QS ImpACT MBA Community Scholarship - 2026 winner

I chose the United States because of its strong business, technology, and entrepreneurial environment.
New York City felt like the best place for me because it is home to more than 25,000 tech-enabled
start-ups and one of the world’s largest and most diverse business ecosystems.

New York gives me the opportunity to explore many industries, including technology, finance, media,
healthcare, consulting, and consumer businesses. This diversity will help me understand how different
companies operate and how growth challenges vary across sectors.

I also wanted to study in a city where learning would continue outside the classroom. New York gives me access to founders, investors, global companies, professional events, and people from many cultures and backgrounds. For my experience and future career goals, I believe New York City offers the right combination of opportunity, diversity, and exposure.

I did not attend a QS event because I am from Georgia, and there was no event available in my location.

However, I communicated directly with the QS team throughout the process. My experience was very positive. The team was caring, responsive, and supportive whenever I had questions or needed help with my application. I did not face any difficulties submitting my application because the process was clear and the team was always available to assist me.

I was with my parents when I received the email, only one week before I was due to fly to New York. I was grateful that I could experience such an important moment with them in person.
As soon as I saw the word “Winner,” I started calling out to my mother that I had received the
scholarship. I read the email several times because I could not believe I had been selected. We celebrated together as a family, and the moment still feels surreal.

Receiving this recognition from QS made the achievement especially meaningful. As an international
student, I had known QS as one of the most recognised names in global higher education. Its rankings, university information, research, and student guidance help people across the world make major decisions about their education and careers.

Because QS has such a broad global presence, receiving its scholarship felt like more than financial
support. It felt like recognition from an organisation that understands the challenges, ambitions, and
potential of international students. Being selected gave me confidence that my professional journey,
values, and plans for the future had been recognised on an international level.

I still feel proud whenever I think about that day.

The scholarship will reduce some of the financial pressure of studying and living in New York.

As an international student, the cost of tuition, housing, insurance, and daily expenses requires significant planning, so this support will make a real difference. It will allow me to focus more on my studies, career development, networking, and university activities. I will also have more flexibility to attend professional events, connect with alumni, and take part in opportunities that support my transition into strategy and operations.

Beyond the financial impact, the scholarship gives me a strong sense of support. It motivates me to make the most of my MBA experience and to continue helping others grow through education and professional opportunities.

I am most excited about the structure of Fordham’s STEM MBA. The programme will help me build
stronger skills in strategy, finance, analytics, information systems, and technology, areas that are essential for my transition into broader strategy and operations roles.

I also value how practical the programme is. Gabelli Launch provides three weeks of academic
preparation, teamwork, leadership development, and business problem-solving before regular classes
begin. The domestic and international immersion trips will also allow me to visit companies, study
different markets, and learn how businesses approach growth and innovation.

I am especially looking forward to consulting projects and courses where I can apply classroom
knowledge to real business challenges. After years of working in start-ups, I want to strengthen my ability to analyse complex problems, make informed decisions, and support companies through growth and uncertainty.

I am also excited to learn from my classmates, professors, alumni, and career advisors. The diversity of the programme will expose me to different industries, cultures, and ways of thinking. I believe this will help me become a stronger and more thoughtful business leader.

After my MBA, I plan to move into strategy and operations, digital transformation, AI operations into the
tech startup world. My professional background has taught me how to identify organisational problems,
support companies during periods of growth and crisis, improve operations, and work closely with
founders and leadership teams. The MBA will help me strengthen my financial, analytical, and strategic
skills.

My long-term goal is to build stronger connections between international companies and talented people from Georgia and other under-served regions. I also want to move into entrepreneurship which will support the South Caucasus and Eastern European regions.

My first piece of advice is to apply even when you believe the competition may be too strong. I was
selected from a very competitive group, and that experience showed me that taking the chance matters.

Students should avoid writing only about what they hope to achieve. They should also show what they
have already done, who benefited from their work, and how the scholarship will help them create greater impact.

Use specific examples and measurable results. Explain the personal reason behind your goals. A strong application should connect your background, current work, chosen programme, and future plans.

Finally, do not try to present a perfect story. Present an honest one. Your personal experiences, including challenges, can show your motivation, resilience, and commitment better than general statements.