Choosing courage
When I stepped back onto the University of Manchester (UoM) campus that crisp September day, I was immediately enveloped by a feeling that can only be described as coming home. It had been eight years since I graduated with my BA in French and Linguistics from UoM. Yet, there I was, surrounded by the friendly faces of student ambassadors (which I was in the past, and am again now) in bright purple hoodies and the happy-go-lucky squirrels frolicking in the colourful autumn leaves in front of the main library. I knew, without a doubt, I’d made the right decision.
The next step
For the better part of a decade, my life had been firmly rooted in the world of social media and digital marketing. I’d had an incredible journey, leading campaigns across Europe, the UK, and Africa for global brands like Nestlé, Sony Music, The British Council, and The King’s Trust. It was a career of blending creativity and data, of shaping cross-cultural narratives and driving real impact. But beneath the success, a new feeling had begun to creep in: a professional stagnation – ennui, malaise, and a nagging dearth of intellectual pursuit.
I found myself pondering a simple, but profound question: What's next?
I noticed regular rumblings about the growing influence of AI and technology set to transform the world of work. I was curious and didn't want to be left behind; just as I’d been on the frontier of social media marketing as it was taking off, I wanted to be an active part of this shift. My initial research into further education felt lacklustre, with none of the courses I looked at truly resonating. Then, one evening, I stumbled across an article in The Guardian that mentioned Alliance Manchester Business School’s (AMBS) brand new MSc Digital Transformation course. It was perfect. It was precisely what I needed to meet my growing curiosity about the intersection of technology and business, and a clear path for the career pivot I craved.
Original Thinking Applied
The selling factors for AMBS’ course were abundant and crystal clear. It wasn't just about getting a Master’s; it was about the design of the programme. The curriculum spoke to me on a fundamental level. I was excited by the opportunity to learn about robust business theories and frameworks alongside core and emerging technology developments. The year-long consultancy project closed the deal for me; a chance to practically apply everything in a real-world setting. This, to me, was "Original Thinking Applied" embodied.
Choosing to return to my alma mater, the University of Manchester, felt like a full-circle moment. But the choice for AMBS over other schools came down to the course's forward-thinking structure, the school’s great reputation, and my own previous experience of a quality and engaging teaching and learning experience. I knew I’d be well-equipped with the tools to help organisations operate more efficiently and responsibly in this new era.
Taking the leap back into education
With my motivations abundant, the application process was surprisingly smooth and fast. On that March evening, I kicked off my application via the portal, pouring my heart out into the personal statement. After ten years of experience, my drive and clarity were undeniable. I clicked the familiar 'submit' button that same evening.
I was braced for the "waiting game." Instead, by noon the next morning, I received an email congratulating me on receiving an offer. I was elated! My leap of faith had paid off immediately. I was going to be an AMBS postgraduate student.
As a mature student who has lived and worked across Europe, the UK, and Africa, I’m no stranger to moving. So, aside from a little nervous anxiety and the logistics of finding accommodation and travelling, moving back was okay–exciting, even. The entire UoM/AMBS environment is incredibly welcoming. That first week was all about reorienting myself, but the friendly atmosphere, from the student services to the city itself, made me feel immediately at ease.
Learning and collaboration
My coursemates (and lecturers) are from all around the world, and I was keen to meet them in the induction sessions and the first lectures. Being part of the very first cohort of this new programme meant we were all charting a new path together, and that shared experience forged immediate bonds. I was eager to learn, share insights, and build meaningful relationships, and the environment at AMBS made it easy to chat to anyone.
Everyone, lecturers and peers alike, is enthusiastic, curious, and genuinely collaborative. I was worried about the amount of group work required, but it facilitated getting to know people better, and each person bringing their unique skills and strengths helped ease the assignment workloads.
The first semester of the MSc has been a wonderful stretch beyond my comfort zone, expanding my scope and forcing me to think strategically about tech, consultancy, and organisational change. The highlight, by far, was taking initiative in my group to build a tech solution prototype for our consultancy client, Datel, using AI.
Shoutout to the AMBS Careers Service for hosting the Google AI Studio workshop that gave me the skills and idea for this! It was an incredible moment to translate all the theory we'd been learning into something tangible, commercial, and customer led. It was in that project that I realised I could apply my skills in a new, powerful way.
As I look ahead to completing my MSc in 2026, I’m hopeful about the direction I’m moving towards. Here's to choosing courage, even when the future is uncertain.
