For Women's History Month, Rena Ho reflects on balancing motherhood, career and study at Alliance Manchester Business School.
Being a full-time working mum while pursuing an executive MBA is a journey of discipline, courage and self-discovery. It requires intentional time management and the willingness to step outside your comfort zone.
There are temporary trade-offs and moments of exhaustion. There are evenings when assignments compete with family time.
However, along the way, I realised that I am capable of more than I ever imagined.
On the day I left for Manchester for my first workshop, I overheard my child telling his friend, "I can't play today because I'm sending my mum to the airport. She’s going to another country to study." It brought tears to my eyes and in that moment, I realised this journey was not just mine.
My children are watching. They see me studying, travelling for workshops, preparing assignments, and still making time to be present with them.
In that realisation, I felt a quiet strength. I am not just pursuing a master's degree. I am showing my children that dreams have no expiry date and that motherhood does not limit ambition. This journey is not easy, but it is absolutely worth it.
Studying at AMBS has made things possible for me
AMBS has made this journey achievable through its global modular structure and strong support system.
The intensive workshop blocks allow me to plan work and family commitments in advance, while the recorded online lectures provide the flexibility to prepare thoroughly and revisit complex topics at my own pace.
I am also incredibly grateful to have been awarded the maximum 'Women in Leadership' scholarship based on merit. This recognition gave me not only financial support, but also the confidence to keep pushing forward.
More importantly, the cohort and faculty are deeply supportive. Many classmates are balancing demanding careers and families, just like me.
I have heard stories from earlier cohorts about how they stood by one another, especially when someone felt overwhelmed or considered giving up. That spirit of unity truly impressed me.
At AMBS, you are never alone. We grow together and that sense of community makes all the difference.
My advice to any parent who feels guilty, unsure, or afraid to take an EMBA
If it has always been your dream to pursue an MBA, don’t silence that dream.
One of the greatest lessons in this journey is realising that many of the limits we fear are self-imposed. I once questioned whether I could manage it all until I met so many other working parents doing exactly that. You are far more capable than you think.
Yes, there will be guilt and every working mum feels it. You may wonder if you can cope but remember the first day you became a mother? You felt overwhelmed, uncertain, and afraid. Yet you grew into the role. You adapted. You became stronger than you imagined.
This journey is no different.
There will never be a perfect time. Life will always be busy. When you build the right support system, commit with discipline and take that first step, something powerful happens.
If you believe you can do it, you will find a way to make it happen.
