What your role is now?

I am Site Integration Manager on a £330m Energy From Waste Plant.

How the MBA has helped with your career development?

Prior to starting the MBA in 2015 I had worked in the oil and gas industry as a project manager. After graduating, I had an immediate opportunity to work as an Operations Manager for a Glasgow based SME. I managed the day-to-day operations and developed the business from a consultancy perspective.

I then moved to Rolls Royce, I had never worked for a company the stature before and believe that attaining an MBA helped me gain this post. I was tasked with managing the design and construction of a new £60m production cell within the Glasgow facility. I had to manage multiple external stakeholders to drive the design and contract phase to completion – activities I felt I completed much better than I had pre-MBA.

My perspective has changed on what I can contribute to a business now. Prior to being an MBA graduate I would have been satisfied with any of these previous two roles, I now believe, with an MBA, I can and should be contributing more to a business and at a much higher level.   

What were the stand out moments from your time on the Glasgow MBA?

Many aspects of the programme were challenging. I learned most from Decision Making Under Uncertainty. This was one of our first series of lectures and the ideas that were introduced throughout were new to me and were delivered in an entertaining and stimulating way. It gave me insight into people - the way they think and why they make decisions. This helps in so many ways, not just in business. I now think differently and question information and its sources much more than I did before.

The best aspect of the MBA is the relationships and friendships I made with my fellow students. Despite the diversity in the group, a close team develops with a strong and personal bond.

What would you say to someone who is considering studying for the Glasgow MBA?

If you are prepared to take on the most challenging year of your life, then you will undoubtedly gain so much more than an MBA. You will gain insight into all aspects of business, and yourself. The main thing that you will gain, and perhaps the most important, are the people who share this year with you. You gain friends for life.


First published: 8 February 2024