Meet The Imperial Business School MBA Class Of 2026

James Barlow, MBA Academic Director. Courtesy photo.

AN INTERVIEW WITH JAMES BARLOW

P&Q reached out to James Barlow, MBA academic director. In an exclusive interview, Barlow outlines the factors that distinguish the Imperial MBA, with reflections on how the school supports students and prepares them for the future world of work.

P&Q: What do you see as the main differentiator that distinguishes your MBA program from other schools? How does it enhance the student experience and make them more attractive to employers?

Barlow: Imperial Business School’s MBA is designed to prepare graduates to be effective, real-world business leaders in an increasingly complex, technology-driven economy. Because the School is embedded within a world-leading STEM institution, the programme equips students with rigorous business fundamentals alongside a practical understanding of science, technology and innovation. This ensures they can make informed decisions in environments shaped by rapid technological change.

Real-world relevance is a core part of the MBA curriculum. The Imperial Innovation Challenge provides students with the opportunity to work closely with Imperial’s engineering, medicine and science faculties, applying business thinking to live technical challenges, while engaging with industry partners to understand how organisations operate, compete and scale in practice.

This experiential learning is complemented by a Global Experience Week, included within tuition fees, which exposes students to international business environments and leadership contexts, helping them develop the commercial judgement, cultural awareness and adaptability required to operate effectively across global markets. The trips are designed to broaden their perspective, and destinations are chosen to allow a focus on themes such as sustainability or emerging markets.

Through these experiences, graduates leave the programme with the confidence and capability to lead in the real world, able to bridge technology and business, work across disciplines and cultures and deliver practical solutions to complex organisational challenges. As a result, Imperial MBA graduates are highly sought after by employers looking for leaders who can perform from day one.

P&Q: What types of services do you provide to MBAs to ease their transition into business school?

Barlow: Imperial helps students transition smoothly with support starting from before they begin their studies with us. Pre-study modules, delivered through our online learning portal, allow students to develop key knowledge and skills in preparation for the programme.

At the start of the programme, Induction Week introduces students to the Business School and the wider Imperial community. Talks and sessions led by key teams, including Careers, the Enterprise Lab and key members of faculty, offers an opportunity for students to become familiar with the resources available. There are also numerous opportunities to network, giving students the chance to connect with peers and professors from across the Imperial community.

Each Full-Time MBA student is also assigned a dedicated Career Consultant at the start of their studies. Through one-to-one appointments, they provide personalised guidance on CVs, interview preparation and career strategy. Students also benefit from networking and skills-building opportunities through Career Clubs, Careers Week and the alumni mentorship scheme, helping them refine their career focus and connect with industry leaders.

Services such as these ensure that students can tackle their studies with clarity and purpose, aligning their focus with their career goals from the offset.

P&Q: What types of support do you provide to international students before and during business school to enable them to better acclimate to your country?

Barlow: Imperial Business School is proud of its highly diverse and international community. This year’s Full-Time MBA cohort represents 24 nationalities, creating a rich, globally focused learning environment. Exposure to diverse perspectives enhances collaboration, builds cultural intelligence and prepares students to lead effectively in international and cross-cultural business settings.

Underpinning this is the Business School’s strong commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI). Our EDI strategy is embedded throughout the student experience and focuses on improving access and opportunity, supporting underrepresented groups, promoting dialogue and ensuring a safe and inclusive learning environment that encourages all of our students to thrive.

Before the programme begins, the Recruitment and Admissions team host Admit Weekends, giving incoming students the opportunity to visit campus and connect with future classmates ahead of their studies. Students also have access to Imperial’s dedicated International Student Support service throughout their time with us, with access to visa and immigration information, and activities designed to encourage integration, community and a sense of belonging.

P&Q: What are two ways that your program is incorporating Artificial Intelligence into your programming? How do they better prepare students for the future world of work?

Barlow: Imperial incorporates Artificial Intelligence into the MBA environment in two main ways: through AI-enhanced learning experiences and technology-focused curriculum choices.

In the classroom, AI is used to enrich learning through innovations such as “digital twins” developed by the IDEA Lab. These “digital twins” are AI-generated replicas of academics that interact with students in real time, strengthening engagement in online and blended formats. Generative AI is also used to enhance case-based learning, allowing students to explore simulated scenarios and compare how different strategic decisions play out, helping them develop confidence in navigating ambiguity.

As part of the curriculum, students can choose from over 40 electives, including a wide range focused on innovation, AI and digital transformation. Electives such as AI Ventures and Responsible Digital Innovation, as well as the Strategy and Digital Transformation concentration equip students with the skills and strategic insight needed to lead in technology-driven organisations and adapt to the future world of work.

P&Q: What types of educational and career support do you provide to alumni after graduation? How does it make them more valuable to employers during their careers?

Barlow: With a global network of nearly 40,000 alumni across 158 countries, graduates benefit from a global community of business leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs. Alumni have access to free one-to-one coaching with the Business School’s Careers team. This includes up to five sessions in the first two years after graduating and two sessions per year after that. They can also access alumni-targeted opportunities and continue to engage with the Imperial Enterprise Lab to support entrepreneurial ventures.

Imperial also places strong emphasis on lifelong learning. They can return to campus and join MBA electives to stay current with the latest developments in business and management. In addition, a curated programme of professional development webinars supports career growth and transition at every stage. Beyond the Business School, alumni benefit from discounted Executive Education programmes and advanced STEMB training through the Imperial Institute of Extended Learning.

These offerings ensure alumni continue to build skills, expand networks and deliver value to employers in an evolving global business environment.

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