Ahmed Tuma, IESE MBA Class of 2026
Age: 33
Hometown: Baghdad, Iraq
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of Technology, Baghdad; Electrical Engineering.
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Senior Project Advisor at TotalEnergies for one year.
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I kicked off my career by joining a multinational company with diverse projects that have immensely shaped my communication skills. Then I took the right opportunity to expand my functional expertise and serve the suffering Iraqi electricity sector by joining General Electric. Later, I decided to obtain a postgraduate degree from the UK after identifying a lack of comprehensive technical grasp of Iraq’s power sector. While studying, it became obvious that the sector’s problem transcends the technical aspect. After returning, I shifted my focus to consulting and gradually built up a strategic mentality. The cross-sectoral projects thereafter have broadened my horizon.
Looking back at my career journey, I like to call it a “Spiral Experience” – experience across sectors and functions with steady growth. Concurrently, I realize that the challenges facing Iraq require a deep strategic vision, and to obtain such vision, a unique education, global exposure, and high-caliber experience are necessary. Consequently, it felt essential and due to embark on an MBA journey and have international experience post-MBA to position myself to serve my country in the long run.
Why did you choose IESE? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
What made me choose IESE is the perfect alignment of my aspirations with their Mission to develop leaders who strive for positive impact, Vision of providing lifelong learning to bring profound meaning to business, and Values of integrity, excellence, and service. Furthermore, IESE’s rigorous yet flexible curriculum, which is based completely on the case method, is a full match to the level of “training” and learning necessary for my career goals. Lastly, IESE’s location in one of the most beautiful cities in the world, where one can easily spend a Sunday on the beach, like having a vacation, is a bonus to balance the MBA life.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2026?
Coming from a country of long heritage, I would love to bring a new perspective into the mix of the class. Class and team diversity is one of the main ingredients into our growth, learning, training and experience, I’m looking forward to contribute in this diversity as much as getting benefited from it.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
Since high school, I’ve always imagined myself continuing my postgraduate studies, I never thought it would be in Business Administration, though!
Post-MBA career interests:
Post-MBA, my goal is to grow as a consultant by joining a top-tier consulting firm.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Having a mentor during the application process who has been in your shoes before was extremely helpful. The MBA application process is a rich experience in itself, and having someone whom you can reach for advice is valuable. This mentorship is growing and continuing.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would reach out to more friends and colleagues to get insights about myself. An important part of the MBA application is to reflect past impact and acquired skills and traits; getting extra feedback from those in your circle is never harmful and will only increase one’s self-awareness.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Here at IESE, everyone keeps saying: “Trust the process.” this is because everything was considered carefully in the MBA application and program. The MBA application is a unique experience compared to the traditional college applications, and going through this process has made me more resilient and adaptable. In a way, all parts of the application were meant for a fair selection and to reflect the MBA program at the same time.
What is your initial impression of the IESE students/culture/community?
It’s a family! The spirit of always going the extra mile to help others is so evident, starting from the admission team to the alumni and students. I have found the reality on the ground has even exceeded the initial impression.
What is one thing you have learned about IESE that has surprised you?
Even though it was expected to an extent, the humility of the faculty is outstanding. The faculty are eagerly looking to learn from us as much as we are learning from them. We have been told repeatedly that no one professor can have the collective knowledge of the students in the class.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Prioritizing. There are a lot of valuable activities, both curricular and extracurricular, that the school offers; however, 24 hours a day is not enough to be involved in everything! Hence, prioritization is a difficult task but a crucial one.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Creating solid bonds with my teammates to help each other grow both as a team and as individuals.
