In this edition of Real Humans: MBA Students, we get a peek at student life at Manchester AMBS through the eyes of some new members of the MBA Classes of 2025 and 2026.
The Alliance Manchester Business School (AMBS) MBA program hosts a diverse and dynamic community, drawing professionals from across the globe, who complete the MBA over the course of 15 or 18 months. 113 students joined the MBA Class of 2026, an increase from the usual class size of 95 to 100. Ninety-seven percent of the new class are international, representing 27 different countries. Forty percent are women. When it came time to take the GMAT, the latest Manchester MBAs landed an average score of 650; while Manchester does accept the GRE, most candidates took the GMAT.
New Manchester students matriculated with an average of seven years of work experience. From seasoned bankers and renewable energy enthusiasts to sustainability advocates and aspiring impact investors, the Classes of 2025 and 2026 exemplify the power of collective ambition and individual resilience. Take, for instance, Jama San Pedro from the Philippines. With over a decade of experience spanning corporate banking, credit risk, and development finance, Jama brings a wealth of expertise to AMBS. His choice to join the program stems from a desire to broaden his global experience and contribute to sectors like impact investing and sustainable finance. Meanwhile, Alice Emily Osborne, a Singaporean marketing professional, was drawn to AMBS’s top global ranking in sustainability and hands-on approach to learning. Having worked extensively across the UK and Asia, she seeks to integrate creativity, entrepreneurship, and cross-cultural perspectives into her MBA journey.
For Cynta Nyaga of Kenya, the MBA marks a return to her roots in Manchester after years of experience in asset management and venture capital. Her cheerful outlook and commitment to financial inclusion reflect her belief in the transformative power of collaboration and innovation. Similarly, Jing (Jasmin) Loh from Malaysia brings a wealth of experience in business development and investment, combined with a love for diving and exploring creative hobbies, as she pursues a career in private equity or investment banking. The AMBS cohort also includes professionals like Kan Techaphichetwanit from Thailand, who combines his engineering background with a passion for renewable energy, and Pierina Sofía Aguilar Gonzales from Peru, who is transitioning from sales account management to strategic roles in multinational organizations. Both highlight the program’s ability to cater to varied industries and aspirations, united by a focus on experiential learning and personal growth.
These students’ stories reveal not only the rigorous academic and professional opportunities that AMBS provides, but also the vibrant community that fosters collaboration, inclusivity, and a shared drive for excellence. With a foundation rooted in the Manchester Method, this MBA experience equips its students to tackle real-world challenges and redefine success across industries and borders. Read on for more.
