MBA Student Profile: Nicola Carroni, Cranfield

MBA student Nicola Carroni gave up his job as an insurance broker in the marine aviation industry to study for his MBA degree. He speaks to TopMBA.com about why he chose Cranfield, and what he hopes to gain from his MBA degree.

1. Why did you decide to attend Cranfield School of Management?

It was one of the MBA programs that was offered over a year. Cranfield is also one of the top business schools, and although I am Italian I wanted the program to be in English, which it is at Cranfield. I researched the average age of the students and the level of work experience required, both of which were paramount in my decision in coming to Cranfield.     

2. What research did you undertake in selecting your school?

I looked at Business Week, which was one the most important sources of information for me. I also looked at the FT Rankings, which although important I do think it a little biased. Other sources of information were from websites, World MBA fairs, Forbes, and some of the school prospectuses.

3. Did you consider an executive MBA?    

I decided that a full-time MBA was what I wanted to do because of the depth of the program and commitment required.     

4.    What are the benefits of studying outside your home country?

There is a different approach to teaching at Cranfield, which I liked. The Cranfield MBA was also much more practical, which is something I wanted from my course. I also like the international element to Cranfield and the access through students to different cultures.       

5. How are you financing your studies?

I am financing my MBA mainly through a loan and some personal savings. I did try and apply for a scholarship, however I could not find many that were suitable and did not have much luck with the ones I did try.

6. What are your career objectives after your MBA? What were you doing before your MBA?

I would like to work in a corporate finance office as a business development officer. I do not mind where I work, as the job is more important to me. I would consider working in England, Italy or Spain. Prior to the MBA I worked for three years as an insurance broker in marine aviation. Prior to this, I worked as a risk management consultant for the Spanish Airports Authority.