Ahmad Shaaban, currently a postgraduate at University College London (UCL), reached the next level in his career—and in his academic journey—with help from an MIT Sloan Executive Certificate in Technology and Operations.
“MIT was much more than the name. The whole educational platform was excellent, and it opened new heights for me to reach,” Shaaban explained.
After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Business and Management, Shaaban was looking for an opportunity to specialize in new areas. MIT Sloan Executive Education courses enabled Shaaban to explore timely topics like artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain technologies—spaces that always interested him but were hard to approach. He also enrolled in the courses Business Process Design for Strategic Management and Supply Chain Strategy and Management. In fact, the knowledge he gained in these courses helped fuel his dissertation as well as his recently published articles in these fields. These four courses also earned Shaaban his Executive Certificate in Technology and Operations—a professional milestone he never would have thought possible if it weren’t for a family friend who earned the same Executive Certificate years ago and inspired him to pursue it.
Digital transformation, one suit at a time
During this time, Shaaban was also assisting his father in their family retail business, BRANDS International, headquartered in UAE. Specializing in menswear, the retail chain includes approximately 30 stores across the Middle East.
Shaaban knew that there was untapped potential in ecommerce. So, he began the company’s digital transformation, implementing new tools and features that brought the brand firmly into the digital era.
Inspired by the courses he took at MIT, Shaaban launched an AI sizing tool, to great success. With this new AI tool, customers can input their height and other dimensions to get a perfectly sized, ready-to-order garment. The tool automatically suggests a suit size, saving the company time and reducing staff costs. Because it is traditionally very difficult to buy a suit online, this tool significantly differentiates the company.
“With everyone staying home during the pandemic, online sales exploded,” Shaaban recalls. “With all of the stores closed, we were one of the only ones providing an alternative to trying on clothes in person.”
New in-store experiences
Shaaban spearheaded another technological leap, installing smart mirrors in stores so that customers can virtually try on garments without wasting time in the dressing room. This AI technology saves time for shoppers, which creates more value in the customer experience. Shaaban credits his MIT courses with his ability to innovate digital solutions for the company and elevate the customer experience.
Staying connected to classmates
Networking with peers, according to Shaaban, was the best part of his MIT journey. He knew the self-paced and live online learning experiences would be different from anything that happened in person, but he didn’t expect to expand his network exponentially. Now he is able to leverage his MIT network through platforms like WhatsApp and interview his peers for his research.
“Knowing people in different industries is highly beneficial,” Shaaban said. “It’s a very diverse portfolio of people participating in discussions during the course and after. I was inspired by the knowledge coming from other industries.”
Meeting and learning from MIT faculty
In addition to his inspiring peers, the MIT faculty also made a great impression on Shaaban. One professor who stood out in particular was Thomas Malone. “He was an incredible teacher, and he made the course extremely interactive,” Shaaban recalls. “You’re not just listening to information being delivered. It’s stimulating. You start to think about what you’re doing in the future.”
It doesn’t end here
“After you complete your Executive Certificate, the experience isn’t over. Once you are part of MIT Sloan Executive Education, you will continue to get invited to events and stay updated on new courses that might be interesting,” Shaaban explains. “That’s an important part —to keep building your network and upskilling in something you’re passionate about. In the future, I hope to attend an in-person course!”
Learn more about the Executive Certificate in Technology and Operations.