THE BUSINESS SCHOOL EXPERIENCE

Palak Sona, from Bareilly, India, shares her thoughts: “What really drew me in was the live consultancy projects,” she says. For her, the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios with actual clients was invaluable. Guided by experts in a supportive environment, she found these projects provided her with practical experience and the confidence to navigate the business world.

When it comes to activities within the program, for Sona, serving as an adviser at 180 Degree Consulting was one of her biggest highlights. She appreciated the chance to collaborate with “passionate, like-minded individuals eager to use their skills to give back and make a positive impact.” The role, which merges strategic insight with social responsibility, created opportunities for the student to grow personally and professionally. “It’s been an incredible learning journey!” she adds.

One of the most memorable experiences of the Alliance Manchester MBA program for Ekant Chopra, from New Delhi, India, was the trip to Brathay Trust, a bonding experience intended to bring classmates together. Chopra says, “Our trip to Brathay Trust was one of the most memorable experiences of my time at Alliance Manchester.”

Beyond adventure, the activities tested his teamwork, communication, and patience while encouraging him and the others to step out of their comfort zones. “Coordinating our efforts to ensure we didn’t sink or veer off course was both challenging and rewarding,” he says.

Leadership has been at the heart of Maximilian Dowling’s journey through the Alliance Manchester MBA program. From Ashford, Kent, England, Dowling says, “Serving as MBA Student Council president has been an exhilarating challenge.” He had the thrilling experience of winning a competitive election with six candidates and stepping into a position of responsibility.

He also organized a Diwali celebration in just five days – no easy feat. He says this brought about a strong community spirit and he and his classmates are close as can be. “This role has allowed me to lead a diverse team, foster community spirit, and make a tangible impact on campus life,” he says.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE THROUGH CONSULTANCY PROJECTS

Hands-on consultancy projects are at the heart of the Alliance Manchester MBA experience. Working in a multicultural team, Dowling “learned invaluable consulting methodologies, including how to identify the core of a business problem and develop a structured approach to unlocking insights.”

Abigail Irozuru, a Manchester native and Olympic finalist, says her greatest takeaway has been mastering group dynamics through AMBS’s hands-on consultancy projects. “We grew together as we learned to be honest and a ‘critical friend’ to one another when we weren’t pulling our weight or doing our best work,” she shares. The collaborative environment taught her valuable lessons in compassion, accountability, and analytical rigor.

Navigating real-world challenges can define the MBA experience, which Kevin Osborne has experienced firsthand. From Arlington, Virginia, Osborne worked on a strategic project with a local performing arts organization, developing a five-year plan to boost revenue while preserving their cultural mission. “This project taught me the importance of managing competing priorities, engaging with stakeholders effectively, and navigating ambiguity in real-world business contexts,” he says.

GREATEST CAREER ACCOMPLISHMENTS THUS FAR

Many of these MBAs bring a good amount of experience with them when they enter business school. Osborne says his leadership in modernizing a critical reporting platform at the Social Security Administration has been one of his greatest accomplishments in his career so far. As a WebFOCUS developer, he introduced automation that reduced manual effort by 40% and greatly enhanced efficiency. “This experience taught me the importance of translating technical solutions into business value, collaborating across teams, and managing stakeholder expectations,” he says.

For Soteria Ntim Adu, from Accra, Ghana, she’s found entrepreneurial success with her company, The Weight Goals Company. With a background in nutrition and global public health from AMBS, she has already made an impressive impact, helping over 5,000 people worldwide improve their health and manage their weight. Her business stands as an example of her commitment to creating positive, tangible outcomes in people’s lives.

Exceptional dedication and a track record of successes have defined the professional journey of Arbhie Nugraha Hanafi. As one of only 20 employees out of 120,000 to serve as an executive assistant to the Board of Management at Bank Rakyat Indonesia, he says his biggest accomplishment was being entrusted with the role. His potential and commitment to growth were recognized when he was awarded a full corporate scholarship to pursue his MBA at Alliance Manchester.

BIGGEST SUCCESSES IN THE MBA PROGRAM

Alliance Manchester’s MBA program is an avenue for achieving meaningful milestones. Hanafi celebrates receiving the Recognition Award for Most Contributing Student in his cohort.

“This award reflects my commitment to embodying AMBS values, actively supporting my peers, and contributing to class discussions,” he shares.

For Ayubkhon Akhmadkhujaev, from Kokand, Uzbekistan, completing the program’s Social Impact Project remains his defining achievement.

Despite initial challenges, Akhmadkhujaev and his team worked through setbacks with effective communication, perseverance, and teamwork to deliver outstanding results. “This journey taught me resilience, problem-solving, and adaptability – skills that I will carry forward into future projects and roles,” he says.

Next page: An interview with the Alliance Manchester MBA Assistant Director, Naomi Blackwell.