Akancha Verma

The SSE MBA Executive Format program gave Akancha the tools to advance her career! With a wealth of experience garnered through diverse roles in the tech industry, she wanted to strengthen her engineering foundation by pursuing an Executive MBA.

Tell us a little bit about your background and why you wanted to study for an Executive MBA.

Born and brought up in India, I completed my education as an IT engineer and have been actively engaged in the tech sector since 2010. Relocating to Sweden in 2015, I continued to build upon my professional journey. With a wealth of experience garnered through diverse roles in the tech industry, I wanted to strengthen my engineering foundation by pursuing an Executive MBA.

Why did you choose to study at SSE?

Over the course of my career, I've explored various roles within the IT industry. A key objective for me has been to enhance my technical proficiency while cultivating a deep understanding of business principles, particularly in areas such as finance, strategy, marketing, entrepreneurship, sustainability, and leadership. Pursuing a business education has been essential in equipping me to make informed decisions and contribute meaningfully to organizations and clients alike. The MBA program at the Stockholm School of Economics stood out to me for its top-tier reputation in global rankings and its reputation as one of Europe's premier business schools, known for its inclusive and supportive learning environment. After a rigorous selection process, I was accepted into the SSE MBA Executive Format in 2020.

So, what would you say that you gained from the Executive MBA at SSE?

The MBA program significantly affected me, both personally and professionally. I expanded my business understanding and developed into a skilled leader. The program strengthened my ability to make well-founded decisions with a focus on people, business, and technology. It also increased my self-confidence and inspired me to take new career steps and take on new challenging roles. Currently, I work as an external partner to Knowit and as an angel investor investing in innovative tech companies. I feel more confident and am more well-founded in my decision-making.

Do you have any advice for Women in the Tech industry that you want to share?

I really want to encourage women working in the tech industry who are, or aspire to be, leaders, to invest in their career development through an MBA program that can truly be transformative.

Personally, I gained invaluable insights through exchanging experiences with fellow participants, engaging in international collaborations and study trips, and tackling real-world cases. The Executive MBA program at the Stockholm School of Economics offers a robust education that has the potential to unlock numerous opportunities.