Ali’s MBA empowered him to choose a new career in sustainability  

“I graduated as a civil engineer – but I wanted to go abroad for my PhD,” Ali says. “I then had a research job, but I wanted to be closer to where ideas become action. So I joined a government organisation, where I could see the impact of my expertise.” 

But Ali wanted to make even greater impact – and move from generating knowledge to driving decisions. That ambition took him to Brussels, Vlerick – and the Full-time MBA. 

An active approach to learning 

“I’ve always studied in places with strong reputations and good rankings,” says Ali. “And I knew I wanted to stay in the Benelux. Vlerick quickly emerged as the obvious choice. What sealed the deal was conversations with alumni – the school came highly recommended.” 

From day one, Ali realised his Vlerick journey would not be a traditional academic one.  

“It’s a very human environment,” he says. “It’s not sitting in a classroom, it’s interactive learning. There are business cases, real-world scenarios, challenges to solve with teammates.  

“The MBA gives you opportunities to really test your skills. You’re in diverse teams, but you have to find common ground. And that’s how business works in the real world.” 

Diverse people, mindsets and interactions 

The collaborative, international environment at Vlerick was a highlight for Ali. 

“You’re not only learning from faculty, you learn from classmates and alumni,” he says. “You meet people through networking and coffee time. There’s a diversity of people and mindsets – you really do learn about yourself. 

“I met my classmates at such a critical moment of life. You share an intense journey, lean on each other and are there for each other – from day one. My MBA classmates are friends for life.” 

Translating theory into impact 

Another highlight for Ali was his Knowledge-in-Action Project. He teamed up with two classmates to explore new market entry opportunities for global piping company, Aliaxis. 

“The project was a moment to validate my journey,” he says. “Who have I become? What have I learned? What can I put on the table?  

“We planned well, knew what we wanted to achieve and made sure we worked both in and out of our comfort zones. We even travelled to a conference in Germany to test our hypothesis with real industry professionals. We had weekly meetings, clear project management and metrics to measure – all skills I now use in my role.” 

Discovering a new direction 

When Ali started his MBA, he thought he would pursue a career in strategy. But he soon found a new direction.  

“Your ambitions change over the course of the year,” he says. “You arrive with a destination in mind – but the MBA exposes you to so many opportunities that you often discover an entirely different path to pursue. This is what happened to me. 

“The MBA showed me that sustainability was not only an environmental issue, but a strategic business challenge that impacts the bottom line. I became fascinated with how organisations create long-term value while managing environmental and social risks.

“And Brussels is a pivotal place for sustainability. You have major corporations, EU institutions and lobbying groups all in the same place, which is rare. There are many opportunities here. Having lived and worked across multiple countries and cultures, I wanted to complement my technical expertise with global business leadership experience.” 

Defining his career path 

Ali took full advantage of the specialist career support Vlerick offers. 

“It’s real added value,” he says. “You work individually and in groups with career specialists – and I took extra time with them to explore opportunities and work on my CV. It’s a safe space to discuss weaknesses and recognise strengths. It helped me refine my thoughts and prepare to find my next role.” 

Ali also took part in networking opportunities – and secured a role before he graduated. 

“The networking sessions are so valuable,” he says. “I met the representatives from a big four consultancy at an event – and secured a job as a sustainability consultant for after graduation.” 

Making the most of his MBA skillset 

In his current role, Ali focuses on helping companies with their ESG strategy. He describes daily life as a consultant as demanding – much like his MBA schedule. 

“One of my biggest takeaways from Vlerick was stress management and problem solving,” he says. “I learned to break down tasks into smaller steps – you can’t find a solution in the first 15 minutes. And teamwork – you can’t solve problems on your own. 

“The MBA was my first experience of negotiation. I learned how complex it is and how skilful you need to be, and now I use those skills every day. You need to actively listen to know what your teams want and need. 

“And my team’s performance has increased since I asked them to give me 360 feedback – another takeaway from Vlerick. Listening from both sides is so important. If people feel heard, they’re more willing to give their best. 

“I started my MBA as a specialist, but I wanted to make the move to leader. Vlerick showed me what it takes – and of course, I’m still learning!” 

Exploring what’s next 

Ali says: “My sustainability role has exposed me to other sectors and specialisms. And the MBA taught me to go and find what you want to do. The programme didn’t just change my career – it changed the way I make decisions. I stopped asking what job I could get, and started asking what kind of impact I wanted to create.

“For me, the MBA was a risk, but a calculated one. My next risk needs to be just as calculated. 

“In Iran, people really value entrepreneurship – and I’ve dreamed of my own venture. I had some great ideas on the entrepreneurship course. But it can be tough to start a business as an expat, you need experience and support. I’m now building that support. And alongside my corporate career, I’m currently building my own health and wellbeing venture.” 

Dare to chase your dreams 

Ali would recommend a Vlerick MBA to anyone who wants to challenge themselves.  

“The right person for an MBA is someone who dares to go after their goals,” he says. “It’s not a place to be shy – you need to connect with people and make the most of opportunities. You can’t come into a programme like this with a fixed mindset – because it exposes you to every corner of the world and professions you didn’t know existed. 

“It’s important to prepare mentally – it’s an intense year and you may think there’s no time for anything else. But you have to take care of your physical and mental health. Do sport, socialise. It’s a year dedicated to you – both professionally and personally. So make the most of it.”