Tom Pickering, IESE MBA Class of 2027
Age: 30
Hometown: Scarborough, UK
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of Manchester, Mechanical Engineering
Pre-MBA Work Experience: 5 years in engineering (Rolls Royce + Other), 4 years in Consulting (McKinsey)
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
In January I started my own boutique Ops consultancy, and have since conducted proof of concept with first few clients. I am doing an MBA to grow my business and develop synergistic Ops products.
Why did you choose IESE? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
IESE is the 3rd best MBA in the world and I was particularly attracted to its in-depth use of the case method and the strong start up/entrepreneurial pathway it offers. Also, it is a beautiful university in an exciting city, with an opportunity to learn another language.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2027?
On a technical side, I have breadth across many industries and horizontals (engineering and consulting), whilst also having another depth in each areas. More importantly, on a softer side I think I bring a lot from a cohort cohesiveness perspective. I am a huge people person and love interacting with many different cultures and people. I love bringing teams together and doing what I can to bring the best out of people.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I love running, but I am not too good at it (getting better), in the past 2 years I have got my 5k PB down from 26mins to 19mins and want to keep going!
Post-MBA career interests:
I started my own Operations consultancy in January 2025 so I want to continue working on that. I want to use the IESE network to build a product that has synergies with the Ops diagnostic work I do. An alternative plan is to get into an Operational transformation role in industry. Either way I want to be contributing to the Operations industry, improving the manufacturing sector and using my skills and experience to make an impact, after the MBA.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Do all you can to maximise scholarship opportunities! By 1. Applying early, when more scholarships are on offer and 2. Seeing what other scholarships are available – I am part of the engineers in business fellowship, who provide invaluable support to UK engineers.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would apply to less business schools. I think it is human nature to choose back-up options. It is sensible to choose 1 or 2, but a huge time drain to apply for more than 3 business schools. I would recommend down-selecting 3 schools you want to go to early, it saves time and money!
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I enjoyed most parts of the application process, I think the GMAT was useful to prove to yourself that you had the technical skills to do the MBA and the application essays were needed to put pen to paper on why you want to do an MBA, and give more information about who you are. However, I think I would have chosen to skip the video application questions, as you have no time to prepare so it can leave you feeling like you had more to give. You have to accept that this is normal and part of the process. What helped me get through it was using a structure of intro, pros, cons, conclusion, summary. In this case even if you feel like you have left information out, at least you can show you approach arguments in a structured way.
What is your initial impression of the IESE students/culture/community?
Amazing! From even before you arrive, you are aware of IESEs culture of openness, collectiveness and strive for excellence. The welcome week drives this home on what’s expected from us as students. More than this, the students you meet are inspirational. Everyone is gifted in their own way, with so much to offer the community and enthusiastic about doing so. It is clear when you arrive that you will learn so much just from interacting with the other students.
What student organizations have you joined/are you hoping to join and why?
I have joined the startup and entrepreneurial club to find likeminded people, to learn, develop and build together. I have also joined the social impact club to try and give back to disadvantaged communities in Barcelona and the women in business club, to be an ally and lend my voice in the push for equality and equity.
What is one thing you have learned about IESE that has surprised you?
How difficult and powerful the case method is. Preparing for 3 cases every day requires a lot of work, but also you need to know where to spend the time. What pieces of analysis are key for delivering insights to the case? It has been a steep learning curve so far but I am already seeing how useful this method will be in business situations.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Meeting and connecting with as many people as possible! I love people and understanding what makes them tick, and the huge diversity of thought at IESE means you will never be bored connecting with someone new.
