Suri’s story of confidence, clarity and coming back stronger

I had clear criteria when choosing an MBA. It had to be practical, intensive and grounded in real business. I had been working for nearly 20 years so I knew I wouldn’t thrive in a programme that was purely academic or exam-driven.  

What attracted me to Bath was the Multi-Project Suite. Over twelve months, we worked on real-life business projects, and the learning felt practical rather than purely academic.  

I arrived in Bath in autumn and chose to live outside student accommodation. I wanted to immerse myself in the local environment, not just campus life. Bath is beautiful, but more importantly, it felt safe. This was something that mattered deeply to both me and my family.  

The programme itself was intense. It was a full-time, Monday-to-Friday commitment, with multiple assignments running in parallel and constant collaboration. 

In many ways, the pace mirrored real leadership. You have multiple priorities, different teams, unclear paths and no perfect instructions. You just have to navigate it.  

I won’t pretend it was easy at the start. Coming back to an academic environment after almost 20 years of work was challenging. In the first term, I struggled to understand what was expected of me.  

What helped was reframing. I started treating assignments the same way I would treat a board presentation. I considered what the audience actually needed, rather than what I thought I was supposed to deliver. That shift changed everything.  

Working within a highly international class added another layer of learning. Language and culture can be barriers if you’re not aware of them.  

But the real learning came from practice. I had to learn to unlearn - how I communicate, how messages land, how leadership looks in different contexts.  

Over time, I became more adaptable and self-aware. I learned when to step forward, when to step back and how to create space for others to contribute. That mindset shift has stayed with me.  

When I finished the MBA, I expected a dramatic career pivot. Instead, I gained clarity.  

I had considered consultancy and entrepreneurship, but the programme helped me realise that I genuinely enjoy what I do. Rather than pushing me away from my field, the MBA reinforced where I could add the most value.  

I received a consultancy offer in the UK, but after careful discussion with my family I chose to return to Malaysia, but with a much broader business lens.  

Since then, I’ve been more involved in strategic, long-term initiatives. Alongside my work in supply chain, procurement and business development, I now lead environmental, social and governance (ESG) and sustainability reporting for Malaysia, consolidating data and reporting to our headquarters in Oman.  

The MBA allowed me to contribute meaningfully across the business; not just in operations, but in finance, strategy and people decisions. It helped me see beyond my own function and think more about long-term business decisions.  

If I had to define my return on investment, it wouldn’t be financial – although that’s a bonus. It’s confidence. Perspective. Leadership capability.  

Those are things that will stay with me.  

Four years on, the Bath MBA is still present in my life.  

I remain closely connected with my cohort. We’ve travelled internationally to attend weddings, met up in cities like Shanghai, Bali and Kuala Lumpur, and continued to support one another across careers and borders.  

These aren’t just professional contacts. They’re lifelong connections.  

I see my future in regional supply chain leadership, bringing my experience into new industries while continuing to learn and adapt.  

If I were asked whether I’d do the MBA again, the answer would be yes, without hesitation.  

For me, Bath was more than a year away from home. It wasn’t just studying in Bath. It was immersing myself in the whole environment, gaining strong fundamentals, practical experience and a network that stays with you.