Leen Abu Farsakh, Manchester AMBS MBA Class of 2028
Age: 26 years
Hometown: Amman, Jordan
Undergraduate Institution and Major: The University of Jordan, BSc in Industrial Engineering
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Assistant Manager, Strategy & Execution Consulting, EY-Parthenon, 4 years
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
After more than four years in Strategy and Execution Consulting, work I genuinely loved, I reached a point where I was ready to grow beyond the foundation I had built and take on a new level of growth. The dream of studying in the UK has been with me since high school, when I couldn’t pursue it because my family and culture preferred that I stay close to home. But that dream stayed with me, and now I finally have the clarity, experience, and courage to make it real. I’m at a stage where my curiosity is growing faster than my comfort zone, and I’m always hungry for new journeys.
Why did you choose Manchester AMBS? What factors figured most prominently into your decision?
I had several exciting offers, but choosing AMBS was a heartfelt decision. The warmth, transparency, and genuine care shown by the AMBS staff felt different from the very start. I was also drawn to how hands-on and experiential the program is, offering 18 months of global immersion filled with practical learning that challenges us in meaningful ways and creates exactly the kind of environment I wanted for my MBA.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2028?
I bring a global perspective shaped by being a Jordanian woman who has lived across three continents and worked in male‑dominated industries on giga‑projects that most people only read about. My lens is rooted in Middle Eastern culture, resilience, and navigating complex environments, adding a different dimension to case discussions.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application.
I’ve travelled to 40 countries and somehow always come home with more stories than souvenirs, and I have a chaotic camera roll full of life to prove it! Give me a long weekend and I’ll probably already be planning my next adventure or looking for a new place to explore.
Post-MBA career interests
While keeping an open mind, I’m especially drawn to brand and strategy roles that help distinctive products grow into globally loved brands without losing their identity. I care deeply about supporting women-led businesses and amplifying stories that deserve to be seen, and I’m excited about roles where I can help those brands grow with confidence and authenticity. Whether through consulting, brand management, or eventually my own venture, I want to help build brands that travel far while staying true to who they are.
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 visit the campuses of the schools you’re considering and meet the people behind the program, it’s the clearest way to understand fit beyond rankings and brochures. Also, be kinder to yourself throughout the process, because the strongest parts of your application would come from the human, unpolished moments rather than from trying to present a perfect profile or chase a flawless GMAT score.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would ease the pressure I put on myself trying to perfect everything at once; the GMAT, IELTS, essays, scholarships, and interviews. Once I realized that this isn’t the answer, I shifted my energy towards understanding my own voice and unique story, and everything else began to fall into place much more naturally.
What is your initial impression of the Manchester AMBS students / culture / community?
Friendly, refreshingly uncompetitive, diverse, and full of experience. Within days I met classmates from 30 different nationalities, all here to collaborate and grow together, which makes me genuinely excited to share this learning journey alongside them.
What student organizations have you joined / are you hoping to join and why?
I’m part of the Forté community, which is very precious to me because I care deeply about making women’s voices heard, especially knowing how hard that can be in the business world. I know firsthand how much it helps to have a strong, welcoming network when you’re building a career across borders, and I hope to contribute by creating spaces where others feel seen and supported. I’m also excited about the consulting and marketing/branding clubs, since they align closely with the areas I want to grow in during the MBA.
What is one thing you have learned about Manchester AMBS that has surprised you?
I’ve been surprised by how much learning happens outside the classroom. From the residential weekend, where everyone travels away together to elevate essential skills, to the consulting projects and club activities, this MBA feels like the perfect balance between learning and real‑world immersion, and that balance is far richer than I expected.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
The live consulting projects. I can’t wait to apply what I’m learning to real business challenges alongside a team that sees the world differently. That mix of challenges, collaboration, and real impact is exactly why I have chosen AMBS.
