WINNER | Abigael Bamgboye

Prior to starting her MBA at Wharton, Abigael’s professional experience was concentrated in Management Consulting. As an Associate Consultant, she primarily worked with UK energy and utilities clients on topics including technology strategy and transformation, net zero and clean air. Her previous experiences included summer internship analytics roles at Rolls-Royce and the Bank of England.

When did you start thinking about doing an MBA?

I saw a need to learn more about business whilst studying my undergraduate degree, when I realised I didn’t understand the path to commercialisation and scaling of technology – a key requirement for delivering impact from new technologies. After working alongside professionals who had undertaken MBAs, I became more aware of the variety of learnings an MBA provides. As I explored course options, I recognised it would be an excellent way to approach to fortify my business knowledge and capabilities and gain invaluable experiences to build on my career to date.

What do you hope to achieve through your MBA experience?

Through my MBA, I’m hoping to acquire skills and experiences to support me in my future career using business as a tool to create positive social and environmental impact. Wharton provides an incredible environment to learn about a variety of topics relevant this mission, including impact investing, finance for infrastructure and energy assets, and venture scaling. The learning I’ll encounter during the MBA will enhance my ability play a part in delivering a sustainable and equitable future.

Where do you see yourself career-wise in five years’ time?

For me, an MBA provides an excellent way to gain knowledge and exposure in areas that I have not encountered through my degree and career thus far. In the short term, this includes developing further leadership experience, gaining international exposure and upskilling in areas such as economics and public policy, operations, and investment for ESG outcomes. In five years’ time, I see myself using the MBA learnings to drive social and environmental impact through influencing investment strategy in infrastructure, clean energy and technology.

What are your expectations of being part of the SMF network after business school?

I’m thrilled by the prospect of being part of the SMF network; the network encompasses a broad range of individuals with varied career experience. I’m excited to get to know other Fellows personally, to learn from their experiences and to share inputs to support them to deliver results that uplift people and the economy around them.

How do you hope to support SMF after you graduate from business school?

I would like to support SMF to carry out its vision to support UK engineers to become business leaders by mentoring young engineers and helping to deliver the University Enterprise Competitions.

How did you learn about the SMF scholarship?

I first heard about the scholarship when I took part in another Royal Academy of Engineering programme; the Engineering Leader’s Award (Cohort 23). I was reminded about the scholarship when a former colleague applied to obtain funding for their MBA.

What difference has the scholarship made to you?

The impact of the scholarship is threefold; 1) the financial support is immensely helpful with funding the high-cost MBA; 2) it has been a confidence boost to have the assessors (a panel of SMF and Royal Academy of Engineering Fellows) believe in my ability and future potential; 3) it is an exciting gateway to an amazing network of global and diverse talent with various levels of experience – I’m confident I’ll cross paths with people I wouldn’t have met otherwise, and I’m enthused about what I’ll be able to learn and share.

BACK