Navigating the MBA Odyssey: A Marketer's Tale of Growth, Leadership, and Global Impact at Bayes

Gunisha Arora shares her journey as a Full-time MBA student at Bayes, showcasing her motivations, experiences, and providing insights into life as an MBA student in London.

My journey towards pursuing an MBA

Photo of Gunisha standing next to Bayes logo

Working as a Senior Marketing Specialist at Gartner, my responsibilities included conceptualising and executing tailored product marketing and outreach programmes for enterprise customers spanning different markets. However, in my professional trajectory, there were moments where my decisions, though technically sound, lacked the strategic finesse that an MBA can bestow. It is this realisation that fuelled my fervour for an MBA. I believe that the Full-time MBA will help me combine my technical acumen and management skills with expertise and prepare me to fulfil my career aspirations.

Bayes' MBA programme stands apart from the rest due to its unique approach, which seamlessly integrates experiential learning opportunities with a global perspective on business.

To be a part of such a distinguished institution is nothing short of a dream. It's a centre for quality education, fostering valuable professional connections, and advancing careers, all within the vibrant setting of London.

My journey so far

We have completed the first term which was a mix of exponential learning, fun, and hard work.

One of the key highlights for me was the Professional Development Week at The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. I was a bit sceptical about it in the beginning thinking about what I could possibly learn at a military camp and why the Careers and Professional Development team planned it at a point where we had several project deadlines to cater to; only to reach the camp, participate in the activities and learn about the importance of leadership skills, being a team player, strategic thinking and more than anything else, about myself. And all of this, from an entirely unexpected and different perspective.

Gunisha and group of friends

Another highlight was Integration Week. At the end of every block, there’s a group project wherein the class is supposed to leverage all the modules’ knowledge in solving the given task. It is an intense one-week where everyone comes together, staying together as a group, in a single room designated for that entire duration, to give their best and apply all that is learned in that block.

We are currently working on a Strategy Project wherein we work closely with a real-world organisation and help them with strategic solutions. It is these kinds of projects with which Bayes ensures that the students don’t lose touch with the real business world out there and that there’s a platform to apply all that’s being taught in class.

Global Women’s Leadership Programme

I feel honoured and grateful to have been awarded the Full-time MBA Bayes Global Women's Leadership Scholarship 2023 and to be selected as one of the programme’s board members. As an Indian woman in marketing, I recognise the underrepresentation of women of colour in a content-driven, predominantly English-speaking world. GWLP is wholeheartedly committed to enabling future female leaders to realise their full potential. This opportunity is beyond just financial assistance, not only will I be able to cater to my passion to break the discriminatory barriers against women in business but also learn from the best minds. I will be able to support the high-potential divergent women at Bayes to take a step closer towards their aspirations.

President of the Marketing & Strategy Club

I have a genuine passion for marketing and strategy, and I felt that leading the club would allow me to channel that passion into helping brilliant minds at the school realise all that they are capable of. It further helps me to network with industry leaders, alumni and like-minded students from the same field ensuring that my scope of knowledge keeps broadening. I also believe that this role challenges me every day and will help me grow as a better leader.

I and the other co-president have formed a committee including talented minds from different courses and geographies. We hosted our welcome event in early December, and it was a delight to see the interest in this field. Currently, we have our second event scheduled for mid-February where we’ve invited a panel of corporate marketers who will share their journey and experiences and help all of us gain pertinent skills and become better marketers. We plan to host several such events throughout the year to help us all broaden our horizons about different avenues of marketing.

Life in London

Life in London as an MBA student is an exhilarating blend of academic rigour and cultural immersion. The vibrant cityscape serves as an unparalleled backdrop for both studies and personal growth. Outside the lecture classrooms, London's multicultural ambience offers a myriad of experiences. Networking opportunities abound, with access to industry events, guest lectures, and a vast alumni network. Exploring the city reveals its historical landmarks, world-class museums, diverse cuisines, and a dynamic nightlife scene, providing a well-rounded lifestyle.

Managing coursework, internships, and social life effectively requires good time management skills. Nonetheless, the exposure to various global business hubs and the diverse cultures that come with it, make the London MBA experience an enriching journey. This prepares students for not only corporate success but also for a broader, more interconnected world.

Gunisha standing next to the wheel