Chevening is the UK government’s international scholarships and fellowships programme, designed to empower future global leaders. Funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), and partner organisations, it supports outstanding individuals to develop the skills needed to build more resilient, prosperous, and sustainable societies.
At Royal Holloway we are proud to welcome talented scholars from around the world. One of our current Chevening scholars, Cheikh Mohamed Taleb from Mauritania, took time out of his busy schedule to share his experience of studying MSc International Business Management, and how this prestigious scholarship is helping him achieve his goals.
What were you doing before starting your masters degree, and what made you decide to pursue postgraduate study at this point in your career?
I had just graduated as an Industrial Engineer and was working in France as a Consultant and Research Engineer at Henri Fayol Institute. My role focused on supporting organisations through agile transformations, with an emphasis on process management and organisational improvement.
As I developed a professional profile bridging engineering and business, I became increasingly motivated to deepen my expertise in the business side of transformation. I wanted to strengthen my ability to address the challenges faced by international businesses operating in a dynamic and volatile world.
Studying Business Management felt like the natural next step to complement my technical background and broaden my strategic understanding of how global organisations evolve. This postgraduate degree is an important step in achieving my long-term career ambitions, equipping me with the knowledge and perspective needed to contribute meaningfully to the future of global organisations.
Why did you choose Royal Holloway and this course?
Choosing between universities was challenging, as I was fortunate to receive offers from all three of my selected universities. I chose Royal Holloway due to its strong academic reputation and its truly unique campus.
The iconic Founder’s Building immediately stood out to me – it’s one of the most beautiful campuses in the world, blending historical heritage with modern facilities. The idea of studying in such an inspiring environment really appealed to me.
The MSc International Business Management also felt like a perfect fit. It offered the opportunity to expand beyond the technical and operational foundations of my engineering background and develop a deeper understanding of strategy, management, and international markets. It is helping me build a well-rounded profile at the intersection of engineering, business, and global organisational transformation.
What are you doing now, and how has your masters degree shaped your next steps?
I am currently completing my MSc in International Business Management, and it is already shaping my career direction, delivering a strong set of business and management skills that complement my engineering background.
Its global perspective is particularly valuable, preparing me to work with organisations operating across diverse international contexts. Looking ahead, I believe this qualification will open doors to leadership and decision-making roles, where I can apply my combined technical and strategic knowledge to complex organisational transformation challenges.
What aspect of the course had the biggest impact on you — personally?
Personally, this course has reshaped how I see people in the workplace. Through modules such as People and Organisation and Ethics in International Business Management, I developed a deeper understanding that organisations are driven not only by strategy and processes, but fundamentally by people.
This has strengthened my appreciation for leadership, communication, motivation, collaboration and diversity. It’s also reinforced the importance of empathy, cultural understanding, and inclusive leadership in international business environments, strengthening my desire to contribute to organisations where people remain at the heart of transformation and long-term success.
What aspect of the course had the biggest impact on you — professionally?
This course has strengthened my ability to approach challenges from a strategic and international management perspective. Coming from an engineering and process-oriented background, I was already familiar with analysing systems and improving performance.
However, this MSc has helped me understand how business decisions are shaped by strategy, leadership, market dynamics, and cross-cultural contexts, which was particularly reinforced through the Strategy in International Business Management module. This has enhanced my profile, allowing me to combine analytical thinking with strategic insight – an important advantage for roles in international business.
Why did you apply for the Chevening Scholarship?
Chevening is one of the most prestigious scholarship programmes in the world, with strong focus on leadership and creating meaningful impact. For me, it represented an opportunity to access world-class education at a leading UK university, while developing the skills, network and international perspective needed to contribute positively to key projects linked to the economic growth and development of my country, Mauritania. My long-term goal is to use this experience to create positive impact, both nationally and internationally.
How has your experience as a Chevening scholar impacted your life and your future?
My time as a Chevening Scholar has been truly transformative. It has encouraged me to dream bigger and provided a clear pathway to achieving my ambitions.
One of its most valuable aspects is the global network, connecting me with inspiring professionals and future leaders from across the world. Through events and engagement opportunities organised by the Chevening Secretariat, I have gained new perspectives and strengthened my confidence as a future leader.
In what ways has Royal Holloway supported or shaped your experience as a Chevening Scholar?
Royal Holloway has supported from the very beginning. I received a warm welcome, which helped me quickly settle into university life.
The Scholars’ Welcome Event was especially valuable, allowing me to connect with fellow scholars and staff early on. The continued support from the International Office has made my experience smooth and enriching and they are always helpful.
What does being part of the Chevening community mean to you?
Being part of the prestigious Chevening community is incredibly meaningful. With over 60,000 alumni worldwide, it offers a powerful global network for collaboration and idea-sharing.
For me, it provides the opportunity to connect with high-calibre future leaders, share perspectives, and build relationships around common interests and ambitions.
What advice would you give to anyone considering applying for Chevening?
My main advice is to understand the programme thoroughly and ensure your goals align with Chevening’s values. Be clear about your career ambitions and the impact you want to create in your field and in your country.
Start your application early so you can clearly express your leadership experience, networking skills, and long-term vision. Most importantly, be patient, stay committed and make the most of every stage of the process. If selected, fully embrace the experience, both personally and professionally, because it can truly transform your future.
