Mayur Gupta, Manchester AMBS MBA Class of 2027
Age: 31
Hometown: London
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of Nottingham, BSc Management
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Founder & CEO of an education social enterprise for 8 years, focused on improving fair access to professional careers for underserved young people through mentoring and work experience programs in partnership with 20+ top companies including LinkedIn, Vodafone and Just Eat Takeaway.
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
After eight years of running my education social enterprise, I felt ready for a new challenge and wanted to apply my entrepreneurial and leadership skills on a broader scale. I saw business school as the ideal next step to explore new career paths, expand my knowledge and gain exposure to different industries and functions.
I was also eager to grow my professional network by joining a diverse, ambitious and collaborative cohort of peers who could inspire and challenge me. Finally, I wanted to immerse myself in a new environment—academically, socially and professionally—through a demanding MBA program, three consulting projects and active participation in student clubs and leadership initiatives.
Why did you choose Manchester AMBS? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I was drawn to AMBS for its “Manchester Method”—a hands-on approach to learning that integrates real-world consulting projects directly into the curriculum. This emphasis on practical experience really resonated with me.
AMBS’s reputation as a top five UK business school and the second-oldest MBA program in the country gave me confidence in its academic excellence and alumni network. I was also keen for a change from London and excited to live in Manchester—a dynamic, friendly and culturally rich city with an amazing social scene.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2027?
I’m currently leading two initiatives to enhance the student experience at AMBS:
- The AMBS Buddy Scheme, connecting first-year and second-year MBA students through mentoring and social events.
- The AMBS AI Accelerator, a series of workshops and talks with experts to help our cohort build AI skills and future-proof our careers.
These initiatives reflect my passion for community building, peer development and helping others grow personally and professionally.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I’ve climbed Kilimanjaro, Everest Base Camp and Mont Blanc!
Post-MBA Career Interests:
My goal is to work in business development at a leading global technology firm, where I can combine strategic thinking, partnership building and impact-driven leadership.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I’m glad I took the GMAT and application process seriously and dedicated months of preparation. I applied to five top UK business schools and was fortunate to be admitted to most of them. The effort I put in gave me confidence and pride in the final outcome because I knew I’d given it my best shot.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would have been more disciplined and structured with GMAT preparation. I delayed taking the test multiple times. If I could do it again, I’d set clear timelines, seek help earlier and focus on efficiency—understanding that a GMAT score is only one part of a holistic application.
– What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Definitely the GMAT! I found the quantitative and data sections challenging, but hiring a tutor and setting a hard test deadline helped me push through. Speaking with alumni also reminded me that business schools consider the full picture, not just the test score.
What are your first impressions of the Manchester AMBS community?
I’ve really enjoyed my experience so far. The staff are incredibly friendly and genuinely care about student wellbeing. The lecturers are engaging and deeply knowledgeable. I loved diving straight into our Social Impact Consulting Project, which allowed me to apply learning in a real-world context from the outset.
My classmates are diverse, talented and supportive, and I’ve really enjoyed the vibrant social life—from cultural trips to weekend adventures in and around Manchester. The city itself feels welcoming, walkable and full of energy.
What student organizations have you joined or hope to join, and why?
I’ve joined the Student Council as Class President, representing student voices and driving initiatives to enhance the MBA experience. I was motivated by how positive my first weeks at AMBS were and wanted to give back by helping shape an even stronger, more connected community.
What has surprised you most about AMBS?
The incredible diversity of the student body. Coming from London, I thought I was accustomed to diverse environments—but AMBS has surpassed my expectations. It’s inspiring to study and collaborate with people from such a wide range of countries, industries and cultural backgrounds.
What are you most excited about in your first year?
I’m most excited about leading initiatives as Class President—especially launching the AMBS Buddy Scheme and AI Accelerator. I’m also looking forward to working with the Student Council to organise major events throughout the year, including celebrations for Christmas, Chinese New Year and Latino Heritage Month.
