How the Manchester MBA helped Isabelle Schenk pivot to a leadership role at HSBC

In this episode, Isabelle Schenk sits down with Chris Garnett, Head of Postgraduate Career Services at Alliance Manchester Business School, to share her career journey and how the Manchester MBA helped her pivot into a completely new industry.Originally from Switzerland, Isabelle spent over 15 years in the hospitality sector, progressing from food and beverage operations through to general management in five-star hotels, before moving into advisory and M&A roles across a European hotel portfolio. It was here that she began to consider an MBA as a way to deepen her strategic and financial expertise.She discusses her MBA experience during a uniquely challenging period (2020–2022), including hybrid learning, international study opportunities, and consultancy projects across the US, Dubai, and Barcelona.After graduating, Isabelle made a successful transition out of hospitality into new sectors, including strategy roles in pharmaceuticals and a startup focused on direct lithium extraction. She later moved into HSBC’s Technology organisation as a Strategy Lead, where she now works on large-scale initiatives including sustainability and net zero programmes.Isabelle also reflects on how the MBA enabled her to pivot industries, broaden her career options, and build the confidence to move into complex, fast-changing environments.