As another generation of business school students conclude their studies we ask them to reflect on Graduation Day and the lifelong impact of their studies…

• Name: Muhammad Mujtaba Shafique
• Programme: MBA
• School: Kingston Business School
• Graduation date: January 2027
• Career plans after graduation: After graduation, I plan to continue my academic journey through a PhD with the long-term goal of becoming a university professor.
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/muhammad-mujtaba-shafique-919b939b/

How does participating in a graduation ceremony help you emotionally mark the end of your student journey and prepare for what’s next? 

Graduation marks the end of a journey built on learning, commitment, and personal growth. As the first person in my family to achieve an MBA, crossing the stage will be a proud moment.  

Living in Birmingham and studying in London required planning and commitment, but I am grateful to have reached this milestone. It also marks the next step towards my goal of pursuing a PhD. 

What do you look forward to most about the ceremony?

The moment my name is called will feel surreal and emotional. I will think about my late father, whose belief in me gave me the confidence to aim higher. Although he will not be there physically, I know he would be proud.  

“A school teacher once told me my education was useless, and that stayed with me. I want to become the kind of educator who helps students believe in their potential.”

– Muhammad Mujtaba Shafique

Graduation will be a moment to celebrate the journey and the people who supported me. 

What does it mean to you to be recognised publicly for your learning and accomplishment, and who do you feel you’re representing as you cross the stage? 

Being recognised for my achievement represents the knowledge, experiences, and relationships gained throughout my MBA journey.  

As I cross the stage, I will be representing my family, classmates, and professors who guided and supported me. Their encouragement and expertise shaped my learning experience and made this journey meaningful. 

In a world where learning never really ends, what does ‘graduating’ mean to you, and what kind of impact do you want to make with what you’ve learned? 

Graduating is another step in my lifelong learning journey. My ambition is to continue into a PhD and become a university professor who encourages and supports students.  

“As the first person in my family to achieve an MBA, crossing the stage will be a proud moment”

– Muhammad Mujtaba Shafique

A school teacher once told me my education was useless, and that stayed with me. I want to become the kind of educator who helps students believe in their potential. 

What is the single most memorable aspect of your studies that you will remember long after graduation? 

The most memorable part has been learning alongside classmates from diverse cultures and professional backgrounds.  

I remember my first presentation in the first module, working with students who had already completed previous stages of study while I was new. Being the only student representing my country in my class made the experience even more unique. 

What one piece of advice would you pass back to the next class to help enhance their study experience? 

My advice is to actively engage in the classroom and make the most of every learning opportunity. An MBA is about more than lectures, it is also about conversations and connections.  

Students should build relationships with classmates, professors, and alumni, as networking adds significant value to the overall experience. 

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