For Mayur Gupta, starting an MBA after eight years as a business owner was a necessary step.
One semester into the Manchester Full-time MBA, our Class President reflects on his experience so far – from renewed career momentum to gaining clarity on what he wants next.
Tell us about your first term at AMBS. What were the highlights?
I had a really positive start to my first term at AMBS. One of the biggest highlights was meeting such a diverse cohort of people from different countries and professional backgrounds. I made close friends very quickly and it was great getting to know people through drinks events, museum trips, coffees and cohort organised social events across Manchester.
Academically, I've really enjoyed the course. A standout experience was the Social Impact Project, where my team worked with Henshaws, a charity supporting people with disabilities. We consulted on building a standalone short breaks service for individuals with complex needs. It was incredibly rewarding to work with a meaningful client and apply our skills to a real organisation from the very start of the MBA.
Another highlight was our cohort residential trip to the National Water Sports Centre in Nottingham. Activities like whitewater rafting, kayaking and raft building were great fun and really helped us bond as a cohort. It created shared memories that have stayed with us throughout the term.
As a Londoner, how do you find the city of Manchester?
I'm really glad I made the move from London to Manchester for my MBA. Studying and living in a new city has been exciting and refreshing.
Manchester feels like a great balance - it's a successful, vibrant and established city, but also more manageable, friendly and less hectic than London. I love exploring museums, restaurants, bars, Chinatown, Canal Street and playing sports. One thing I really appreciate is how walkable the city is.
Manchester is also very well connected. I'm able to travel back to London easily to see my partner and stay connected to my life there which means I get the best of both worlds. Many of my classmates have also taken advantage of this connectivity, with trips to places like the Peak District, Lake District, Blackpool and Chester.
What was the moment that made you think 'I'm glad I did this'?
The moment I realised I'd made the right decision was when I felt my energy return. Before the MBA, I had been running a business in London for eight years and over the last couple of those years I felt stagnant and frustrated that I wasn't learning or developing.
Just a few weeks into the MBA, I noticed I felt more energised, curious and motivated than I had in a long time. That came from meeting new people, engaging lectures, exciting career opportunities and being in a completely new environment.
Through alumni talks and career sessions, it's also become clear that these 18 months provide valuable headspace and time to reflect on your career so far and make more intentional decisions about what you want to do next. For me, that reflection has helped clarify how I want to combine my passion for social impact and leadership with ambitions in business development within tech.
Most importantly, the people. I've formed friendships with an incredibly diverse group of classmates from all over the world - something I wouldn't have experienced without doing this MBA.
Before starting, what were your biggest concerns and how has the first term addressed them?
One of my biggest concerns was leaving my life in London, including my partner, friends, family and the comfort of a familiar routine. While the transition wasn't easy, the first term has shown me that change can be incredibly positive. I'm able to see my partner regularly and the distance has actually strengthened our relationship. We now get to enjoy two amazing cities rather than one.
Another concern was returning to student life after so many years - long lectures, quantitative subjects and being away from day to day 'real-world' work. This has been addressed through engaging teaching, strong group support and the Manchester Method, which emphasises practical, hands-on learning. The programme feels much more like doing a job alongside studying, which I really enjoy.
Finally, I questioned how impactful the MBA would be for my career. That concern has been quickly answered through excellent career coaching, real-world consulting projects, leadership opportunities (like becoming Class President), and the fact that I've already received two MBA internship offers after just one term.
How did you find your classmates? Can you share a conversation that influenced you?
My classmates are one of the highlights of the MBA. The cohort is incredibly diverse geographically and professionally and most people are open, friendly and genuinely curious about one another. Learning about different cultures, industries and life experiences has been enriching both personally and professionally.
One conversation that really stayed with me was with a classmate from the US. Many people see the US as the ultimate destination for opportunity, but hearing her perspective on issues such as safety, cost of living and social challenges gave me a more nuanced view. She spoke about how safe and welcome she feels in Manchester and the UK, which gave me a renewed appreciation for what we sometimes take for granted here.
Has the first term confirmed that the financial and time investment was the right decision?
Yes, absolutely. The quality of teaching is excellent. The projects are genuinely developmental and the network I'm building is incredibly valuable. I've connected with alumni, recruiters and senior professionals through AMBS-organised events and I already feel my career prospects have been strengthened.
From a timing perspective, I see the MBA as a long-term investment. I was going to be 18 months older regardless - choosing to spend that time investing in my education, network and personal growth feels like a decision that will pay dividends for decades, not just immediately after graduation.
In what ways do you already feel more 'future-proofed' after one semester?
The MBA has helped me understand how AI is reshaping different industries and how to upskill proactively rather than reactively. Through lectures, talks and workshops, I'm learning how to position myself for an AI-driven job market.
One insight that really resonated with me was that you won't lose your job to AI, you'll lose it to someone who knows how to use AI better than you. That mindset has stuck with me and has shaped how I approach learning and career planning.
How has the first term shaped what you want to get out of the MBA overall?
Being elected Class President has shaped my priorities significantly. I want to create meaningful peer mentoring opportunities, expand AI skills workshops and strengthen collaboration across business schools. My goal is to leave a positive, lasting legacy for my cohort and the wider school.
Academically and professionally, I'm now focused on combining my interest in business development within tech with leadership and social impact. I'm particularly excited about electives, leadership modules and international opportunities that will help me grow into a more global business leader.
What should applicants know about the Manchester MBA that they might not realise?
One of the biggest strengths of the Manchester MBA is the level of individual support. With a smaller cohort size, it's easy to access one to one time with career coaches, lecturers and senior staff. You're not just a number. You have real visibility and opportunities to lead.
The Manchester Method is another differentiator. From week one, you're working in teams, presenting and engaging with real clients, which makes the experience highly practical and engaging.
Finally, the culture of care stands out. There's a genuine focus on wellbeing, kindness and student support. Knowing that support is always available makes a huge difference, especially during more intense periods of the programme.
What are you most looking forward to in 2026?
I'm most excited about how much I'll grow over the next year - academically, professionally and personally. From new projects and leadership responsibilities to friendships, travel and international experiences, it's the combination of everything that excites me most.
If the first term is anything to go by, the year ahead will be transformative.
Find out how the Manchester MBA can transform your career >>
