Shogo Kanno

Moving from Japan to study for an MBA in the UK was a significant decision. What motivated you to choose the Leeds MBA, and what has been the most rewarding part of the experience for you personally?

I chose the Leeds MBA because of its intensive learning environment and unique course structure. The 2025-26 cohort consisted of 47 students with diverse nationalities, professional backgrounds and perspectives, creating an ideal environment to learn from both professors and classmates.

What attracted me most was the programme's practical approach. Rather than completing a traditional dissertation, students focus on live business challenges and can attend international study tours, applying learning in real-world settings. As someone interested in understanding how different business functions connect and how public relations contributes to organisations, this structure was a perfect fit.

Before applying, I spoke with three Leeds MBA alumni and heard about the programme's strong reputation among Japanese graduates. Their insights gave me confidence that Leeds would be the right choice for my career.

The most rewarding part of the MBA has been the consultancy projects embedded within modules such as Leading in Practice, Strategic & Entrepreneurial Management, Creative and Innovative Thinking, and the International Study Tour. These projects required us to collaborate, manage differing viewpoints and solve real business challenges using both academic knowledge and the diverse expertise of our classmates. For me, learning from such an international cohort while tackling real business problems has been the most valuable and rewarding part of the Leeds MBA experience.

Many international students worry about studying and communicating in English. What challenges did you face when you first arrived, and how did the support of your classmates and the Leeds MBA community help you build confidence and succeed?

One of my biggest challenges when I first arrived was expressing and defending my opinions in discussions and meetings. This was not only because of my English proficiency, but also because MBA discussions often involve complex business topics and classmates with different communication styles and perspectives. At first, I worried that my contributions would not be clear enough or add sufficient value.

As the programme progressed, I gradually found my own way of contributing. I always tried to bring new ideas and perspectives to discussions. My classmates listened respectfully, built on my ideas and gave me time to express myself fully. Their support and recognition of my preparation gave me the confidence to participate more actively and improve my communication skills.

Before starting the MBA, I also attended a pre-sessional English course at Leeds. The course helped me develop the academic English skills needed for postgraduate study, while group projects gave me experience working with people from different cultural backgrounds. Together, these experiences provided an excellent foundation and helped me overcome many of the challenges I faced during the MBA.

You recently took part in the Leeds MBA study trip to Barcelona. How did this experience broaden your perspective on international business, and what was your highlight from the trip?

The study trip to Barcelona was one of the most valuable experiences of my MBA. Before the trip, my professional experience had been limited to working in Japan and studying in the UK, so I had relatively few opportunities to observe how businesses and public institutions operate in other countries.

By visiting a range of global and local organisations, I gained a deeper understanding of Barcelona's business ecosystem, including its growing technology sector and the role public institutions play in supporting innovation and economic development.

One of the highlights for me was seeing how international organisations balance global consistency with local market needs. This was particularly meaningful because, after graduating, I will be joining a global mobility company in a corporate communications role. The experience gave me valuable insight into how global organisations develop corporate and brand strategies at headquarters level while adapting them for local markets around the world.

Another highlight was our visit to the Port of Barcelona, where we learned about its strategy and contribution to the wider economy. The session helped me appreciate the importance of supply chain management and international trade.

We also completed a consultancy project and presented recommendations to a client. The combination of academic learning, consulting work and direct exposure to international organisations made the study tour an extremely valuable experience that will continue to benefit me in my future career.

Looking back on your MBA journey, what impact has the Leeds MBA had on your future aspirations and career plans, and what advice would you give to other Japanese professionals considering studying abroad?

The most valuable aspect of the Leeds MBA was the opportunity to develop a broad understanding of different business disciplines while learning alongside classmates with diverse professional and cultural backgrounds. At the same time, the programme gave me space to reflect on my future career aspirations.

Before joining the MBA, I worked in corporate communications and public relations, and my goal was to strengthen my ability to contribute to business strategy through stakeholder communication. However, my long-term career vision was still unclear.

Throughout the programme, I collaborated with classmates who brought expertise in marketing, human resources, strategy, operations, sales and consulting. Learning from their perspectives encouraged me to think more deeply about how public relations supports other business functions and contributes to organisational performance.

These experiences led me to realise that I wanted to work for a global mobility company, where communication plays a critical role in engaging diverse stakeholders and supporting business growth across international markets. I became particularly interested in contributing from a headquarters perspective, using both Japanese and English to help bridge cultures and connect markets.

Looking back, one of the greatest impacts of the Leeds MBA was not simply the knowledge I gained, but the way it helped me discover a career path that I had never considered before joining the programme. The MBA's small but highly diverse cohort constantly exposed me to new ideas and possibilities, which was invaluable in shaping the next chapter of my career.

For Japanese professionals considering studying abroad, I would strongly encourage them to take the leap. Studying abroad allows you to work with people from different cultures, communication styles and perspectives while building relationships with talented professionals from around the world.

While GenAI can provide access to knowledge, it cannot replicate the experience of challenging yourself in an international environment, rethinking your career aspirations and building lifelong friendships. These experiences helped me broaden my horizons, discover a new career direction and begin an exciting new chapter. That is why I would wholeheartedly recommend studying abroad to professionals who want to expand their perspectives and unlock new opportunities for personal and professional growth.