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South American MBA Student Looks To Big Data For Tech Executive's Career

Lancaster MBA Marlon Velloza hopes to use digital tools like big data analytics to move into a global technology company's C-suite.

Thu Apr 30 2015

BusinessBecause
Marlon Velloza is excited by the prospect of new digital technologies deployed in the workplace. Big data, analytics and real-time communication across continents among other themes are changing how businesses operate.

The MBA student hopes to work for a global technology company upon graduation. He enrolled at Lancaster University Management School last year, after a stint as an IT consultant for the Inter-American Development Bank, which supports Latin American and Caribbean nations, in Guyana, a sovereign state on the coast of South America.

While at the bank, he also worked for the technology services provider that he co-founded, as its project lead specialist. Prior to that, he worked in IT for the United Nations Population Fund, an international development agency, one of various tech stints.

He hopes the UK-based MBA program at LUMS will eventually land him a C-suite IT job at a global company, such as chief technology officer or chief information officer.

Why did you decide to begin an MBA degree? 

My ultimate career goal along my current career path is to be a C-level IT leader for a multinational firm. Based on previous experience, I found that such a role would require more than just technical skills – which I have, given my bachelor’s in computer science – but also an understanding of the strategic issues surrounding business.

So, I decided to pursue an MBA at Lancaster as I saw the degree equipping me with the knowledge, tools and skills required to propel my career. 

What made your business school stand out from the rest? 

During the applications period, I chose the Lancaster MBA for a number of reasons:

1.        The practical nature of the program: the LUMS MBA offers the perfect blend of academic content and practical applications of theoretical concepts, through its various real-world challenges. One such test is the consultancy challenge, which provides students with the opportunity to solve real time problems for mid-sized companies in the UK.

2.        Rigor: the MBA is an intensive one-year program that not only shapes your outlook on business, but helps you to be critically aware of yourself – something which stood out from other universities.

3.        Location: [Lancaster is] conducive to studying, while at a pivotal point offering access to larger cities.

4.        People: my interaction with the LUMS admissions personnel and director made me feel welcome from the first email and telephone call. I felt as if the university cared about its students and worked hard for their success – which I experienced when I got here. 

How would you describe the culture at your business school? 

The Lancaster University Management School is friendly, engaging, sometimes competitive and disciplined. The culture is a good balance of hard work and play.

Which aspect of the MBA has been the most valuable? 

Thus far 3 things have stood out for me:

1.        The Mindful Manager module, which requires us to be critically self-aware of our deliberative, collaborative conduct – a skill necessary for all managers.

2.        The Career Advancement program: a very detailed, rigorous and ongoing career development program, which has provided me with the confidence and knowledge required to stand out from my competition in the job market.

3.        Practical wisdom: I have been able to learn through engagement with various aspects of the program, from time management to multicultural, cross-functional teamwork and decision making, to making powerful business presentations. These are skills which will remain with me for the rest of my illustrious career.

What advice would you give to people who are about to apply to business school? 

Before applying, don’t just look at a brand name or the rankings. Get a sense of the school culture and the staff. If possible, speak to current students and alumni to gain greater insight into the school’s philosophy. I have friends who have regretted not choosing one school over another for silly reasons.

Ensure that you have clear career and personal objectives. These help at the times when studies get crazy.

Prepare yourself mentally and physically. The schedules can be challenging and you will need a system to stay on top of things, such as exercise. I also found it helpful taking Moocs prior to arrival, to orient myself with courses which I may not have been exposed to before. It helps not to be completely clueless.

What excites you about the advent of technology in business? 

Where to begin! I think the most exciting thing about technology in business is the ability for companies to use very powerful tools that can aid in their decision making process and ultimately give them a competitive advantage, such as big data analytics. In addition, real-time communication and collaboration across various time-zones [is exciting].

What are your future career plans?

Immediately after the MBA, I intend on working for a global tech company which will see me en route to my ultimate career goal. In addition, I’m interested in a number of entrepreneurial ventures.

Student Reviews

Lancaster University Management School

Jesse

Verified

28/09/2018

An exceptional educational establishment in the North West of England.

This university has been a fantastic life experience as well as a great academic one. I first decided to go to Lancaster University Management School due to its exceptional business education facilities and have not been disappointed. I recommend the university to anybody that wants to put themselves in a strong position for a career upon graduation.

Student

Verified

24/11/2022

On Campus

Student Ambassador

Overall, the instruction is decent, however it also depends on your department. The people are friendly, in my opinion. The sporting events are enjoyable, and there is a good sense of community. Although the city is quite remote, it is nonetheless attractive.

Student

Verified

3/08/2020

Lancaster University honest review

The education system in the university is excellent especially that of the Management School. The campus has great facilities for students to study and live in a relaxed manner. The students can engage in various activities through the socities.

Student

Verified

17/06/2020

Great opportunities to think beyond

Lancaster University provides a lot of good opportunities to think beyond.There Entrepreneurship in residence program helps students to meet and seek guidance about entrepreneurship and the challenges.Their Work in progress program help to fabricate your startup idea and further to pitch to the potential investors.Apart from that there are lot of programs like Enactus, guest lectures and guidance from seniors to help and shape your career needs. They provide lot of opportunities to shape up your employability skills.

Student

Verified

9/10/2020

On Campus

A top university in the UK for management science!

If you’re interested in management science studies, Lancaster University is one of the top universities in the UK. The faculty is renowned and have a sterling reputation for research in management science. Candidates specifically interested in Forecasting would find the Centre for Marketing Analytics and Forecasting especially relevant to their field. Besides, the ROI is good as the overall cost compared to other universities is less.

Student

Verified

10/04/2019

Great university for academia – not great for 'entrepreneurs'

Please keep in mind that my review is nuanced by my expectations of an Entrepreneurship degree :) I came to Lancaster University because it was one of the top universities to have a course in Entrepreneurship. After 4 years in this degree, my most valuable experience has been my placement and not the actual course. The course is heavily focused on impractical elements, which is a bit odd for an Entrepreneurship degree. There are some modules that involve hands-on work but the faculty support for such things has not been great. My course also involved a lot of teamwork which has been fantastic and really prepared me when it comes to dealing with the diversity of opinions. In terms of career prospects, the management school does A LOT to host events, workshops and support sessions to help you build up your employability skills. Although, I wish there was more acknowledgement of SMEs/startups as a viable career option. The entrepreneurship team which is meant to support budding businesses is really stepping up their game with tons of guest speakers, workshops and pitching opportunities. The location is a concern if you're not in STEM, Law or Accounting and Finance. Business requires networking with the broader community. However, for Lancaster students, the best bet is a trip down to Manchester or London. On the flip side, living in Lancaster is much cheaper! Overall, if the purpose of your university experience is to receive top academic education and have great facilities at your disposal, Lancaster is a great choice. But if you want to be in business and entrepreneurship, I would look elsewhere.

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