Firm Foundations
A full-time MBA set Pavadee Burapapong on the path to a blossoming career in FinTech.
Tell us a little about your background? Before starting my MBA, I was a financial technology regulator at the Securities and Exchange Commission in my home city of Bangkok, Thailand, where I had taken a law degree at Chulalongkorn University.
Given my obvious interest in the FinTech sector, during my MBA I founded a student-led FinTech enthusiast group, and was also involved in a knowledge-sharing session called ‘FinTech Talk’. I also self-sourced an internship over the summer with Innovate Finance which I secured through networking and attending industry events and conferences.
During the internship I learnt about marketing and business development, and afterwards continued to work part-time as a FinTech Ecosystem Associate for the organisation.
After graduating this summer I will work there as a FinTech Ecosystem Manager.
Why did you choose AMBS?
The two main reasons were its worldwide alumni network and its strong connection with the FinTech sector. I found the vast amount of alumni networking sessions amazing and was grateful to meet my mentor Jimmy Caceres from the MBA Mentorship programme who supported me in terms of my professional career. AMBS also has close ties with FinTech organisations in the UK, and in the regions such as with FinTech North.
I found the vast amount of alumni networking sessions amazing and was grateful to meet my mentor Jimmy Caceres.
What were the highlights of the MBA for you?
I particularly enjoyed the M&A project where we learnt to source target companies, develop business cases, and simulated a negotiation day. It taught me to utilise the knowledge from core courses we previously studied, such as business accounting and corporate finance, and develop skills especially in negotiation.
I also really enjoyed Manchester Matters, a TED-talk style session, which was an amazing opportunity to share any topics of interest with other MBA students and practice public speaking skills. I also went to the global centre in Singapore during my FinTech, Banking and Blockchain elective. It was great to work with Global MBAs, learn another culture, and expand my global network.
I also found learning in a practical way such as from working with clients in three consultancy projects and exchanging feedback with team members, incredibly insightful. They broadened my perspective and improved my skills to work in a multi-cultural team given there were 30 nationalities represented in our cohort.
The Manchester Full-time MBA Degree
Gain unbeatable experience for your CV by taking on three consultancy projects with real clients.
What do you think of Manchester?
I have really enjoyed living here. It is a very walkable city centre with good transport links to Manchester Airport, while train stations are close to AMBS too. I also really enjoyed the excellent facilities at AMBS, such as the MBA common room and the syndicate rooms, while the Data Visualisation Laboratory is a fantastic facility.
What are your key professional ambitions now?
To be at the forefront of delivering impactful initiatives to improve the FinTech ecosystem, and also to mentor or support aspiring individuals to achieve their goals.
