Technology is a sought-after career path for MBA graduates. The everchanging industry offers strong starting salaries, career advancement benefits, and a variety of different job opportunities.
Globally, the percentage of MBA candidates interested in tech careers rose from 34 in 2019 to 37% in 2021, according to the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC).
MBA grad Grace Farias used her business school degree to move abroad, open herself up to different industries, and launch an international career, which has since seen her move from Peru to Dublin to work at an innovative tech startup.
The tech industry provides Grace a space to leverage her strategic and analytical skills, strengthening her global career in tech post-MBA. Here’s how she did it:
From South America to an MBA in Europe
Grace (pictured), who is originally from Peru, joined the Full-Time MBA at Warwick Business School, University of Warwick to advance her knowledge and career prospects. She was also keen to gain experience of studying abroad in Europe in an English-speaking country.
Grace worked at LATAM Airlines Group in Peru, and later in Chile, across project management, operations, and business integration. During the decade she worked there, she was exposed to different areas of the tech industry including automation and digital innovation.
"I was working on more strategic projects around LATAM Airlines. We started working on developing the airports by implementing technology in areas such as self-check-in and self-bag drop," Grace says.
Yet, Grace felt she wanted to explore a new career phase and open herself up to new industries.
"This was the main motivation to start looking for options to move and study an MBA abroad,” she says.
Choosing an MBA in Europe that could help leverage her transferable skills
Grace was looking to push herself out of her comfort zone, so she looked for an MBA outside of Latin America.
Upon researching high-quality MBA programs in Europe, Grace found the Warwick MBA—a one-year program offering top credentials and an array of courses.
Warwick consistently appears in the Financial Times MBA Ranking, placing sixth in the UK in the 2023 rankings.
Meanwhile, in the 2022 Better World MBA Rankings, Warwick came second in the world and first in the UK.
During the Warwick MBA, students take eight required modules designed to provide a solid foundation in management, business, and leadership.
Having worked in customer service, Grace was particularly drawn to electives in behavioral science.
"I was very interested in this subject because I’m passionate about working with people," she says.
Along with gaining skills in interpersonal interaction through MBA courses, working alongside people from different career backgrounds and nationalities in the class equipped her with effective communication skills.
"It made me reevaluate how I view others and react to different conversations or topics—the experience was an eye-opener,” she says.
Top tech companies are often attracted to MBA grads as they bring diverse skills in areas such as innovation, strategic management, or data analysis.
According to the GMAC Corporate Recruiters Survey, technology recruiters report a high degree of confident in business school grads.
During Grace's MBA, the pandemic hit, which led to her widening her net regarding job hunting. The boom in tech and the industry's active hiring of MBA graduates led her to join a tech startup in Dublin, Companjon.
Companjon is a tech venture specializing in insurance that's fully digital. Its business model partners with global digital businesses to offer customers flexible and fully automated insurance for bookings and purchases.
"I already had the project management skills from previous roles and wanted to apply them in a different industry.
"It was on my mind because I used to work with tech in strategic projects. So I started looking for roles in tech specifically," Grace says.
An advantage of entering the tech industry is getting involved with various sectors, such as data analytics, FinTech, AI, Robotics, automation, and digital innovation.
"I was open to the industries, and I've had some more inclination for FinTech or payments roles. So when I got the opportunity, I jumped at it," Grace says.
For her role, Grace moved to Dublin and now works as Companjon's Operations Project Manager, where she interacts with clients and different industries.
"I think that's very distinct that I get to work with different industries, like travel and entertainment," Grace says. "You have business partners that are within these different industries. So when designing the customer journeys, you need to consider all of these touch points."
Grace loves interacting with the diverse array of nationalities of her coworkers and has joined a Latin Women in Tech group in Dublin.
For Grace, the Warwick MBA perfectly set up her career and gave her the knowledge, confidence, and network to launch an international tech career.
"The careers team's advice to me was to look for companies where I have the best chances to grow, start working on my network, and contact people even if there aren't roles open because there's the possibility to build relationships over time."
I loved Warwick business school.
The staff is supportive, my academic tutor was key in my development throughout the 3 years and you have to meet with her/him every term. Most professors are helpful and would happily offer support if needed. You also have office hours and can contact professors by email and through the forum.
In general, WBS instills in you the willingness to learn and the resilience needed for you for whatever career you choose.
Very international community which broadens your horizon and makes you more open minded and self aware. You will most certainly make friends and memories for life. I recommend that you get outside of your comfort zone and try new activities with your friends!
WBS also has a great reputation and offers careers opportunities, and careers support throughout the degree.
There is the opportunity to do a year abroad to further develop on a personal level. I wasn’t able to do this due to Covid but I would have loved to do it during normal circumstances! Would definitely recommend this.
Although Warwick is not a city university, the campus vibe has a lot of advantages, especially at an undergraduate level. You are always around familiar faces, and in a student environment. Moreover, Birmingham is only 20 mins away from Leamington spa and London is only one hour away! Perfect for a day trip or a weekend getaway!
Student
Verified
1/12/2022
On Campus
Life at Warwick Business School
Pursuing my master's degree at WBS has been a game-changer in my life. With high-quality education, interaction with students from across the world, amazing campus life and much more. I was able to learn about business, finance, project management and strategy all in one course: MSc in Management at WBS. Besides the top-notch education from the best professors, I also enjoyed being a part of fun societies and participating in fun activities such as scavenger hunts and so much more.
The school also organises many company visits and interactions which help students get a head start at finding a job. As my course came to an end, I also have a good full-time job placement in my hands.
Overall, my experience at WBS was a great one.
Asad
Verified
27/06/2022
Blended
Outstanding
The Warwick Business School was like a dream come to life for me. The University ranking speaks for itself, from top-tier facilities to some of the best professors I had to honour to study with I fell in love with my course. Interactions with people from all over the world gave me a newfound confidence in myself.
Career prospects after graduating are endless due to the contacts of the universities and the success rate for previous students, it does open a lot of doors for students in various career fields. The campus life is quite good as well with a lot of student groups and clubs, and extra circular activities to engage students at all times. Loved my experience.
Wenrui
Verified
19/05/2022
On Campus
A good business school
It is a very cutting-edge, career-oriented business school, all courses are very practical, and the college does a very good job of career service. From the hardware and facilities to the staff, the student experience is at the core of the school and student satisfaction is taken very seriously. I understand that many universities in the UK are relatively traditional and can occasionally be rigid in terms of rules and regulations, and although WBS has a relatively short history, this makes it more innovative and dynamic, which is essential for a business school. The downside is that because it is on the outskirts of Coventry, it is a long bus ride to the city centre, not to mention the difference in experience from a big city like London.
Hrithik
Verified
2/09/2020
On Campus
Campus
The people, campus, staff. It’s a very enjoyable environment and it’s particularly good for learning and playing sports. The people there are extremely friendly and welcoming and it’s very easy to make friends
Student
Verified
3/08/2020
What I Like About Warwick
I’ve personally liked my experience at Warwick so far because of the amazing people I’ve gotten to meet and how many opportunities we students are provided with to learn and grow.
Within Warwick, I’m part of the Business School, a learning haven comprised of well-structured modules and extremely helpful people
All in all, a great place to be :)
Student
Verified
27/07/2020
Campus Life
One thing that stood out for me was the campus life, you felt like part of a community. The social aspects of the student union and on-campus accommodation meant you can easily get together and enjoy with friends. Additionally, I felt the course provided a variety of subjects allowing me to enhance my knowledge, from Marketing to Law and Finance. Overall I would most definitely recommend this university to friends and family.
Student
Verified
6/07/2020
Excellence self catered
The campus is very welcoming and Modern. There are many opportunities at Warwick but it is up to the student how do they want to make the most out of it and the staff at the school will definitely helo as much as possible. The location and the ranking have been amazing.
Bakytzhan
Verified
4/07/2020
Warwick business school
Warwick business school is one of the best universities around the globe with a solid base of economic and business studies. Moreover, students get a chance to study in a diverse and warm environment with professional stuff which tries to provide the best opportunities for career development. One of the memorable features of the university are great events which sometimes take a place in one of the landmarks of the London city, the Shard building.
Student
Verified
12/08/2023
On Campus
BSc Management with Marketing
I loved Warwick business school.
The staff is supportive, my academic tutor was key in my development throughout the 3 years and you have to meet with her/him every term. Most professors are helpful and would happily offer support if needed. You also have office hours and can contact professors by email and through the forum.
In general, WBS instills in you the willingness to learn and the resilience needed for you for whatever career you choose.
Very international community which broadens your horizon and makes you more open minded and self aware. You will most certainly make friends and memories for life. I recommend that you get outside of your comfort zone and try new activities with your friends!
WBS also has a great reputation and offers careers opportunities, and careers support throughout the degree.
There is the opportunity to do a year abroad to further develop on a personal level. I wasn’t able to do this due to Covid but I would have loved to do it during normal circumstances! Would definitely recommend this.
Although Warwick is not a city university, the campus vibe has a lot of advantages, especially at an undergraduate level. You are always around familiar faces, and in a student environment. Moreover, Birmingham is only 20 mins away from Leamington spa and London is only one hour away! Perfect for a day trip or a weekend getaway!
Student
Verified
1/12/2022
On Campus
Life at Warwick Business School
Pursuing my master's degree at WBS has been a game-changer in my life. With high-quality education, interaction with students from across the world, amazing campus life and much more. I was able to learn about business, finance, project management and strategy all in one course: MSc in Management at WBS. Besides the top-notch education from the best professors, I also enjoyed being a part of fun societies and participating in fun activities such as scavenger hunts and so much more.
The school also organises many company visits and interactions which help students get a head start at finding a job. As my course came to an end, I also have a good full-time job placement in my hands.
Overall, my experience at WBS was a great one.
Asad
Verified
27/06/2022
Blended
Outstanding
The Warwick Business School was like a dream come to life for me. The University ranking speaks for itself, from top-tier facilities to some of the best professors I had to honour to study with I fell in love with my course. Interactions with people from all over the world gave me a newfound confidence in myself.
Career prospects after graduating are endless due to the contacts of the universities and the success rate for previous students, it does open a lot of doors for students in various career fields. The campus life is quite good as well with a lot of student groups and clubs, and extra circular activities to engage students at all times. Loved my experience.
Wenrui
Verified
19/05/2022
On Campus
A good business school
It is a very cutting-edge, career-oriented business school, all courses are very practical, and the college does a very good job of career service. From the hardware and facilities to the staff, the student experience is at the core of the school and student satisfaction is taken very seriously. I understand that many universities in the UK are relatively traditional and can occasionally be rigid in terms of rules and regulations, and although WBS has a relatively short history, this makes it more innovative and dynamic, which is essential for a business school. The downside is that because it is on the outskirts of Coventry, it is a long bus ride to the city centre, not to mention the difference in experience from a big city like London.
Hrithik
Verified
2/09/2020
On Campus
Campus
The people, campus, staff. It’s a very enjoyable environment and it’s particularly good for learning and playing sports. The people there are extremely friendly and welcoming and it’s very easy to make friends
Student
Verified
3/08/2020
What I Like About Warwick
I’ve personally liked my experience at Warwick so far because of the amazing people I’ve gotten to meet and how many opportunities we students are provided with to learn and grow.
Within Warwick, I’m part of the Business School, a learning haven comprised of well-structured modules and extremely helpful people
All in all, a great place to be :)
Student
Verified
27/07/2020
Campus Life
One thing that stood out for me was the campus life, you felt like part of a community. The social aspects of the student union and on-campus accommodation meant you can easily get together and enjoy with friends. Additionally, I felt the course provided a variety of subjects allowing me to enhance my knowledge, from Marketing to Law and Finance. Overall I would most definitely recommend this university to friends and family.
Student
Verified
6/07/2020
Excellence self catered
The campus is very welcoming and Modern. There are many opportunities at Warwick but it is up to the student how do they want to make the most out of it and the staff at the school will definitely helo as much as possible. The location and the ranking have been amazing.
Bakytzhan
Verified
4/07/2020
Warwick business school
Warwick business school is one of the best universities around the globe with a solid base of economic and business studies. Moreover, students get a chance to study in a diverse and warm environment with professional stuff which tries to provide the best opportunities for career development. One of the memorable features of the university are great events which sometimes take a place in one of the landmarks of the London city, the Shard building.
