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Posted March 10, 2026

My MBA journey at Loughborough University

My MBA journey

Studying on the MBA at Loughborough University has been one of the most meaningful chapters of my professional journey. The program is triple accredited by Association of MBAs (AMBA), EFMD Quality Improvement System (EQUIS) and Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), which gave me confidence that the learning environment is recognised globally and held to very high standards. And receiving a 50% scholarship made the opportunity even more special and motivated me to make the most out of the experience.

My previous experience

Before starting the MBA program, my career spanned robotics engineering, fintech consulting, enterprise account management at Amazon, and innovation work at YCH Group in Singapore. I had exposure to technology, automation and innovation projects, but I often found myself wanting a broader strategic perspective on how organisations make decisions. The MBA has helped me connect those practical experiences with deeper management thinking.

The Loughborough MBA

What makes the Loughborough MBA distinctive is how the program is structured around five key themes:

  • Purposeful Leadership
  • Performance Management
  • Value Creation
  • Explore and Discover
  • Capstone Challenge.


Rather than feeling like a collection of unrelated modules, the themes help build a coherent understanding of how organisations actually function and evolve.

The Purposeful Leadership theme really made me reflect on the kind of leader I want to become. Modules such as Leading Strategic Change, Leading Organisations and People, and Sustainability and Responsible Business Practice encourage you to think beyond profits and focus on how leaders guide teams through uncertainty while staying grounded in values. Having worked in innovation roles where change is constant, these discussions often felt very real and relatable.

Performance Management strengthened my understanding of the operational backbone of organisations. Modules like Accounting, Finance and Economic Management, Business Analytics, and Operations and Project Management helped me see the numbers and systems behind the decisions leaders make. In my previous work implementing AI-driven solutions in supply chains, I saw first-hand how good ideas still need strong operational execution to succeed. The MBA helped me appreciate that balance much more clearly.

The Value Creation theme was particularly close to my interests. Through modules such as Strategic Marketing, Digital Economy and Enterprise, and Innovation Management, we explored how organisations stay competitive in a digital and fast-moving world. One highlight was working on a live project where students look at commercialising emerging technologies. That experience reminded me of the work I had done previously in innovation teams and reinforced how important it is to translate technology into real business value.

Another enriching part of the course is the Explore and Discover element. I took the Managing the Global Firm module, which explores how organisations operate across international markets. Having worked mainly in Asia before coming to the UK, this module helped me better understand global strategy, market entry and how geopolitical dynamics influence business decisions.

The Capstone Challenge ties everything together. Students can choose between projects such as a Business Administration Project, Consultancy Project or Work Based Learning Project. These projects allow you to apply the frameworks and knowledge from the MBA to real organisational problems, which makes the learning feel practical rather than purely theoretical.

Beyond the classroom, one of the most rewarding parts of the experience has been the people. The MBA cohort brings together professionals from more than ten different nationalities, each with very different backgrounds. Group discussions often bring together perspectives from different industries, cultures and career stages. That diversity has made the learning environment far richer than any textbook could provide.

My student life

Life at Loughborough itself has also been enjoyable. The campus is known for its excellent sports facilities, which helps create a very active and balanced student life. At the same time, the university places strong emphasis on student wellbeing, with good mental health support services available. For many students navigating an intensive program and career transitions, that support makes a real difference.

Looking back, the Loughborough MBA has helped me step back from my previous roles and see the bigger picture of how organisations create value, manage performance and lead people. It has strengthened my confidence in tackling complex business challenges and reinforced my interest in working at the intersection of strategy, innovation and technology. Most importantly, it has been a journey of growth, both professionally and personally. 

Postgrad Student AmbassadorAuthor’s bio: Vikaraman Rajaratanam is an MBA student at Loughborough University with experience in supply chain innovation and technology strategy. A Mechanical Engineering graduate from University of Leicester and masters graduate from Cranfield University, he is passionate about innovation, leadership and community service, and has actively contributed to grassroots initiatives in Singapore.

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