From Engineering To Consulting: How Imperial’s Full-Time MBA Transformed My Career

Giovanni Sobrero, a graduate from Imperial Business School’s Full-Time MBA Class of 2024, began his career in engineering and operations management before using the Full-Time MBA to pivot into the dynamic world of consulting. Throughout his MBA journey, he deepened his knowledge on strategy, innovation and impactful leadership, equipping him with the skills and mindset needed to transition career. 

Reflecting on his time at Imperial, Giovanni describes the Full-Time MBA as “the best one-year investment” of his life — an experience that offered far “more than a degree”, providing perspective, confidence, and a network that helped shape his next chapter. In this blog, he shares his journey from engineering to consulting and the profound impact Imperial had on both his career and personal growth.

What experiences shaped your career before joining Imperial’s Full-Time MBA?

Before Imperial, I held operational and strategic roles at Rolls-Royce and Amazon, building a strong foundation in process excellence and leadership. I began as a graduate engineer at Rolls-Royce, then moved into manufacturing operations before joining Amazon, where I drove global supply chain improvements for export orders.

What motivated you to pursue a Full-Time MBA at Imperial, at this point in your career?

Imperial’s Full-Time MBA was the ideal path for me as it enabled me to gain expertise in fields where I had knowledge gaps, including financial markets, consulting and strategy. Its flexibility to specialise in consulting and its focus on technology and innovation also made it a standout for me.

Moreover, studying in London enhanced the experience even further, providing direct access to industry leaders and cutting-edge developments, perfectly complementing our learning. Combined, all these elements made Imperial Business School the ideal place to pursue my future career aspirations to become a consultant.

What made consulting the next natural step in your career?

From early in my career, I was drawn to roles that combined problem-solving with strategic impact. My time at Rolls-Royce and Amazon gave me firsthand exposure to large-scale operational and transformation challenges, but I wanted to work on a broader range of issues. Consulting offered the perfect platform to tackle complex problems, drive meaningful change and continuously learn from some of the brightest minds in business.

How did the program equip you with the knowledge needed to pursue a career in consulting?

The Full-Time MBA reshaped my approach to problem-solving and decision-making entirely. Challenges transformed from obstacles to opportunities that offer a chance to create alignment and drive outcomes that are meaningful. Consulting amplifies this mindset, blending analytical rigour with human understanding, enabling me to guide decision-makers through uncertainty with both clarity and empathy.

The Business Problem Solving module provided practical consulting frameworks and tools to collect, analyse, and apply data for solving complex business problems. It offered great insight into how strategic consultancies need to continuously adapt to satisfy client requirements. This was a powerful lesson that I apply on a daily basis as a consultant in the Middle East.

What opportunities were available outside of the program to help you prepare for a career in consulting?

I completed two internships while studying – one with TikTok in London, and the other with my current employer, Arthur D. Little in the UAE and KSA. At TikTok, I gained firsthand insight into how scale-ups operate in a fast-paced environment and was responsible for improving operational efficiency and aligning processes with their long-term strategic goals. This proved invaluable as I transitioned into strategy consulting in the Middle East, where rapid execution and strategic alignment are both critical.

Both internships successfully led to full-time offers of employment, and the guidance from the Imperial Business School Careers team was instrumental in helping me choose the right path and negotiate competitive compensation in both cases. Imperial also provided extensive support through mock interviews and expert networking sessions, which made the entire interview process significantly smoother. 

Additionally, Imperial’s Global Experience Week further exposed me to how local consultancies and start-ups solve complex business problems, enhancing my professional profile and easing my transition from London to the Middle East with Arthur D. Little.

What career support did you receive during your time at Imperial?

Working closely with my Career Consultant was a defining part of my Full-Time MBA journey. His guidance pushed me to think more strategically about my strengths and motivations, translating my operational experience into a consulting-focused narrative that resonated with employers. 

Our sessions went beyond interview preparation; they helped me sharpen my personal brand, build confidence in articulating my value and approach the career transition with purpose and clarity. That combination of candid feedback and tailored support played a pivotal role in shaping my successful move into consulting.

Looking back on your time at Imperial, what would you say was your biggest transformation on the program?

Beyond career advancement, the biggest transformation was a personal one. The Full-Time MBA challenged me to think differently — to move from being solution-oriented to being value-oriented, focusing on the ‘why’ behind every decision. I learned to lead with purpose, communicate with clarity, and create space for diverse perspectives, especially when navigating complex or high-pressure environments.

How are you applying the skills that you learnt on the Full-Time MBA to your current role?

Outside of the MBA’s theoretical knowledge, I actively apply the skills I gained to my current role. Consulting often requires balancing competing priorities with tight timelines. The Full-Time MBA’s emphasis on critical thinking and structured problem-solving prepared me to thrive in exactly those conditions.

The collaborative and experiential learning approach at Imperial also mirrors the dynamics of a consulting environment. Working with diverse teams across industries and backgrounds at Imperial helped me to become more adaptive and intentional in how I lead, listen and communicate. These lessons now guide my approach to client work – ensuring that recommendations are not only analytically sound but also practical, human-centred and aligned with broader organization goals.

What do you hope to achieve in your career going forward?

Looking ahead, I see consulting as a genuine platform for positive change – a space where insight meets action. It’s about more than just delivering strategies but helping organisations translate ambition into tangible results that create lasting impact. It combines purpose with performance, helping leaders to navigate complex transformations, build resilience and embed sustainability into their core operations.

What advice would you give to those considering a Full-Time MBA at Imperial?

To anyone considering the Imperial Full-Time MBA: come with an open mind and a genuine curiosity. You’ll leave with far more than a degree — you’ll gain perspective, confidence and a network that will shape your next chapter. The Full-Time MBA is the best one year investment you can do in your life.

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