Mahmoud Reda

How did you hear about the Business School and why did you choose to study here?
Leeds University Business School is a well-known school in Egypt. All the websites I used to search for a good university for my MBA pointed me to Leeds.
There are three main reasons I chose Leeds University Business School. Firstly, during the initial contact with the University, I got quick responses and complete answers to all my questions which made me think that students would be well supported. Secondly, the MBA modules are up-to-date and cover the latest concepts as required in the job market. In the second semester, for example, there is a leadership module which enhances your leadership skills and teaches you how to lead effectively. Thirdly, the practical seminars are real-life case studies that would improve my troubleshooting and teamwork skills.

What did you enjoy most about your time in Leeds?
I liked many things; the city is really affordable so I managed to visit many places. For example I enjoyed visiting Leeds art gallery, the city centre, Leeds City Museum, and other historical places such as Temple Newsam.

You have recently set up an alumni group in your home country of Egypt, why did you decide to do this? How can people join the group?
I created the group for two main reasons. The first reason is as Egyptian alumni I realised we need a social platform to keep connected with each other as well as with the Business School. Secondly, to support each other through sharing our updates, and increasing our professional network which in turn would be reflected positively on our career path.

People can join the group through LinkedIn or Facebook:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/4100288/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LUBSAlumni

How is it going so far? What have the benefits been to you?
So far everything is good. Before I set up the LUBS Egypt alumni group we were disconnected, working on separate islands, and now we are connected and working on the same platform. We also have more engagement with the Business School.

The alumni group has increased my professional network and enabled me to get to know other alumni in Egypt which is really positive. For example, I recently spoke with two of the alumni and we shared our feedback about some training courses which was beneficial to all of us.

Would you recommend that other alumni do the same?
Yes, I highly recommend.

What do you think that the benefits of your time in Leeds and on the MBA are to you and also for your CV/personal development?
Well, I got many benefits from my time at the Business School. On the personal side, working with an international cohort increased my international connections, and developed my interpersonal skills such as leadership and teamwork.
On the professional side, the number of modules I had studied enriched my academic knowledge and filled the academic gap in my practical experience. The academic modules such as organizational behaviour, and decision making provided me with the required managerial skills and prepared me efficiently for my managerial position.
After the MBA, my CV became blended by both the academic knowledge, and the practical experience, which became an extra point on my resume.
Through my graduation project, I managed to provide recommendations to the medical sector in Egypt to avoid the supply shortages in the medical equipment. During the project, I learned analytical thinking and qualitative analysis. The project provided a touchable solution to real issues in Egypt and that made my graduation project real evidence for my qualification and became a shiny point in my CV.

What are you plans for the future?
I have two plans, short-term, and long-term plan. For a long time I have been passionate about economic sustainability, so my short-term plan is to increase my knowledge depth in sustainability, and this could be done by looking for a PhD. opportunity ( I hope it will be with Leeds University Business School).
My long-term plan is to continue growing in my career till I reach CEO. At this level I will have the power to apply what I have learned in the PhD to help my country to be a leading country in applying the economic sustainability.

Has Mahmoud inspired you to get involved with LUBS?
For more information on setting up an alumni group in  your area, or finding out about other volunteering opportunities at the Business School, get in touch with us on alumni@lubs.leeds.ac.uk