Author: Sarah Jones, University of Liverpool Management School
For Liverpool MBA graduate Mourya Pamarthi, completing his MBA in 2024 was more than just an academic achievement—it was a transformative career milestone. The program not only refined his leadership skills but also secured him a leadership role at a training and consultancy firm within the Liverpool City Region.
With a background in the EdTech sector, Mourya sought an MBA that would strengthen his leadership capabilities, enhance his business strategy expertise, and equip him with the digitalization skills necessary for today’s evolving business landscape. After extensive research, he chose the University of Liverpool Management School (ULMS) due to its strong connections with local businesses, emphasis on experiential learning, and a curriculum that blends theoretical knowledge with hands-on practical experience.
Bridging The Gap Between Theory And Practice
The Liverpool MBA curriculum incorporates a management consultancy module, enabling students to work in teams to help solve strategic issues and take businesses to the next level. Students work closely with the business, spending time at their premises and making recommendations for business improvements.
In Mourya’s case, his consultancy project involved working with a local business aiming to expand its audience and digital presence. He and his fellow MBA students researched industry trends, user engagement strategies, and opportunities for digitalization. One key recommendation was the development of an online community platform—an initiative that Mourya now spearheads in his current role as he explains:
“This opportunity helped me to leapfrog from a consultancy assignment to a more senior leadership position in the real world where I could leverage my expertise in digital strategy, community building, and business development to make a positive impact.”
Enhancing The MBA Experience
Beyond the management consultancy module, the Liverpool MBA offers a host of opportunities for students to develop their leadership acumen, broaden their global outlook, and strengthen their employability. According to Dr Dane Anderton, Director of Studies for the Liverpool MBA:
“The MBA curriculum delivers experiential learning through consultancy and practiced-based applications. MBA students get a firsthand experience in managing a client and employing critical skills such as negotiation, managing stakeholders, and developing global perspectives.
Our MBAs develop the employability, leadership and practiced-based learning to make an impact directly into the business world locally, nationally and internationally.”
Liverpool: A Thriving Hub For Business And Culture
Liverpool is a city that seamlessly blends heritage with innovation. Known globally for its influence on art, music, sport, and culture with more galleries and museums than any other UK city outside of London.
The city is home to a diverse mix of multinational corporations, high-growth start-ups, and thriving SMEs across industries including manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, financial services, digital media, and the creative sector, Liverpool offers MBA students an ideal business ecosystem to gain practical experience and build strong networks.
ULMS is situated at the heart of this dynamic environment, providing students with unparalleled access to local businesses and organizations. This all provides the perfect opportunity for the final MBA project where students collaborate individually with a client. The school’s extensive corporate partnerships in the Liverpool City Region, across the UK and worldwide enable students to engage directly with company leaders, work on real business challenges, and even secure employment with their consultancy clients upon graduation.
Global perspectives and study trips
A highlight of the Liverpool MBA experience is the annual international study trip, which offers students invaluable exposure to global markets and business practices. Previous destinations have included Madrid and Milan, where students have engaged with businesses operating in diverse industries.
The 2025 study trip, for instance, focused on a company looking to enter the sustainable aviation fuel market. Students conducted a detailed market analysis, examined regulatory frameworks, and provided actionable recommendations to facilitate the company’s entry into this emerging sector.
Gaining firsthand insights into the economic, political, and cultural characteristics of international markets enhances students’ adaptability and global business acumen. As summed up by Liverpool MBA student, Pranjal Srivastava:
“From understanding innovation and sustainability to embracing Madrid’s vibrant culture, every moment was a step towards becoming a more empathetic, flexible, and adaptable leader.“
The Future Leaders Series: Learning from the best
To further enrich the MBA experience, ULMS hosts the Future Leaders Series, where students engage with top industry executives and thought leaders from across sectors, including business, football, and sports management. These interactive sessions allow students to gain critical industry insights, learn from accomplished professionals, and expand their professional networks.
At ULMS, students benefit from a dedicated career coach who provides tailored guidance, helping students maximize their MBA experience and position themselves for long-term success.
Tailored career and professional development support
Focus is placed on developing transferable skills, highly valued by employers, from communication and teamwork to leadership and project management:
- Tailored, one-to-one careers guidance, advice and information
- Insightful seminars and workshops
- Opportunities to meet and network with top industry experts and employers
- Access to specialised global talent and job searching platforms, featuring sought-after employers and organizations
- Comprehensive career planning resources from access to aptitude tests to CV advice, applications, interviews and study-to-work transitions
- A tailored career plan
- Help with job applications.
By leveraging these resources, Liverpool MBA graduates’ transition seamlessly from academia to leadership roles across industries worldwide.
Conclusion: A launchpad for career acceleration
The University of Liverpool Management School’s MBA program is designed to be more than just a degree—it is a transformative experience that equips students with the skills, connections, and confidence to excel in leadership roles. Through its focus on experiential learning, consultancy projects, global immersion, and personalized career support, the Liverpool MBA is a powerful catalyst for professional growth.
For Mourya Pamarthi and many other graduates, the program has not only enhanced their leadership potential but has also paved the way for tangible career advancements. Whether seeking to transition into new industries, scale businesses, or launch entrepreneurial ventures, Liverpool MBA graduates are equipped with the strategic mindset and practical expertise to thrive in today’s competitive global marketplace.
