From Costa Rica to London: my journey to Amazon through an MBA
Ana, a Senior Product Manager at Amazon, pursued an MBA with a clear objective.
She wanted to immerse herself in a diverse international environment, expand her business and strategy insight, and apply her newfound knowledge to industry challenges.
Student profile
Name: Ana Roman Reina
Nationality: Costa Rica
Job title: Senior Product Manager at Amazon (London HQ)
Reflecting on her experience, Ana believes the Full-time MBA not only met but exceeded her expectations. "The MBA was undoubtedly one of the most remarkable and rewarding journeys I allowed myself to enjoy and be part of," she shared.
During her studies, she collaborated with over 100 colleagues from 31 nationalities, worked on mergers and acquisitions in the grocery sector, and completed three strategic consultancy projects.
These experiences equipped her with the skills necessary to transition into her post-MBA role at Amazon.
A bold industry switch
Before her MBA, Ana had built a successful career in the aerospace industry. However, she was eager to explore the fast-paced world of technology. "I explicitly mentioned in my MBA application that my target for a post-MBA role was a best-in-class, disruptive tech company like Amazon," she said.
Her strategy paid off. Ana secured a summer internship at Amazon's London HQ as part of the EMEA MBA Corporate Programme, where her performance led to a full-time offer as a Senior Product Manager.
"One of the key elements of my success was demonstrating how my transferable skills could be maximised in a new industry," she explained. "I remained genuinely curious and open to applying fresh business knowledge in a different working culture."
Achieving the coveted 'triple jump'
A significant portion of Ana's MBA class achieved the 'triple jump' - this is the term for switching industry, function, and location. Ana was one of them: moving from aerospace in Brazil to tech in London.
Ana credits her success to Amazon's EMEA MBA Corporate Programme, which helped her to make a seamless transition.
The three-year corporate programme has offered her job rotations across various locations and business units, helping her gain experience in roles such as Business Development Manager, Finance Manager, and Product Manager.
Being able to successfully combine the technical, practical, and people skills learned during my MBA to achieve the 'triple jump' is one of the main rewards of my journey.
The role of networking and career services
Ana attributes much of her success to the Postgraduate Careers Service (PCS), which played a pivotal role in her internship and job application process.
"They helped me tailor my CV, highlighting my transferable skills, and organised networking sessions with alumni working at Amazon," she explained. Mock interviews further boosted her confidence, preparing her for Amazon’s rigorous hiring process.
Networking was another crucial factor. Attending alumni events and having a mentor from Amazon gave her valuable insights into the company's culture and challenges.
"Building genuine relationships with stakeholders is one of Amazon's leadership principles," she said. "The MBA helped me develop my people management skills, which I now apply daily in my role."
The internship that opened doors
Ana's internship at Amazon focused on sustainability and customer experience in the retail aftermarket services team. Her project aimed to create a strategy that would inform customers about the environmental impact of product returns.
"This was a completely new area for me - sustainability, customer economics behaviour and customer experience. But my MBA's hands-on consultancy projects had prepared me to tackle unfamiliar challenges," she explained.
Supported by mentors and stakeholders, she successfully delivered her project, leading to a full-time job offer. "It was a perfect example of how the MBA equipped me with the skills to thrive in a fast-paced, innovation-driven environment."
Be comfortable being out of your comfort zone. The MBA will open doors to opportunities you hadn’t considered before.
My advice for future MBAs
For those considering an MBA, Ana emphasises the importance of networking and staying open to new opportunities.
"Your MBA cohort is a pool of talented individuals from different backgrounds - connect with them. Attend guest speaker series and alumni networking events.
"Understanding company cultures and business challenges will help you make informed career decisions," she advised.
Finally, she stresses the value of the Postgraduate Careers Service (PCS). "PCS consultants provide industry-specific insights and help refine your application materials.
"Their mock interviews and feedback were instrumental in my journey."
A journey worth taking
Looking back, Ana is grateful for the doors her MBA at Alliance Manchester Business School opened. From aerospace in Brazil to tech in London, her journey exemplifies how an MBA can be a powerful tool for career transformation.
"As a Senior Product Manager at Amazon, I apply the strategy, leadership, and problem-solving skills gained from my MBA every day," she said. "It was truly a life-changing experience."
Chosen electives
During the programme, our MBA students have the opportunity to customise their MBA to suit their personal goals and interests through electives. They also have the opportunity to study across our global centres in Dubai, Hong Kong, Manchester, Shanghai and Singapore.
Students on the Manchester MBA can choose specialist electives tailored to their interests, career goals or to explore new fields of interest. Approximately 20+ electives are offered on the programme at any one-time.
While at Alliance Manchester Business School, Ana undertook the following electives:
Engaging Human Talent
This elective allows students to gain strategic insights into attracting, developing, and engaging talent for organisational growth, integrating human resource practices with broader strategy through real-world examples and debates.
Negotiation Skills
Develop the expertise to master essential negotiation skills through practical techniques and strategies. Learn how to navigate diverse business situations and achieve strategic goals with confidence.
Ask about the Full-time MBA
Our team will give you all the information you need to apply.
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