Embarking on an MBA is a big step at any point in your career. But with hard work and dedication, our students frequently springboard into high-calibre roles. Recently, we talked to Himabindu Borra from India who has done just that – she graduated with an MBA in November 2024 and recently joined the Fortune Global 500 company, Accenture.
What did you want to achieve from the MBA when you applied to Kent?
When I decided to pursue an MBA, my goal was to build a strong foundation in business strategy and leadership while gaining the tools to tackle challenges and create meaningful solutions. I was looking for a programme that would push me out of my comfort zone and prepare me to think critically and act decisively in a fast-changing world.
Looking back, the MBA has been more impactful than I ever imagined. It sharpened my ability to approach complex problems strategically and gave me the confidence to make thoughtful decisions. Along the way, I discovered opportunities I hadn’t considered before, like exploring partnerships and diving into AI-driven innovations. My goals have evolved, but the MBA has been the stepping stone that has made them feel within reach.
The experience has been more than just academics — it’s been about growth, discovery, and building the confidence to take on challenges and turn them into opportunities.
Do you still have the same aims and goals? If not, what are they now?
My goals have evolved throughout the MBA journey. Initially, I was focused on building strong business and leadership skills to take on impactful roles. Over time, the programme has broadened my perspective, introducing me to areas like strategic partnerships and technology-driven innovation, which have reshaped my ambitions.
Now, I’m focused on applying these skills in dynamic environments where I can drive meaningful change and create value. My recent offer from Accenture is a perfect next step, aligning with my aspirations to work in a role that combines strategy, innovation, and collaboration on a global scale. The MBA has been pivotal in helping me refine my goals and preparing me to achieve them.
How did the MBA help you personally? And professionally?
The MBA has had a big impact on me, both personally and professionally. Personally, it challenged me to step out of my comfort zone and gave me the confidence to tackle new challenges. It also taught me how to manage my time and priorities better, which has been invaluable in balancing different aspects of my life while staying focused on my goals.
Professionally, the MBA gave me a deeper understanding of how businesses work, from strategy to leadership and decision-making. It helped me think more critically, approach problems with a fresh perspective, and work effectively with people from different backgrounds. These skills have been a game-changer for me, and they played a key role in landing my recent offer from Accenture. I’m excited to take everything I’ve learned and apply it in a role where I can make a real impact.
What were your highlights? And low lights?
The MBA journey was full of memorable moments, but one of the biggest highlights for me was being a finalist in the Kent Business Start-Up Journey competition. It was an incredible experience that pushed me to think creatively, develop a business idea, and pitch it in a competitive setting. This experience also inspired me to focus more on sustainability, shaping my ideas and approach toward creating solutions for a better world.
As for the lowlights, there were moments when balancing the intensity of the programme with other responsibilities felt overwhelming. Adjusting to the fast pace and workload was challenging at times, but those tough moments taught me resilience, time management, and how to prioritise effectively. In the end, these challenges became a crucial part of my personal and professional growth.
What are your general thoughts on the MBA? And would you recommend it to someone else?
The MBA has been an incredible journey that went far beyond just learning about business. It taught me how to think critically, adapt to new challenges, and work with people from all kinds of backgrounds. It pushed me to grow in ways I didn’t expect and gave me the confidence and skills to take on bigger opportunities.
I’d definitely recommend the MBA to anyone who wants to grow their career or gain a broader perspective on business and leadership. It’s a challenging programme, but the knowledge, experiences, and connections you gain make it all worth it. For me, it’s been a life-changing experience that’s helped me better understand my goals and how to achieve them.
AMBA-accredited, Kent Business School’s MBA is underpinned by our high-quality research and informed by the global outlook of our international community. It builds on your current experience to transform you into a responsible business leader. To find out more, join us for one of our upcoming MBA Briefings.