Anwin John Konnayil
"Since graduating from the Surrey MBA, I have upscaled my career from working as a Client Success Officer in London to Commercial Executive in Kuwait. Working for some of the biggest MNCs with the presence in about 40+ countries, the MBA has certainly helped me to leverage my knowledge and expertise to be successful at my role with a global outreach."
Graduation year
2022Why did you choose to pursue an MBA, and why did you choose Surrey?
I chose to pursue an MBA to transition from a specialised role into a broader leadership and management position. I specifically chose the Surrey MBA for several key reasons:
- Practicality: I wanted a programme that was not just about classroom theory but also about real-world application.
- Location and Business Network: The University’s location in Guildford, near London, was a significant advantage. It placed me at the heart of a vibrant business and innovation hub. This proximity to major corporations and start-ups, combined with Surrey Business School’s strong partnerships offered me unparalleled networking opportunities where I was able to connect with industry leaders.
- Scholarships: The MBA programme selects the best of the best through a rigorous selection process, and the Surrey Business School provides various scholarship opportunities for the best talent, and I was awarded a scholarship to pursue the programme.
- Focus on Innovation and Digital Economy: The programme’s strong focus on the digital economy and innovation was perfectly aligned with my career goals.
I had the opportunity to attend a showcase event online which introduced the programme and briefed about the modules. The Surrey MBA stood out for me because of its academic rigor, practical application and the strategic location.
What was the most valuable aspect of the MBA?
The most valuable aspect of the Surrey MBA is the cultivation of a strategic and a holistic business mindset. This new way of thinking, combined with practical experience and a strong network, is truly what differentiates the Surrey MBA graduate and prepares them for the challenges of senior leadership. Before the Surrey MBA, I was a specialist in one sector, but the Surrey MBA transformed my skillsets in a holistic way which accelerated my career growth.
What impact has Surrey’s MBA programme had on your career goals and aspirations?
The Surrey MBA programme had a significant and transformative impact on my career goals and aspirations. Before the MBA, my career goal was to climb the ladder within my specific functional area, aiming for senior management roles within a single industry. I was good at what I did, but my aspirations were limited by my specialised skillset.
The Surrey MBA completely changed this. The diverse curriculum, covering finance, marketing, operations, and leadership, forced me to think holistically.
I realised that true career growth wasn't about being the best in one area, but about understanding how all parts of a business interconnect. This new perspective shifted my aspiration from being a top-tier specialist to becoming a strategist and a leader.
Can you share any personal or professional achievements you’ve reached since graduating from the MBA programme at Surrey?
Since graduating from the Surrey MBA, I have upscaled my career from working as a Client Success Officer in London to Commercial Executive in Kuwait. Working for some of the biggest MNCs with the presence in about 40+ countries, the MBA has certainly helped me to leverage my knowledge and expertise to be successful at my role with a global outreach.
For those still undecided about applying, what would you tell them?
If you are ready to invest in yourself and take control of your career trajectory, the Surrey MBA is a programme that will challenge you, transform you and empower you to achieve your ambitious career goals. I hope you choose the Surrey MBA too, where you will learn to lead, innovate and adapt.
