In 2021 Patrice El Kamari won the second ever Access MBA scholarship. He received EUR 1,000 to help finance his MBA studies. His interview reveals more about his professional journey and what his experience was like.

If you want to be the next scholarship winner you can enter by signing up for one of the upcoming events organised by Access MBA. Take an active part and you will be included in the draw for EUR 1,000 to help finance your business education.

Learn more about how to become eligible for the 2022 scholarship.

Let us tell you more about the 2021 scholarship recipient. Patrice El Kamari is originally from Lebanon. He moved to Dubai in 2016 and has extensive experience in the MEA and Africa Market. He has held three different positions throughout his career and now he’s opened his own business with his family.

Read his interview for more insights on what led him to pursue a business degree and how the Access MBA event helped him.

What made you decide to pursue an MBA degree?

After six years of work experience in a multinational company in Dubai, I have matured in two specific business dimensions – Business Development and Marketing for the Middle East region, covering 15 different markets. I wanted to have an all-rounded knowledge and get exposure to Finance and Strategy, this is where I felt the MBA will help to cover and tackle these areas.

How was your overall experience at the Access MBA event?

I think my personal experience gave me exposure to different schools and programmes, which helped me compare the curricula in order to choose the right programme that suits me.

Did you talk to admissions directors to learn more about their MBA programmes?

Yes, this is an important step if you want to have insights about the MBA programmes and I really encourage students to do that before applying to the schools of their choice. In addition, attending virtual events, talking to alumni, and visiting the campus, if they can, are good extra steps for prospective students.

How did you decide which business school you wanted to enrol in?

I made my decision based on the virtual events I attended from different schools and talking to alumni to know more about their experience and to better understand the programme.

Has the global pandemic affected your choice in any way (e.g. choosing a programme taught online, on campus or in a blended format)?

Sure, but now most of the programmes are in blended format and I am looking forward to it!

How will this scholarship help you achieve your goals?

It will help finance my studies and pay the first down payment for the school.

What are your plans after business school?

Post MBA I would like to pursue a career in Consulting, a field which I am passionate about and which will give me exposure to different industries and markets.

What advice would you give to other Access MBA participants, looking to seize this opportunity?

Be active, be curious, attend all available events and take the opportunity to talk to the schools and their alumni.