Usman Ahmed

1. Why did you choose to go back to school for an MBA? 

“Firstly, an MBA was always part of my long-term career plan – I wanted to formalise everything I’d learned in my career so far, especially as I moved towards revenue growth management and leadership roles. It was about gaining structure and deeper insight into business and working in diverse teams.

RSM stood out for me because of the diversity in the class profile – not just in terms of nationalities, but also experience. I’d already heard about the school back home in Pakistan, especially its reputation for supporting diverse perspectives and being inclusive. That was important to me.

And if I’m honest, the macroeconomic situation in my country also pushed me to take the leap now instead of later.”

2. How is the MBA preparing you to do business in a world in motion?

“It’s not taught in a silo – everything’s grounded in real-life examples and case studies. With 127 students averaging eight years of experience each, you’re constantly learning from each other too. That’s over a thousand years of collective experience in every course!

Coming from a professional background where topics like sustainability weren’t the focus – it was more about survival strategies – I’ve really had my perspective broadened. Learning how essential sustainability is in today’s world, and seeing it in action during breakout sessions and conferences, has helped me grow and evolve my understanding of where business is heading.”

3. How would you describe your RSM MBA experience so far?

“It’s been everything I expected – and more. The ‘more’ has been about how welcoming the programme team has been. This wasn’t just a professional shift for me; I also left behind my family, including my young son, and adjusted to a whole new country and climate.

The community here made that transition easier. The diversity of backgrounds is everything I hoped for, and being naturally inquisitive has helped me form close friendships and learn from others. One thing that really stuck with me was a presentation early on that said, “No one cares about your MBA – it’s what you do with it that matters.” That set the tone, and shaped how we all approached the programme.”

4. What has been the biggest adjustment for you, while living in the Netherlands?

“Honestly, it’s been the social aspect. I’m naturally quite introverted, so starting from scratch socially was tough. At first, people tended to stick to their own groups and nationalities – which is natural – but it pushed me to reach out and build connections across different backgrounds. In a short period of time, I’ve built a close-knit group of friends.

RSM’s structure and organisation really help you settle in. It’s well-designed, and that gives you the freedom to focus on adapting and building a new life.”

5. What has been the most challenging assignment or course during the MBA? 

“The first team assignment in the Business of Sustainability course was definitely the toughest. It was the first time we were all working together, everyone came with strong opinions, and we all wanted to shine. But it taught us what the MBA is really about: navigating different viewpoints and working together effectively. We scored well in the end, but the real win was in how we managed the team dynamic and learned from each other.”

6. In what way has the Personal Leadership Development programme (PLD) affected you?

“PLD has really accelerated my journey of self-awareness. One of the first things we did was a 360-degree feedback report while I was still in Pakistan, and that gave me insight into how others saw my strengths and areas for growth.

Later, we had to showcase a new behaviour or habit. I actually did two – one was giving genuine compliments to strangers, which helped me integrate better with my community. The other was pacing my speech, which helped me adjust from a high-context culture to a more direct, low-context one. Both had a huge impact, personally and professionally.”

7. How are you planning to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals through business – now and in the future?

“In my second week, I met someone in a breakout session who was working on a machine to make dairy farming more sustainable – improving milk output and reducing nitrogen emissions. Coming from a family with dairy farms, that really resonated with me. It completely changed my career focus. I’d planned to stay in the startup space, but this innovation and its potential impact inspired me to consider working in sustainable agriculture. It’s such a prevalent industry, and the potential to create value is huge.”

8. How have you utilised the alumni network so far?  

“I actually started speaking with alumni before I even accepted my offer – they helped me make my decision and prioritise what was important. Even now, I regularly meet alumni, including those who graduated 15 years ago. They’ve helped me adapt, and even last night, I was playing football with some of them. The RSM Career Centre has also equipped us with tools to engage with the network effectively. It’s been a fantastic experience, and I look forward to giving back one day.”

9. What advice could you give to people who are considering doing an MBA?

“It’s a big decision – you’re investing time, money, energy, and often moving countries. But it’s also probably the last major career break you’ll have, and a great time for reflection. If your reasons are strong and your intentions are clear, it can be incredibly fulfilling.

I could’ve done an MBA earlier, but I’m glad I waited. I’m more mature now, both personally and professionally. Adjustment takes time, but having a strong “why” gives you the energy to keep going. It’s important to consider not just the effort but the purpose – and think about what life after the MBA looks like too.”

10. Has your MBA journey changed your outlook on what your career will be like after doing an MBA?

“Absolutely. I never thought I’d consider a career in agriculture, but that breakout session about sustainable farming completely shifted my perspective. Talking to alumni and others in the space has only fuelled that interest.

Beyond that, the MBA – especially PLD and the RSM Career Centre – has helped me shift my mindset. It’s less about titles or which school you went to, and more about what you actually bring to the table. I’ve become much more self-aware, and I’m now open to new sectors I hadn’t even considered before. I may still return to the startup world, but perhaps from a different angle or in a new region like Europe.”

11. What does the future hold for you?

“Potentially a lot of chaos in the short term in order to figure things out. But overall, the future looks bright. Six months ago, I felt like decisions about my career were being made by others – by the economy, by employers. Now, I feel more in control.

I’m also a father now, so that adds another layer. The changes in my personal life are definitely shaping how I see my professional path, and I’m excited to see where it all leads.”