Zahid Latif Waince, Alliance Manchester MBA Class of 2025
Zahid Latif Waince, Alliance Manchester MBA Class of 2025Age: 36
Hometown: Lahore, Pakistan
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Lahore School of Economics – BBA Honors (Double Majors in Finance and Marketing)
Pre-MBA Work Experience (role, company, years): HR Director – Jugnu Tech – 9 months; Head Of HR – Jugnu Tech – 1.25 years (15 months); Sr. Manager Training, Talent & HRBP Commercial – METRO Pakistan 4 years; Manager Training and Talent – METRO Pakistan 1.5 years; Organizational Development Specialist – METRO Pakistan 1.5 years; People Excellence Executive – METRO Pakistan – 2 years
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
The decision to pursue business school is strategically motivated by the rapidly changing global business dynamics. The evolving role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the enhanced focus on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) factors are continuously transforming the business landscape. Given these transformative trends, reskilling and upskilling myself is the only way forward, if I want to maintain my professional effectiveness and relevance.
Additionally, the timing of this decision is also driven by the fact that I just turned 36 in November 2023, and I am a father of a three-year-old daughter who will commence her school next year, so it was kind of a “now or never” situation for me. I set this goal for myself to complete my business school before my daughter begins her school journey 🙂
Why did you choose Alliance Manchester? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
The selection of Alliance Manchester Business School (AMBS) was the result of a comprehensive evaluation focusing on various critical factors that align with my professional and academic aspirations.
Firstly, the strong emphasis on the employability of MBA graduates distinguished AMBS from other options. The track record of successful career transitions for its alumni and the school’s extensive industry connections played a pivotal role in my decision-making process.
The size of the cohort also emerged as a significant consideration. AMBS’s commitment to maintaining a conducive student-to-faculty ratio fosters an intimate and interactive learning environment. This, coupled with the opportunity for personalized attention and robust peer-to-peer interactions, creates a rich academic experience.
The duration of the program was another key factor. AMBS offers flexibility in program length that strikes a balance between depth of learning and time efficiency, aligning well with my professional goals and personal commitments.
Moreover, the specialized focus on consulting was a standout feature. This unique concentration aligns with my career interests, providing a tailored curriculum that directly addresses my aspirations within the consulting domain.
In short, it is the combination of these factors – a proven track record of employability, an optimal cohort size, flexible program duration, and a specialized focus on consulting – that distinguishes AMBS as the ideal institution for my MBA journey. The school’s ability to offer this distinctive combination strengthened my conviction in choosing Alliance Manchester Business School for my advanced studies.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2025?
My most significant and distinctive contribution to the Class of 2025 originates from my extensive 11-year work experience. I have worked in a well-structured large multinational organization as well as in a tech startup based out of Pakistan. This wealth of professional background enables me to connect with and comprehend a variety of business situations. During class discussions, I leverage this experience to provide valuable insights, offering a practical perspective on the topics at hand. I pride myself on posing pertinent questions that contribute to a deeper understanding of the topic under discussion. By fostering clarity and encouraging a robust exchange of ideas, I aim to enhance the overall learning experience for my peers, thereby making a meaningful and differentiating contribution to the Class of 2025.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
A delightful aspect that didn’t find its way into my application is my passion for traveling and discovering new destinations. Having had the pleasure of exploring 19 countries thus far, I have set a personal goal to reach the milestone of 100 countries before reaching the age of 50. This pursuit not only reflects my adventurous spirit but also fuels my curiosity to immerse myself in diverse cultures and experiences across the globe.
Post-MBA career interests:
In the post-MBA phase, my career interests are twofold:
1. Global Impact in Tech: I aspire to contribute to the People and Culture strategy of a globally influential tech business, aligning with the visionary ethos of companies such as Amazon, Google, or Meta.
2. Strategic Consulting Focus: Another avenue I am eager to explore is joining a prominent consulting firm. Here, my aim is to engage in transformative projects centered around people, culture, and organizational strategies, leveraging my skills and insights gained during my MBA journey.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
If I were to reflect on one aspect of the application process that I would definitely repeat, it would be the commitment to absolute authenticity. Maintaining genuine and sincere interactions with the admission team, both in written communication and verbally, proved to be a cornerstone of my approach.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
If I were to revisit and make a single adjustment to my application journey, it would undoubtedly be to submit it well in advance of the closing deadline. As one of the last few applicants, the compressed timeline left me with insufficient planning for my relocation to Manchester. This led to some unwanted stress concerning visa timelines and the imperative need to arrive in Manchester before the start of the term.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
One part I would have skipped, if given the chance, is the process of securing housing/accommodation in Manchester. This proved to be particularly challenging when relocating with my family. However, I navigated through it by leveraging local connections, networking with fellow students, and taking the initiative to reach out to real estate agents.
What is your initial impression of the Manchester AMBS students/culture/community?
My initial impression of the Alliance Manchester community is characterized by a very warm culture. The environment is notably inclusive, and there is a special emphasis on enhancing the overall student experience.
What is one thing you have learned about Alliance Manchester that has surprised you?
One aspect of AMBS that pleasantly surprised me was the outdoor team building partnership with Brathay. This initiative provides an amazing opportunity to connect with fellow students, fostering early connections and helping everyone get comfortable in the MBA journey right from the beginning.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Securing an Internship ASAP!!!
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
The most significant aspect for me is not a single thing but rather the overall experience and the journey of self-discovery. Taking a break from an 11-year career to engage myself in learning new things within an academic environment brings unique excitement. I am eagerly anticipating meeting a better version of myself at the end of the first year.
