For international MBA aspirants, scholarships can be the bridge that turns academic dreams into achievable goals. We spoke to Lucas Cordoni about his scholarship for the Alliance Manchester Business School full-time MBA program and his experience so far.
Lucas Cordoni, from southern Brazil, started his MBA at Alliance Manchester Business School (Alliance MBS) in September 2023. His career prior to the MBA at a fintech startup was as dynamic as it was challenging. Lucas juggled multiple roles across sales and marketing, gaining valuable experience. However, he recognized the need for a strategic pause to reflect on his career trajectory.
“I realized it was time to maybe reflect a little bit about my career and which path I wanted to follow… The MBA was the right choice because it also helps to boost your career. You spend a lot of time not only learning about business but also planning your career after the MBA,” Lucas shares. (00:40)
Financing an MBA abroad poses a substantial challenge for many business students. Additionally, moving to a country with a stronger currency presents an even greater financial challenge. The steep tuition fees of top-tier programs and additional costs like books and accommodation can strain personal finances. Beyond direct costs and living expenses, there can also be an opportunity cost of leaving a job and missing out on income.
Understandably, moving from Brazil to the UK was an expensive transition for Lucas. Thankfully, he got financial help from an Alliance MBA scholarship.
“The cost of an MBA for a Latin American can be very prohibitive if we want to apply for a prestigious school like Manchester University. If I hadn’t applied for the scholarship, probably I wouldn’t be in the UK at the moment.” (06:53)
Alliance MBS offers a variety of MBA scholarships, including the Manchester Merit, Industry, Inspirational Leaders, and Manchester Young Professionals scholarships. While scholarships are a lifeline for those in need, getting one requires work.
Lucas explains, “You need to complete your application process and inform them that you want to apply for a scholarship. But that doesn’t mean you will be granted a scholarship. You need to have a very strong application. So, you need to stand out. This means having very good test results. You need to really click with the university.” (05:30)
The most important thing when applying is to be thorough and truthful in your scholarship application. The key lies in meeting the criteria and effectively conveying your strengths.
For example, merit-based scholarships reward academic excellence and outstanding achievements, ensuring that top talent is recognized and supported in their educational pursuits.
Whatever type of Alliance MBS scholarship you apply for, paint a vivid picture of your passion and potential. It’s important for applicants to present more than just scholastic successes; they should vividly share their unique experiences, community contributions, and the personal challenges they’ve overcome.
Scholarship committees are on the lookout for well-rounded candidates who can add depth to their campus community. Tailoring your application to reflect your authenticity and your motivations is a must.
Lucas’ initial encounter with Manchester, during a winter visit years earlier, offered only a glimpse of the city’s potential. However, living there as a student unraveled a different, more vibrant Manchester.
His experience in Manchester has been marked by a lively student community, rich cultural events, and numerous travel opportunities around the city.
The transition to MBA life was made smoother by the warm reception and continuous support from Alliance Manchester. From facilitating his scholarship application to aiding in accommodation, the school played a crucial role in easing his move to the UK. (02:14)
Already in his MBA, Lucas has honed crucial skills like teamwork and strategic thinking. A standout aspect of Lucas’ MBA experience was the opportunity to work on consultancy projects. Engaging with real clients on strategic challenges, Lucas and his peers gained practical insights into various industries.
As he highlights, “The MBA will teach you many disciplines and how to look at an organization in a broader view because you learn about economics, finance, and marketing. So that helps you to have a more holistic overview of a company.” (10:03)
While some MBA candidates seek a career shift, others want to focus on deepening their expertise in their current field. Either way, MBA students gain cross-industry insights that enhance their professional acumen.
Lucas has plunged into his MBA adventure with an open mind about where it might lead. “I like the FinTech or financial sectors but may pivot to media and entertainment. So let’s see,” he says with a grin. (10:53)
Underpinned by the invaluable Alliance MBS Scholarship, Lucas’ MBA has opened a world of possibilities.
Did you get inspired by Lucas’ story? Contact our Alliance MBS ambassadors to learn more about their MBA program.
