Student Spotlight: Mohildin Bushra – Balancing careers, climate action and an MBA journey

With a dynamic career spanning digital marketing, ICT, and climate initiatives, Mohildin seamlessly balances multiple roles while furthering his education. In this blog, we delve into his professional journey, his experiences in the Global Online MBA, and how he is applying his newfound knowledge to his diverse career.

Could you share a bit about your background?
I am an electronics engineer, having graduated from university in Sudan. I currently work as a Digital Marketing Manager at a business consultancy firm in the United Arab Emirates and as an ICT, Media, and Communications Officer at an NGO called SUDTT (Sudan Urban Development Think-Tank), which focuses on delivering climate-related projects in Sudan and the surrounding region. Additionally, I am working on establishing my own digital agency.

Beyond your professional roles, you are a COP 28 Youth Delegate and a member of the Sudan Climate Conflict Collective. Could you tell us more about these initiatives?
In 2023, I was selected as a Youth Delegate as part of a programme organised by the COP28 Presidency and YOUNGO, the official youth constituency of the UNFCCC. The International Youth Climate Delegate Program (IYCDP) was designed to provide capacity-building opportunities and include youth from Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Small Island Developing States (SIDS), and conflict-affected areas in the COP28 negotiation process. Out of 11,000 applicants, only 100 delegates from the Global South were selected. This role allowed me to represent youth at major events while also exploring new opportunities for my organisation.

The Sudan Climate Collective is an initiative aimed at bridging the gaps in data accessibility, particularly for civil society, and increasing the inclusion of Sudanese youth in global climate action.

You have a diverse career spanning marketing, ICT and climate advocacy. What led you to this particular career path?
Honestly, it all happened by chance. My career path has been quite diverse and unconventional—starting in IT and maintenance engineering, then shifting to graphic and web design in the private sector, followed by administration and project coordination in the governmental sector, particularly during my tenure at the Ministry of Transport. Eventually, I transitioned into civil society work with SUDTT, where we collaborate closely with local communities. Each phase of my journey has led me to new opportunities and discoveries that I never initially considered but turned out to be important and valuable experiences.

Each phase of my journey has led me to new opportunities and discoveries that I never initially considered but turned out to be important and valuable experiences.

Despite the unexpected turns in your career, you made a deliberate choice to start your MBA in January 2024. What motivated you to pursue an MBA?
I had been considering business education for a while. I believe that at some point in their careers, many professionals reach a stage where they aspire to build something of their own—whether it’s a business, a consultancy, or an initiative. This was my motivation for pursuing an MBA.

And why did you choose the MSM Global Online MBA in particular?
It was meant to be from the start. For the past three years, I had been thinking about pursuing an MBA, but I never took concrete steps toward it. Then, an opportunity presented itself with Maastricht School of Management (MSM), a name I was already familiar with.

I had previous experience with MSM through a seven-month project management training programme designed for government officials at the Ministry of Transport. That programme was a turning point for me, and I still consider it a major steppingstone in my career.

The online format of the MBA was also perfect for me because, after the war broke out in Sudan, I had to relocate to the UAE. The flexibility of the MSM Global Online MBA allowed me to continue my education despite the challenges of relocation.

Great to hear that you had such a positive experience with the MSM project management training. How has your experience with the Global Online MBA been so far?
I have enjoyed every single course so far because each one has introduced me to new perspectives and concepts that I hadn’t explored before. One of the most rewarding aspects is that real-life experiences from my career are being complemented by structured academic knowledge, helping me understand situations better.

The interaction with fellow students is another major highlight. Learning from professionals from diverse backgrounds has been incredibly enriching.

Learning from professionals from diverse backgrounds has been incredibly enriching.

Are there any courses that have been particularly impactful for you?
The Leadership and Organisational Behaviour course, which helped me better understand team dynamics, leadership styles, and motivation, which are crucial for managing teams and projects.

And the Marketing in the Global Context course. This course was especially relevant given my work in digital marketing and communications, helping me refine strategies and approaches for an international audience.

So, you are actively applying lessons from the MBA to your current roles?
Definitely. Many of the methods, frameworks, and strategies I have learned so far are directly applicable to my current roles. Whether it's in decision-making, strategic planning, or leadership, I find myself integrating these insights into my daily work.

While you are still studying your MBA, do you have any goals for the future?
I always say that even if I stopped my MBA now, the knowledge I’ve already gained is invaluable. However, I see this as just the beginning. I’m only halfway through the programme, and I know there is so much more to learn.

My goal is to continue growing, particularly in my current career path. I want to expand my expertise, apply my knowledge in impactful ways, and contribute to meaningful projects.

I want to expand my expertise, apply my knowledge in impactful ways, and contribute to meaningful projects.

Based on your journey so far, what advice would you give to future students considering an MBA?
Be prepared to gain deep insights—not just about business, administration and leadership but also about yourself. The MSM Global Online MBA will help you understand your organisation, your industry, and how the world operates on a larger scale.

Most importantly, you will learn not just from your professors but also from your fellow students, each of whom brings a unique and valuable perspective to the table.


Thank you, Mohildin, for sharing your inspiring journey with us. Your ability to balance multiple roles, your dedication to climate action and your drive for continuous learning are truly commendable. We wish you continued success in your career, your entrepreneurial endeavours, and your MBA journey. Given your passion and perseverance, we have no doubt that you will continue making a meaningful impact in the future.

Do you want to join Mohildin in the MSM Global Online MBA?
The Zoom-based Global Online MBA at MSM combines the flexibility of online learning with the dynamic engagement of an on-campus programme. Our virtual platform is designed to fully support your MBA journey, offering a range of learning materials, multimedia resources, and self-assessment tools to personalise your experience. The programme will not only deepen your business expertise but also enhance your leadership skills, broaden your perspective, and push you beyond your comfort zone. The next intake of the Global Online MBA starts in September.

For more details, visit our website or get in touch with Alina Prapagic at alina.prapagic@maastrichtuniversity.nl