Natnael Tefera, Manchester AMBS MBA Class of 2027
Age: 29
Hometown: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Mechatronics Engineering
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Supply Chain Planning Lead, PepsiCo, 4 Years
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
The decision to pursue an MBA has been four years in the making, following a clear, intentional career plan. I needed to first gain a deep, hands-on understanding of the corporate world from the complexity of supply chain operations to the execution challenges of major digital projects like the SAP S/4HANA implementation. Having successfully mastered the execution piece, now is the essential moment to transition. The MBA acts as the catalyst to move from an expert operational leader to a senior strategic leader, providing the executive framework and business acumen necessary to influence decisions at the C-suite level and tackle the industry’s most complex challenges.
Why did you choose Manchester AMBS? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
My decision to choose Alliance Manchester Business School was driven by three factors that perfectly align with my goal of becoming a strategic leader: the pioneering learning method, the unparalleled global structure, and the strength of the network.
- The Manchester Method (Learning by Doing): This was the single most prominent factor. AMBS’s commitment to “learning by doing” through major real-life projects like the Social Impact Project (SIP) and the Commercial Consulting Projects is unique. I needed a program that moves beyond theoretical case studies, providing an immersive, hands-on environment to test strategic thinking and execution skills, which directly mirrors the challenges of Enterprise Strategy.
- Global Depth and Diversity: As someone with international experience, the truly global structure of the MBA was essential. The program’s core emphasis on diversity, combined with its global course options and international alumni base, ensures I gain a 360-degree perspective required to solve cross-regional business problems.
- A Culture of Creativity and Support: The vibrant, supportive atmosphere in Manchester itself, alongside the school’s focus on nurturing potential, resonated deeply. The combination of academic rigor and a strong emphasis on well-being (which aligns with my role as VP Wellbeing) creates the ideal ecosystem for professional growth.
I chose AMBS because it is designed to turn operational experts into global strategic leaders through practical, high-impact consulting work, which is a perfect fit for my aspirations.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2027?
My greatest asset is a highly developed ability to execute high-efficiency multitasking, ensuring that a heavy workload never compromises the standard of my output. I utilize dynamic prioritization and rapid cognitive switching to manage numerous complex and interconnected projects simultaneously. This proficiency allows me to serve as a reliable force multiplier, driving swift progress across multiple objectives while consistently delivering meticulous, high-quality results.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I didn’t realize I was a capable cook until I moved to the UK and started living alone. Necessity, it turns out, turned me into an improvisational chef!
Post-MBA career interests:
Corporate Strategy Consultant or Operational Consulting
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
One thing I would absolutely do again is meticulously choose the right recommenders not just those with impressive titles, but those who had direct, recent, and specific insight into my performance. This strategy turns the recommendation into a powerful, third-party narrative that provides concrete evidence for every claim I make, transforming my application from “good” to undeniable.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I honestly would not change anything about the process. I believe the preparation and decisions I made resulted in a highly effective application that precisely captured my value and potential, which is exactly why it secured my position. Every element, from the essay narrative to the recommender choices, proved to be the optimal path to achieving my goal, and I stand confidently by the outcome.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I had such a positive experience throughout the application process that I truly wouldn’t have skipped any part of it. I found the self-reflection and comprehensive challenge to be both enjoyable and highly rewarding. The entire journey was essential to crafting a successful application, and I wouldn’t change the path that led me here.
What is your initial impression of the Manchester AMBS students/culture/community?
My initial impression of the Alliance Manchester Business School (AMBS) community is that it is defined by its profound global diversity and commitment to practical, applied learning. With a highly international cohort, the culture is inherently collaborative and inclusive, valuing “Original Thinking Applied” through its focus on teamwork and mandatory live consultancy projects. Students are immersed in a dynamic, pioneering environment that blends rigorous academics with direct access to Manchester’s booming urban business scene in technology and finance, shaping leaders who are both strategically minded and experienced in real-world applications.
What student organizations have you joined/are you hoping to join and why?
I was eager to engage deeply with the student body, and one of the first organizations I joined and the one where I hope to make the most significant impact is the MBA Student Council where I have been elected as the VP of Wellbeing. My core aim is to actively leverage this position to help my peers find essential balance during this demanding journey. By focusing on providing proactive support and resources, I am committed to ensuring that our cohort sustains high academic and professional performance without sacrificing mental or physical health, thereby fostering a healthier, more resilient community for the Class of 2027.
What is one thing you have learned about Manchester AMBS that has surprised you?
One thing I’ve learned about Alliance Manchester Business School (AMBS) that truly surprised me is the depth of its commitment to experiential learning through the sheer volume of live projects. I was aware of the “Manchester Method,” but I was genuinely surprised to find that the full-time MBA program incorporates three major consultancy projects with real clients including a mandatory Social Impact Project. This volume of practical, client-facing work is far more rigorous than expected and immediately moves us from theoretical discussion to high-stakes application, transforming the learning process into a professional training ground.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
The element I am most excited about in my first year is the immense wisdom and diverse experience contained within our cohort. Beyond the formal curriculum, I can’t wait to engage deeply with my classmates a group representing so many different industries, cultures, and functions. Learning from everyone’s unique professional and life experiences will undoubtedly be the most powerful source of practical knowledge and perspective. This collective intellectual curiosity is what I anticipate will be the true differentiator of the AMBS journey.
