The Bath Leadership Pathway Turned Full Circle Career Moment

When Crystal Clement decided to pursue a new career path, she looked to the University of Bath School of Management. The alumna from India specialized in the leadership pathway during an enriching MBA program. 

For her first marketing project, she elected to focus on the food delivery platform, Just Eat. She shares how her experience at Bath gave her the skills and mindset to arrive at a full-circle career moment, when later the same year she landed a role as a specialist at Just Eat. Her MBA became the catalyst for Crystal to become a more collaborative, decisive leader.

Embracing Large-Scale Challenges

A key aspect of the MBA program was to immerse students in real-world business situations. These included tight deadlines and shifting priorities. 

As Crystal explains, “For me, it wasn’t just about solving one problem. It was about looking at the broader business context. And finding solutions that would work long-term.” (0:35)

This experiential approach helped hone a strategic focus. “Working on these challenges made me more comfortable making decisions with limited information… [while] still aligning with the overall strategy,” says Crystal. (0:47) The Bath MBA instilled confidence to think at a high-level and make decisions for the long run.

The Integration of Theory In Real-World Scenarios

For Crystal, a standout moment of the MBA leadership pathway was her integration project for a well-known global company. 

“We were looking at large-scale organizational change,” she explains. “I realized that I could directly apply the change management models and frameworks that I studied in class.” (1:07) 

She used these models and frameworks to shape her recommendations. “Seeing how they resonated with the senior management team… made me appreciate the value of theory,” she says. (1:24)

For Crystal, it was a light-bulb moment. She realized that theory is not just academic –  it can also be a practical guide in complex situations. 

Key Projects and Company Insights

Among many influential projects, Crystal highlights the “Change in Action” project. Focused on a client named Consilium, it offered Crystal her first real taste of how a strategy consultancy operates. 

“We had to break down complex problems, analyze the data, and present this in a clear, structured manner… to senior executives,” she explains. “This sharpened my ability to think in a structured and strategic way.” (1:57) 

Company visits were also a core part of the Bath MBA leadership journey. As Crystal recalls, “This [part of the MBA] helped me see how different industries approach growth, innovation, and sustainability.” (2:18) These visits helped broaden Crystal’s overall perspective. 

Preparing for the Complexity of Modern Business

Crystal describes the Bath MBA leadership program as the perfect rehearsal for the pace and demands of her current role as an inside sales specialist at Dutch food delivery platform, Just Eat. 

“These are the same skills I use every day at Just Eat… [whether] managing projects, communicating with partners or colleagues. [Ultimately], I ensure that we’re delivering value,” says Crystal. (2:52)

These live projects taught Crystal how to adapt quickly, prioritize effectively, and deliver measurable results. Often, when multiple stakeholders are involved. 

Cultivating Strategic Leadership in a Diverse Cohort

For Crystal, one of the biggest challenges was collaborating with a diverse cohort. 

“People brought very different working styles and perspectives to the table,” she explains. “Early on I realized that, as a leader, it’s not always about having the final say. It’s about actively listening… and finding common ground so the team moves forward together.” (3:16)

This experience helped Crystal grasp the essence of leadership. It empowered her to become more empathetic and decisive.

The Power of The Career Accelerator and Mentorship

The Business Career Accelerator (BCA) is a core module of the Bath MBA. 

Crystal says the BCA module was key to her career pivot from hospitality to the tech and food delivery space. As she highlights, “[The Business Career Accelerator] helped me position my existing experience in a way that made sense for a new industry.” (3:58)

The Bath School of Management places particular value on the role of a mentor. “I was very grateful to have a great mentor and a coach,” Crystal enthuses. (4:17) “They challenged me to aim for roles that would stretch me. Even if they felt slightly out of reach.” (4:32)

This guidance gave Crystal clarity on the kind of leader she wanted to be. It also instilled the confidence to pursue opportunities like her specialist role at Just Eat.

The Evolution of a Leader

Crystal’s MBA leadership pathway helped her become a much more collaborative leader. “I now focus on asking the right questions at the right time, enabling myself and my colleagues to bring the best ideas forward,” she says. (4:56)

This eased a shift in style, inspiring Crystal to create alignment rather than dictate solutions. 

As Crystal explains, “I now see challenges as an opportunity to learn. To stay curious. And also to encourage myself to experiment without the fear of failure.” (5:25)

For Crystal, this growth mindset is instrumental to her evolving leadership style.

Essential Advice for a Successful Career Pivot

Crystal offers excellent advice for those seeking to utilize an MBA to transition or pivot their careers.

“See the MBA as your leadership lab,” she recommends. (5:40) “Step up to take ownership, make decisions, and guide your peers… when[ever] any opportunity arises.” (5:54)

It’s crucial to keep a growth mindset. As Crystal highlights, “Do not shy away from feedback… it’s one of the fastest ways to grow.” (6:06)

Her final piece of advice is focused on those all-important connections. 

“Nurture your network,” she says. “Because the people you connect with during the MBA can open doors, challenge your thinking, and support you in your leadership journey.” (6:14)

These professional relationships can help you become the leader you want to be.

The Unexpected Gift of a Lasting Network

When it comes to MBA impact, people generally think of technical skills and real-world experience. Yet, one of the surprising benefits of a Bath MBA is making those invaluable connections along the way.

“I’m so grateful and thankful for the people I’ve met,” she says. (6:37) “I have made some really close friends who are like family to me.” (6:44)

For Crystal and her cohort, the shared learning experience was profound. The MBA leadership journey created bonds that have lasted beyond graduation.

A Profound MBA Leadership Journey

Crystal Clement’s MBA leadership pathway at the University of Bath School of Management prepared her for a modern business environment. It proved to be the launchpad to a successful career pivot while helping her shape her empathetic leadership style. 

Her MBA experience is a testament to the long-lasting power of a well-structured program. Crystal’s story illustrates how an MBA can equip you with the skills and mindset you need to thrive as a leader in any industry.

Explore the University of Bath School of Management programs and connect with our student ambassadors to hear firsthand about their experiences at this prestigious institution.

Want to study at the University of Bath School of Management? Take our eligibility quiz to see if you qualify!