Syed Mohammed Irfan Rafiq

Q&A

Tell us a bit about yourself - what's your background?

During my final year in Electronics and Communication Engineering, I built an Android app for a local business which helped acquire over 10,000 users in 6 months. I also created websites for local businesses.

After graduating, I joined Solartis as a Business Analyst for All Risks, one of the largest American insurance aggregators. We built software to automate their processes. I then took a year off to prepare for civil services exams and volunteer with NGOs.

Later, I joined Magilhub, where I led a team developing products for restaurants. We launched 4 apps used by over 100 restaurants in India and the US.

Recently, as a Product Manager at Yubi, I helped build India’s first credit marketplace. I earned two promotions and an award for my performance.

What did your most recent role entail?

I was a Product Manager. I represented customers, identifying pain points and opportunities through market research. I built roadmaps, created solutions, and secured stakeholder buy-in. After launching features with cross-functional teams, I gathered feedback for optimisation.

I managed two teams with a total of 19 members. They included developers, testers, and designers, focusing on onboarding and platform improvements. My teams collaborated across the organisation. I also worked on:

• growth strategies
• improving customer acquisition, engagement, and retention
• collaborating with marketing and sales
• conducting experiments to achieve our goals

Why did you choose to study an MBA?

There are four reasons:

• Career advancement. It can propel me into senior roles or larger companies. Networking opportunities will open doors to various firms and industries
• International work experience. An MBA from a top university abroad, such as Newcastle University, can facilitate job opportunities in that region
• Broadening knowledge. An MBA covers diverse business topics, aiding in decision-making and strategic thinking
• Exploring entrepreneurship. It will equip me with essential skills and an alumni network, and support my long-term entrepreneurial ambitions

What attracted you to the MBA programme at Newcastle University Business School?

I decided to pursue an MBA from prestigious Newcastle University for four key reasons:

• Quality education. The highly-qualified faculty and peer network offer unparalleled education and insights, accelerating my career. The University’s high rankings and accreditations provide a credible degree which will open doors to renowned companies
• MBA course structure. The focus on experiential learning and the entrepreneurship pathway in the final project align with my own goals
• Alumni network. There is a strong alumni network, with graduates working in organisations like Google, Meta, Apple and Microsoft. This offers opportunities to learn and network with top industry minds
• Scholarships. Scholarships from Newcastle University reduce the cost of the MBA, allowing me to use saved funds to start my own venture

What does it mean to you to receive an MBA Scholarship? What impact will it have?

I was concerned about the costs of doing an MBA programme. They not only include the cost of studies, but also the opportunity costs of taking a career break. Receiving the MBA scholarship has helped me immensely, and it will have a positive impact on my future too.

The scholarship gives me financial relief, as I would have had to take loans to pay my tuition fees. Also, since I have not taken any loans, I can explore entrepreneurship, and focus more on my studies and extra-curricular activities.

It also recognisees my academic and professional accomplishments, validating my dedication and perseverance. As part of the application process I had to write a 2000-word essay, which made more confident that I can complete the MBA degree with good grades.

Being awarded the scholarship helped me to finalise my decision to pursue the MBA at Newcastle University. It showed the School’s commitment to investing in diversity, focusing on sustainable, ethical, and responsible leadership.