Fiorella Delgado, Manchester AMBS MBA Class of 2027
Age: 30
Hometown: Lima, Perú
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Universidad del Pacífico, Business Administration
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Trade Marketing Specialist, Consumer Products, Mattel Inc, 4 years
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I postponed my MBA for several years to prioritise my family while caring for my 87-year-old father, whose Parkinson’s and dementia have progressively worsened since 2020. Managing his care — coordinating medical teams, treatments, and caregivers — has been extremely demanding but has strengthened my resilience, organisation, and ability to remain calm under pressure.
Professionally, I have developed strong leadership and strategic planning skills through my experience in trade marketing at Mattel, where I managed large-scale projects, budgets, and partnerships across Latin America. This, combined with my adaptability and global perspective, has prepared me for the challenges of an international MBA.
Now, I feel ready to invest in my personal and professional growth. My goal is to build a career in Europe and eventually start my own business, and I am confident that pursuing the MBA will provide the tools, knowledge, and network to achieve it.
Why did you choose Manchester AMBS? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I chose AMBS for its practical, globally oriented MBA and the Manchester Method’s hands-on learning through live consultancy projects and real-world cases. This approach will give me immediately applicable skills to advance my career. The school’s strong focus on entrepreneurship and innovation also aligns with my goal of starting a business in Europe, and resources like the Masood Entrepreneurship Centre offer valuable mentorship and networking opportunities. Additionally, the diverse, collaborative environment will enhance my learning and help me develop the strategic, leadership, and global skills needed to achieve my ambitions.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2027?
As a Peruvian woman working in a global company like Mattel in the Trade Marketing department, I believe I can bring a diverse and enriching perspective to the program. Throughout my career, I have managed complex projects and negotiated with key clients, POP material and display suppliers, and advertising agencies, which has allowed me to develop skills in strategic planning, budget management, and leadership.
In addition, my ability to adapt and resilience, gained from facing significant personal challenges, has taught me to manage stress and stay focused in times of uncertainty. My experience in international markets has provided me with a global outlook within Latin America, and my ability to work in teams has been key to successfully executing important projects. I am a committed person, with a strong work ethic and a constant desire to learn and improve.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
A fun fact about me is that I absolutely love dancing — it’s the one thing that instantly boosts my mood and I can spend hours doing it without even noticing.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I would definitely take the time to reflect deeply on my personal and professional journey before writing my essays. Being honest about my motivations, my long-term goal of building a career in Europe, and the resilience I developed while managing a complex family situation helped me present a genuine and compelling narrative. That self-reflection made the entire application feel much more aligned with who I truly am.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would start preparing earlier. Once I fully committed to it, the process was smooth, but beginning earlier would have reduced unnecessary stress and given me more time to balance preparation with personal responsibilities.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I would have skipped the English test preparation — it was definitely the most stressful part of the whole process. What helped me get through it was staying consistent with my study routine, reminding myself why the MBA mattered to me, and keeping in mind that every hour of preparation was bringing me closer to my goal.
What is your initial impression of the Manchester AMBS students/culture/community?
My first impression is how warm, collaborative, and genuinely supportive the AMBS community is. Students are ambitious but grounded, diverse in backgrounds and perspectives, and always willing to help each other. The culture feels very international and open-minded, which makes it easy to build meaningful connections from day one.
What student organizations have you joined/are you hoping to join and why?
I have joined the Retail Club, which aligns perfectly with my background in trade marketing and ecommerce. I am also part of the Tech Club because I am genuinely interested in the technology industry and how it is transforming business and consumer behaviour.
What is one thing you have learned about Manchester AMBS that has surprised you?
I was surprised by how early and how strongly AMBS emphasizes practical, hands-on learning. The Manchester Method is not just a tagline—projects, teamwork, and real-world problem-solving are embedded everywhere.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I’m most excited about the live consultancy projects and the opportunity to work with organizations that create meaningful social or business impact. I’m also truly looking forward to building new friendships within such an international and diverse cohort—connections that I hope will last a lifetime. Being here, focused on my goals, learning, and shaping my future in Europe, feels incredibly meaningful.
