Tell us a little about your career background
I recently stepped into the role of Strategic Projects Manager in the CEO's office at Aion, a company committed to making AI resources affordable and accessible for all. This opportunity, secured after graduating from Saïd Business School's Oxford MBA program, was no fluke—it stemmed from a clear vision, transformative experiences, and the steadfast support of inspiring peers and mentors who challenged and elevated my thinking throughout my academic journey.
Before my MBA, I worked in Digital Product Management at enterprises and unicorns, focusing on innovation in security and cloud services. However, my passion for inclusive technology began early and runs deep in my personal history. Growing up around my family's NGO for the visually and hearing impaired, I saw both the transformative power of accessible tools and the harsh reality of digital divides that leave vulnerable communities behind. This insight inspired me to bridge that gap, eventually guiding me to the Oxford MBA—a journey that broadened my perspective and gave me the knowledge, network, and confidence to take meaningful steps toward my goal.
Why was an Oxford MBA important to help you understand a global view of business where markets, trade and work are transforming at a rapid rate?
My journey at Oxford revolved around three key pillars: my classroom experiences, my involvement in the Product Club, and the precise preparation that helped me secure the right career opportunity.
Building on my engineering and product management background, I pursued the Oxford MBA to master business fundamentals that would complement my technical expertise. Courses like Accounting, Impact Investment, and the Global Opportunities & Threats Oxford (GOTO) project gave me insights into new industries and innovative approaches to longstanding challenges.
My incredible team in the Entrepreneurship Project sharpened my ability to integrate strategic thinking with technical expertise. More importantly, they helped me see the bigger picture—not just how to execute technology but how to create an environment where innovation thrives.
Spotting a need among my peers for practical product management exposure, I co-founded the Product Club at Oxford Saïd with two classmates—an initiative that quickly grew to over 45 active members, becoming one of the highlights of my Oxford experience and opening doors to events with the founders of Notion and Nextsprints.com. These experiences offered valuable insights and opportunities to build meaningful connections.
How have the resources and opportunities of an Oxford Saïd education and career development assisted you?
During Notion’s fireside chat, we discussed product innovation and investment strategies with Ivan Zhao. Joined by the OxAI Society and the Entrepreneurship Club, we explored his journey from conceptualizing to scaling Notion. The conversation also covered how the startup landscape has evolved over the past decade, including key shifts in funding, product development, and go-to-market strategies. We gained valuable insights on best practices for navigating today's tech entrepreneurship space.
In a session with Vinay Jain, founder of NextSprints—an edtech startup specializing in product management careers—we gained valuable insights into securing impactful product roles and advancing to senior positions. The discussion covered essential strategies for excelling in product interviews, structuring case solutions effectively, and striking the right balance between creativity and analytical thinking. We also explored the unique challenges small startups face when scaling products and the best practices for overcoming these hurdles.
By my second term, these experiences helped me define a structured career strategy. Despite facing initial rejections for some roles, I stayed proactive, using Notion to organize networking contacts and applications while practicing case interviews through NextSprints. I also leveraged LinkedIn and networking events to gather feedback, identify opportunities where my skills could add value, and refine my approach to securing impactful roles with a broad scope to drive digital innovation. This preparation led to a Product Manager internship at Cloudflare in London, where I drove a Threat Intelligence project, increasing user engagement by 22% and streamlined my path to joining Aion.
Now you have taken your next career step, what recommendation would you give to incoming students embarking on their MBA journey?
Looking back, the Oxford MBA was far more than academics—it was the essential bridge from ambition to achievement that I needed at that point in my career. For prospective and current MBA students, my advice is simple but profound: time is your most precious resource. Seize every opportunity that allows you to meaningfully learn and listen—whether through courses, extracurriculars, or networking. But also make time for introspection, ensuring that your actions align with what truly resonates with you. The Oxford MBA provides the foundation; your initiative and passion determine how far you'll go.
I'm deeply grateful for this transformative journey and eager to see future cohorts lead with the same dedication to making technology truly work for everyone, regardless of their circumstances or abilities.
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