University of Oxford Säid Business School: MBA Student Interview

One of the best ways to learn about an MBA program is to talk to its students. We recently interviewed Avery Bang, a civil engineer, social entrepreneur and MBA student at the University of Oxford’s Säid Business School, to get her perspective on the Oxford business school experience.

Bang is the CEO of Bridges to Prosperity (B2P), a non-profit social enterprise that builds footbridges in developing countries. Her organization is also the focus of an upcoming motion picture Dream Big, which follows B2P’s efforts to build a bridge in Haiti. The film, which will be broadcast at IMAX cinemas across the U.S., aims to debunk engineering stereotypes and shine a light on social entrepreneurship.

In our interview with Bang, we asked her to speak about her experiences as an MBA student at Säid and how her educational experience there has impacted her career.

1. Can you share a little bit about Dream Big?

With Dream Big, we’re hoping to share the story of how engineering—and STEM education in general—is a really important piece of inspiring the next generation. Dream Big was underwritten by the American Society of Civil Engineers, and their goal was to show the role of engineers in day-to-day life. We want to show that engineering is a necessary background [for some professions], and it is also an important piece of our national security. So, I think telling the story of how engineering can impact the world, particularly in a rural area of Haiti where many people may not have access to engineering services, was quite an easy story-line to pick up.

What’s great about this Dream Big film, for my particular organization, is that it’s really helping us get elevated in the national press and in the influencer space. But I think what is more interesting is the idea that, at some point, these problems that we’re trying to solve go from the widget into distribution—to use the business lingo. It took us a long time to design our bridge structure, but that was only the first step. To reach the most people and have the greatest impact, we have to understand the problems and [their] business solutions.

What’s happening in the background is that I’m being trained to be a greater and better leader at Säid. And to be able to think more globally and be equipped with an MBA background as B2P is being thrown into a more public space, and with greater and greater expectations, is invaluable.

2. How has your experience at Säid contributed to Bridges to Prosperity’s growth and impact?

I’m on a sabbatical this year, so I haven’t been able to implement anything yet, but I can absolutely see what I will implement. This first semester was about taking opportunities to learn strategy. We’ve been looking at BRAC, a Bangladeshi nonprofit organization that serves the same people that my organization B2P serves.

Within the classroom, there are people with backgrounds in investment banking, government, technology, etc.—they come from any number of walks of life, companies and experiences. The key is that we’re all sitting around debating the same topic: how to best serve the un-bankable population of Bangladesh.

It is so interesting to be in a classroom with people who may not aspire to be focused on social impact once they graduate, but to still have their expertise and their experience at the table. It will certainly be information and influence that I’ll draw heavily on when I go back to B2P.

3. Why did you choose to attend Säid for your MBA?

Getting an MBA mid-career is a difficult decision to make, but to do one overseas was a whole separate can of worms. So, I really had to have some pretty good reasons.

I spent the first eight years of my career, solely focused on impacting the world through my organization, Bridges to Prosperity, using engineering. But I quite quickly realized that to expand our impact and to serve people at the deepest level, I needed more business acumen because it’s really a business problem.

My ultimate decision to choose Säid was thanks, in large part, to the Skoll Center for Social Entrepreneurship. The Skoll Center is uniquely placed to draw some of the top talent in the world to solve social challenges. When I visited before getting accepted into the MBA program, I realized that these people think differently. They recognize that responsible business is thematic, and that the way we can create social impact is not only a tertiary part of the conversation, but the center. So that was a major reason I chose Oxford.

4. What MBA student experience has been most influential to your career so far?

Each year, Oxford hosts the Social Impact Careers Conference, which brings in a wide variety of interesting leaders, from Acumen Founder Jacqueline Novogratz, to some of the most innovative entrepreneurs coming out of the African continent, including Keith Davies from Zoona. All these individuals come to campus, not only wanting to be part of the conversation but actively recruiting students. It makes Säid the place to be on the social entrepreneurship front.

Another great opportunity at Oxford is the Skoll World Forum, which is considered one of the top, if not the most important, conferences in the field of social entrepreneurship. Attending the Forum was actually the first time I went to Oxford, and it really showcases the collaboration between some of the top students on campus and some of the top leaders around the world in regards to advancing social entrepreneurship.

Another great thing about Säid is the opportunity to throw your hat into something you know nothing about. I was interested in venture capital and what it was like to be on the other side of funding. After a series of interviews, I was selected to be the managing director of the Oxford Seed Fund. Now, I’m leading a team of 10 other MBA students; I’ve been able to define a new tract that I wanted to explore and tget a leadership position to do that. It’s been a really amazing experience. Säid is unique in that it’s intimate enough to let you run with your ideas, but it’s also big enough to have a stellar reputation that draws the brightest minds in the world.

5. Why would you encourage someone to attend Säid for their MBA?

I did my undergraduate and Master’s degree in America, but I think it is almost a disservice to be exclusively educated in America in an increasingly global economy. In order to be the leaders we need to be, only considering the American perspective won’t help us solve all the problems coming down the way.

I certainly looked to the American schools when I was thinking about getting my MBA, and there are many great programs in America, but I think one of the most important parts of any MBA program is the experiential. To be at the table, to converse and to have your opinion be countered by people with different backgrounds is necessary to your growth as a leader. An MBA program is really about the engagement and conversations that you have. I can’t even tell you how many interesting speakers we have at Oxford on a nightly basis, and to be part of a campus that dates back 1,000 years is not something you can get in many places.

6. How has your unique background served you in the MBA program?

I think that engineering is a really good background to have in life, but I’m certainly biased. Engineers have an attitude and training that is not only about finding problems but also finding solutions. You learn in engineering school how to dissect something that you think is unjust or wrong, and to break it down into solvable steps. To be able to layer my engineering background, which developed my ability to communicate, see the bigger picture and to solve problems, with a business degree is really powerful.

I’m 32. There was a point where I wanted to do an MBA in my mid-to-late-20s, but I prioritized my career at that time. As an entrepreneur, I had to make sure my business was as healthy as it could be before I stepped away, and I have no regrets about waiting. If anything, I really appreciate having had more time.

I bring a different sense of confidence and perspective to the table, which I also see in some of my older colleagues, people who committed more time to the traditional career path before going back to school. The experienced voice is really valued in the room. Don’t think that just because you’ve missed the “20-something window” that you shouldn’t get your MBA. Age shouldn’t be a deterrent.

regions: London

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