Pierina Sofía Aguilar Gonzales, Manchester AMBS MBA Class of 2026
Age: 29 years
Hometown: Lima, Peru
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Licensed in Business Administration from University of Lima
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Sales Account Management at SC Johnson for 3 years (August 2021 – August 2024); Co-Founder Moira Foods Entrepreneurship for 1 year (November 2020 – August 2021); Associate consultant and Business Development Specialist at IQVIA Solutions for 1.5 years (June 2020 – October 2020); Marketing Intern and Marketing Analyst at Bristol Myers Squibb for 3 years (March 2016 – March 2019)
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
After spending seven years of experience in the pharmaceutical, commercial consulting, and FMCG sectors. Proven ability to adapt across diverse industries, creating value for consumers and stakeholders through innovative solutions and strategic insight. However, to advance to more senior, strategic roles within my organization, I recognize that I need to build a broader skill set, especially in areas like finance, strategy, and leadership.
Now is the ideal time for me to pursue an MBA because I’ve reached a point in my career where advancing will require not just experience but a comprehensive understanding of the bigger picture: how businesses are run, how markets function, and how to lead teams effectively. Business school will provide me with the structured learning, global perspective, and network I need to make this leap.
Why did you choose Alliance Manchester Business School? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
My decision to attend Alliance Manchester Business School was driven by several key factors that align with my professional and personal goals. AMBS’s emphasis on experiential learning through the Manchester Method was a significant draw for me. I thrive in environments where I can immediately apply theory to real-world challenges, and the school’s focus on live projects and client-based work will prepare me for my future role in strategic management.
Moreover, AMBS’s has aspirations to work in a multinational company, the opportunity to connect with and learn from business leaders across the world is invaluable.
Finally, the diverse and inclusive culture at AMBS, with students and faculty from a wide range of backgrounds, is an environment in which I feel I’ll thrive.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2026?
I believe my most valuable contribution to the Class of 2026 will come from a combination of my international business experience and my leadership in navigating complex, cross-cultural teams. Over the past seven years, I’ve worked in the pharmaceutical, commercial consulting, and FMCG industries, where I led projects that spanned multiple topics and involved managing stakeholders from diverse cultural backgrounds. This experience has given me a unique perspective on how to effectively develop in different aspects, and I’m excited to bring these insights into the collaborative environment at AMBS.
I plan to continue this at AMBS by contributing to peer-to-peer learning, fostering a supportive and inclusive class culture. I’m particularly excited about the school’s emphasis on experiential learning, where I hope to apply my problem-solving skills and innovative thinking to real-world challenges alongside my classmates.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
A fun fact about me is that I’ve been learning wakeboarding for the past two years. What started as a casual hobby has turned into a real passion! Wakeboarding has taught me a lot about resilience, discipline, patience, and stepping out of my comfort zone—plus, it’s a great way to meet new people and stay active.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
One thing I would do again is the extensive self-reflection I did before starting my application. Taking the time to clarify my long-term career goals and understand how an MBA would fit into that journey was crucial in shaping my narrative. This reflection helped me communicate my motivations clearly and confidently, both in my essays and interviews. It also allowed me to make a strong case for why this was the right time for me to pursue an MBA and how I could contribute to the AMBS community
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
One thing I would change or do differently is starting the application process earlier. I initially underestimated how much time I would need to balance work, test preparation, and writing thoughtful essays. As deadlines approached, I found myself rushing through some aspects, which added unnecessary stress. If I could do it again, I would have started a few months earlier to give myself more time for reflection, research, and revision.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Although there were certainly challenging moments in the application process, such as preparing for the English Exam and writing essays, I wouldn’t skip any of it if I had the choice. Each stage pushed me to grow in different ways. The test preparation helped me refine my time management and problem-solving skills, while the essays allowed me to reflect deeply on my career trajectory and clarify my long-term goals.
I also leaned on my support network—friends, mentors, and colleagues—who provided valuable feedback and encouragement along the way.
What is your initial impression of the AMBS students/culture/community?
My initial impression of the AMBS community is that it is diverse and inclusive, creating a vibrant atmosphere that fosters collaboration and innovation. I’ve been impressed by the emphasis on teamwork among students, as many have shared how they support one another academically and in extracurricular activities.
In my interactions with current students and faculty, I found them to be open and approachable, eager to share their experiences and insights. Overall, this initial impression aligns closely with my values of collaboration, continuous learning, and a desire to contribute positively to the community.
What is one thing you have learned about AMBS that has surprised you?
One thing that has surprised me about AMBS is the extent of its global partnerships and opportunities for international exposure. Learning about the school’s collaborations with institutions around the world and the various international exchange programs available has opened my eyes to the wealth of opportunities for global engagement.
This global reach is particularly important to me as I aspire to work in international markets, and being able to study alongside diverse peers and engage in projects across different cultures will be invaluable for my growth. Overall, this surprising insight has heightened my enthusiasm for joining the AMBS community and affirmed my belief that it aligns perfectly with my educational and career goals
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
One thing I am most anxious about in my first year is managing the heavy workload and balancing multiple responsibilities. I understand that the MBA program will be rigorous, and I want to excel academically while also engaging in extracurricular activities and networking events.
This concern is particularly prominent for me because I want to make the most of my time at AMBS, but I recognize that it can be overwhelming. To address this, I plan to create a structured schedule that prioritizes my tasks and ensures I maintain a balance between my academic and personal well-being.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
One thing I am most excited about in my first year at AMBS is the networking opportunities available through the program. Building connections with my classmates, alumni, and industry professionals is crucial for my career goals, and I know that AMBS provides a rich environment for cultivating these relationships.
I believe that engaging with a diverse cohort will not only expand my professional network but also enrich my learning experience. Collaborating with peers from various backgrounds will enhance my critical thinking skills and prepare me to lead effectively in a global business environment.
Overall, I am eager to start this journey at AMBS and take full advantage of the opportunities to connect, learn, and grow both personally and professionally.
