The MBM: opening unexpected doors

Karan Mhaske did the MSc in Business Management and says taking advantage of all that’s offered at the business school opens unexpected doors and prepares you for the world outside.

Before embarking on the MSc in Business Management (MBM), I realised that while I had strong technical foundations and entrepreneurial curiosity, I needed to sharpen my understanding of business strategy, management, and leadership. Pursuing the MBM became the natural next step - a bridge between my technical skills and my entrepreneurial aspirations.

My MBM Experience

So far, my MSc in Business Management (MBM) journey has been nothing short of amazing. Every day I get to learn something new, and I feel the programme has been both challenging and deeply rewarding. I still remember my very first class at the university on Business Operations Management. The aim of the class was to introduce the methods and techniques used in practice, and to set them in an industry context. What stood out to me was the academics's teaching style - she always made learning interactive.

Another highlight was the module Leadership for Change and Innovation. For this class, we had to create short videos after every session, reflecting on what we had learned and showing our understanding in a creative way. Turning our learning into plays and video clips was not only fun but also pushed us to think more deeply about how we applied those lessons.

One of the things I value most about this programme is the people I get to learn with. Many of my classmates bring many years of professional experience some of them even run their own businesses. As someone who joined the MBM at 22, it’s incredible to be in the same room, brainstorming and sharing ideas with people who have so much experience. Sitting beside them, I feel like I get access to years of learning that normally only comes with time. The professors, too, bring a huge amount of real-world knowledge. Some of them have launched their own start-ups, and they teach us not just theory but also lessons from their own experiences. That makes the learning so much more practical and relatable. Another class that really stood out to me was Professional Management Practice. That module taught me so many important lessons about how professionalism really works how to communicate effectively, how to handle difficult conversations with colleagues, how to think critically, and how to ask the right questions. It gave me a real sense of what it means to think and act like a professional. And then there was the Consultancy Practice module, where we had the opportunity to work directly with and learn from a co-founder who joined our class. Getting that kind of exposure to people who are actively building businesses was an amazing experience and gave me valuable insights into consultancy and client work. Looking back, the MBM has been transformational. It’s given me not just academic knowledge, but practical skills, confidence, and the opportunity to learn from an incredible group of classmates and professors. I feel that every lecture, activity, and conversation adds something new to my growth — and that’s what makes this journey so special.

Careers Support

The careers team has excellent connectivity with the alumni network, which is a real advantage. It’s very easy to book an appointment with them, and once you do, they support you as much as they can. They are approachable, friendly, and genuinely invested in helping you succeed. They helped me rewrite my CV, guided me on how to search for jobs abroad as well as in the UK, and gave me the exposure I needed to be confident in the job market. I also benefited from their mock interview practice sessions, which were very useful in preparing me for real interviews. They regularly run events on topics like how to apply effectively, strengthen your CV, and perform well in interviews.

Their mentoring prepares you thoroughly for the professional world. Because of these sessions, I successfully cracked an interview and secured a part-time role with the Sustainability Hub as a Student Reuse Manager. I still remember that interview as one of the best I’ve ever given, and it gave me real confidence in understanding how recruitment works. In my current role, I work with the Reuse Team to help make life at Strathclyde more sustainable. Most student job opportunities are listed on the University website, particularly through Strath Union’s Opportunities section and the Job Shop, which makes it easy to explore what’s available.

Skills Gained

Through the MBM, I gained a wide range of technical skills that will be valuable for my career. In the Finance and Financial Management module, I learned how to work with financial models and spreadsheets, apply the concept of Time Value of Money (TVM), and analyse complex financial data. This gave me a solid foundation to assess financial implications in real-world decision-making.

I also found the Analytical Support for Decision Making (ASDM) class particularly useful. It showed me how to extract valuable insights from data, deal with uncertainty, and apply analytical tools for better management decisions. The course really sharpened my ability to process and interpret both qualitative and quantitative data, especially in situations with multiple or conflicting priorities.

Equally important were the soft skills I developed. The Professional Management Practice class helped me strengthen my leadership, teamwork, communication, and problem-solving abilities. These are not just academic skills, but life skills that I know will continue to support me in any professional environment.

Extra-curricular

The university has around 200 different societies, covering everything from sports to culture to debating, so there’s something for everyone. Since I love travelling and exploring, I joined the Travel and Trekking Society, which gave me the chance to connect with like-minded people, go on adventures, and build friendships beyond the classroom. I also became part of SISA, the Indian Society, which really felt like a home away from home. They do a wonderful job of keeping Indian culture alive on campus through events such as Holi celebrations. For me, being so far from home, this was incredibly comforting, and it also helped create a sense of belonging for many others in the same situation. Alongside societies, I also took part in volunteering with TCV (The Conservation Volunteers). This gave me the chance to contribute to environmental projects, meet new people, and gain practical experience outside of my studies.

Overall, these experiences weren’t just about fun – they gave me a strong network, boosted my confidence, and added real value to my time at university. They taught me the importance of community, teamwork, and cultural exchange, which I know will be just as important in my professional journey.

I also served as the Programme Representative for my course. This role gave me confidence and leadership skills, as I was responsible for handling queries from classmates, raising their concerns, and mentoring peers. It kept me informed, improved my problem-solving skills, and strengthened my ability to guide others. All these experiences – from volunteering, to being a Programme Rep, to working part-time – have given me an extra edge professionally. They’ve built my confidence, leadership, and adaptability, while also showing me the importance of responsibility and community impact.

Recommendations & advice 

I would absolutely encourage others to take this programme. It’s a fabulous course if you want to learn something truly valuable. The experience of learning from such highly experienced professors is inspiring, and the cultural diversity within the classroom adds another layer of richness. The exposure you gain here really prepares you for the world outside. The programme is carefully designed to balance learning, activities, and personal well-being, so you always feel supported.

My advice to future students would be to choose electives that stretch you outside your comfort zone, because that’s where the most growth happens. When it comes to workload, staying organised and consistent really helps - it’s easy to fall behind if you leave assignments to the last minute. I would also recommend making the most of the cultural diversity around you. Talking with classmates, guest speakers, and alumni not only broadens your perspective but often opens unexpected doors.

About Karan Mhaske

Karan Mhaske is pursuing a Master of Business & Management (MBM) at the University of Strathclyde Business School, where he focuses on strategy, finance, and leadership. He also serves as a programme representative and is actively involved in student societies and volunteering. With aspirations for a career in management and leadership, Karan ultimately hopes to launch his own venture dedicated to creating positive social impact.