What our students say
“This is something every manager needs.”
Elizabeth Gomez Baron lives with her husband and two young children aged one and two and recently moved to Glasgow. She is Colombian and can speak Spanish and English fluently.
What were you doing before you joined the MBA?
Before becoming a full time mum, I worked in financial accounting where I managed a project concerning the integration of new software for clients’ payroll systems. I was in charge of a small team of 12 and ensured the clients had a smooth transition into the new system.
Why did you choose the Glasgow MBA?
I wanted to study for an MBA to help focus my career path and progress quicker. Despite previously studying finance, I am not an accountant. But I want to stay in this field – working at a higher level. I needed to develop my managerial skills and become a strategic thinker whilst staying focused on finance.
I chose the Adam Smith Business School because of the University’s rich heritage and the reputation of accounting and finance.
What are you enjoying so far? What skills/knowledge have you gained?
The Graduate Award has been an added bonus as this is helping me to further enhance my managerial and people skills. The opportunity to undertake personality exercises is valuable and has given me insight into the differences in personality type, and this will be helpful when managing teams. This is something that every manager needs – it is offered to you on a plate here, you don’t have to ask for it.
The environment is friendly and relaxed and you instantly feel part of the team – even during the induction week.
What’s your advice for someone who comes from a similar background to you?
As finance person, we are metric people and want to quantify everything. But you can’t understand business in this way. You need to understand systems and processes beyond the balance sheet. The Glasgow MBA helps you to understand the impact of how non-financial aspects of a company impact on profit – it helps you to see the bigger picture and become a better manager.
“People make the Glasgow MBA.”
Claire Donnelly is a former nurse from the Gold Coast, Australia. After nearly ten years working in A&E – looking after patients and managing a small team - she decided to change career and travel the world with Emirates, before taking a more corporate role working for a vascular medical device company.
What were you doing before you joined the MBA?
I came to Glasgow a few years ago. I have a passion for travelling and am a qualified clinical nurse, and when I came here a unique opportunity came up. I got a job as Regional Manager for Asia Pacific for an entrepreneurial global vascular medical device company. My responsibilities mainly included providing clinical training, the marketing of the products in this region and managing the distribution and product registrations in specific countries, including developing product launch strategies.
Why did you choose the Glasgow MBA?
I realised I needed an MBA to help me get a better understanding of theory to progress my career. An MBA gives you a bit of everything: economics, accounting, strategy and marketing.
What are you enjoying so far? What skills/knowledge have you gained?
The atmosphere on the programme created by both fellow classmates and teaching staff is brilliant. The Glasgow MBA is like the United Nations in both teachers and in classmates – it is a real international experience! I have been able to learn first-hand about countries that I deal with and that’s been beneficial. I appreciate how the lecturers use their own practical experiences to bring theory to life, making complex theories sound simple.
Though only half way through the Glasgow MBA, it has already provided me with crucial skills to succeed in business and has enhanced my way of thinking. I’m now able to think more strategically. I used to have tunnel vision. Now I have a more peripheral outlook where I can see the bigger picture. I’m constantly thinking ‘why?’ and ‘how?’ and this will help me develop my career once I graduate.
What’s your advice for someone who comes from a similar background to you?
I wouldn’t call myself an academic, but this programme enables me to understand and use various academic methods to write essays and reports. I find it all interesting. Business is about people, and the Glasgow MBA is just that – as the people make the Glasgow MBA. You learn from others – there is the right balance of group work for assessments. When you are on the Glasgow MBA, make sure you exploit all the opportunities that are available to you. Ask plenty of questions to guest speakers and make sure you manage your time effectively between the various modules/disciplines.
“You’ll get great exposure to different opinions and cultures, making you more open minded when approaching business problems and making decisions.”
Matthias Tröbinger is from the German speaking part of Italy, Südtirol. For the last ten years, he’s had a truly international experience of working and studying in Italy, Germany, Austria, France, Switzerland and Canada.
What were you doing before you joined the MBA?
I’m an experienced senior management consultant in the Fast Moving Consumer Good (FMCG) sector, with six years’ experience working both consultancy and client-side. I have been responsible for developing clients’ business strategies, for example for business model reconfiguration, internationalisation or new product development.
I already had a postgraduate degree but was keen to take a career break to return to university and become a more well-rounded professional. I wanted to refresh my knowledge on important theory as well as learn more about leadership, human resources, finance and supply chain management. I felt the time was right to develop my people management skills and saw the Glasgow MBA as a perfect opportunity to do this.
Why did you choose the Glasgow MBA?
I was keen to study an MBA in the UK due to the global reputation of the country’s business schools.
The Adam Smith Business School stood out to me as, not only will you be in an excellent university setting, but it seemed very good value for money for a triple accredited school.
I was attracted to the programme due to its small class size and diversity; developing a close international network is important to me. My class has more than 30 students but 19 nationalities which creates a unique, boutique experience.
In terms of the programme structure, I liked that in the second semester you could specialise in different management functions.
What are you enjoying so far? What skills/knowledge have you gained?
It’s a great learning environment - everyone has experience and is skilled in their own discipline. Group work has helped me improve my listening and negotiation skills. For me, I was used to one way of working and dealing with German and Swiss cultures. The Glasgow MBA is great exposure to different opinions and cultures and makes you more open minded when approaching business problems and making decisions.
What’s your advice for someone who comes from a similar background to you?
I would encourage everyone to apply. The Glasgow MBA is a unique experience due to its teaching staff and diverse class. Above all, it is an intellectually stimulating environment with great opportunities outside of the MBA. For example, the School hosts practitioner seminars which provide even more opportunity for you to network.
“Don’t be put off if you don’t have a business degree – your experience will talk volumes when you start.”
Sharon, from the west coast of Scotland, started her MBA the same year her eldest son began his undergraduate studies; an exciting time for both.
What were you doing before you joined the MBA?
I began my career as a nurse, and for the last ten years I have worked as an Operations Director for a dental practice. My responsibilities included managing all areas of business from HR to finance to customer service and marketing.
Why did you choose the Glasgow MBA?
I had initially considered studying for an MBA through distance learning to help juggle my busy family and working life. However, when I looked into it further, I realised the importance of going to a triple accredited Business School and learning in a classroom environment to gain from the experience of others.
After visiting the Adam Smith Business School, I was impressed with both the facilities and level of engagement from the MBA team. The programme appealed to me as it had the right mix of theory and case studies to enhance my learning. My main reason for pursuing an MBA was to learn more about different theories to complement my experience. The time felt right to take a year out. Over the past ten years I have seen significant growth in my business - I now feel I should make time to develop my own professional needs.
What are you enjoying so far? What skills/knowledge have you gained?
The main thing I have gained is confidence in my approach; it’s affirmed that I have been tackling my own business needs in the right way. I think that this will provide me with more confidence moving forward. I have also identified skills that I never recognised were my strengths, such as my ability to look at the wider picture when thinking strategically. What’s more, I have been introduced to areas of business that I hadn’t had much experience in, such as supply chain management. It’s got me thinking about ways to relate this back to the healthcare sector.
The benefit of studying in a small class is that you are not just a number. You are treated as an individual. The professors and lecturers know you by name. At this stage in your career it’s important to feel recognised and valued.
What’s your advice for someone who comes from a similar background to you?
You have to go for it! It’s hard work but worth it. Don’t be put off if you don’t have a business degree – your experience will speak volumes when you start.
“The Glasgow MBA team treated me like an individual and made me feel welcome from the very start.”
Paul McKevitt is from the west coast of Scotland. Although he has an undergraduate degree from the University of Strathclyde in Technology and Business Studies, he’s always felt a connection with the University of Glasgow, as previous generations of his family studied there.
What were you doing before you joined the MBA?
I was working in the gas and utility sector for SGN, a billion pound gas infrastructure and transportation company, for nearly 10 years. I had worked in various management positions and for almost half of this time I was the Business Improvement Manager. I was responsible for managing the improvement of business processes to refine and streamline operations with the ultimate aim of improving the company’s bottom line. I transformed processes relating to engineering, IT systems, payment systems, asset protection, customer service and business improvement.
I was latterly the Corporate Health and Safety Performance Manager, a role similar to my previous job but with a focus on corporate health and safety. It also involved the management of a small team, corporate audits and inspections, regulatory systems and management policies and procedures. Additionally, I was a member of a small project team working towards the establishment of a major new geographic area of gas supply.
Why did you choose the Glasgow MBA?
I decided to study for an MBA to gain another business qualification to enhance my career opportunities. I felt that my work experience was exceeding my knowledge of business theory and I was keen to close this gap.
I appreciated the time and investment the MBA Director and MBA Careers Manager took when talking to them about the programme. They treated me like an individual and made me feel welcome from the very start.
What are you enjoying so far? What skills/knowledge have you gained?
This personal approach has transferred on to the teaching too where there is a relaxed and casual feel to the lectures. Lecturers are always willing to help after class which is important. I am enjoying being part of a dynamic mix of students from multiple countries, cultures and career backgrounds. Even though we are working towards our own degrees, there is also a strong team ethos both in and out the class. The Glasgow MBA is a fantastic opportunity to build your own international network to utilise after you graduate.
I’m enjoying developing my critical thinking skills which I can see helping me post-MBA in terms of strategic decision making. Whilst I already had a good level of business acumen gained through my undergraduate degree and experience, I’m thoroughly enjoying learning about all the disciplines in more depth.
What’s your advice for someone who comes from a similar background to you?
It’s an amazing experience and opportunity to develop personally, academically and professionally, which will help make you a more rounded individual.
“The Glasgow MBA will help me tap into new industries.”
Jaana Kerttula is from Finland, and moved to Glasgow in September 2017. Her academic background is in political science and has extensive experience in the third and public sectors, working on EU cross-border cooperation, regional development, environment and employment.
What were you doing before you joined the MBA?
I was responsible for implementing the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region, mainly by enhancing regional cooperation between EU, Russian and Norwegian partners. In addition, I was the Acting Executive Manager for the Protection Fund for the Archipelago Sea and managed the fund, stakeholders, communication and fundraising events. As an aside, I was also an International Election Observer for the OSCE which involved observing elections in Armenia, Albania and Mongolia.
Why did you choose the Glasgow MBA?
I wanted an MBA to broaden my opportunities so that I can tap into new industries and learn new business skills. I was especially keen to develop my leadership skills and my ability to think strategically.
I had my heart set on coming to Scotland, and Glasgow appealed to me due to its vibrant culture and diversity. The University itself has an excellent reputation and is part of the Russell Group which is important to me, as well as the Adam Smith Business School’s triple accreditation status. The course structure and content, especially Decision Making Under Uncertainty, really appealed to me too.
What are you enjoying so far? What skills/knowledge have you gained?
It is so refreshing to be the only one in the class from a political background – everyone on the Glasgow MBA is so different. Yet it has a nice family feel to it.
A main highlight so far is the class trip to Amsterdam Airport, Schiphol, to see a construction project. It was a good opportunity to see how risk management and stakeholder management work in practice.
I also enjoyed Supply Chain Management in particular as it was an interactive course where the professors use games and practical examples to help explain theories.
What’s your advice for someone who comes from a similar background to you?
The Glasgow MBA provides you with a good opportunity to think about your own professional direction. Taking just one year out to develop your skills and expand your network is a good investment to make. If you are like me and come from a political science background, it will be challenging but very rewarding and will open your eyes to see how your daily practice can be applied differently.
From hospitality and retail manager to MBA student: your experience is what counts.
Iain Anderson has lived in the south side of Glasgow all of his life. He is a graduate from The Glasgow School of Art with a BA (Hons) in Fine Art, specialising in Sculpture, and has worked in the hospitality sector for a total of eleven years.
What were you doing before you joined the MBA?
I’ve held General Manager and Area Manager roles at top UK and international hospitality and retail businesses. Having led and developed a number of successful teams and being responsible across all main management functions, I decided to invest in my future career and return to university to gain a business-related qualification.
Why did you choose the Glasgow MBA?
The end goal is to one day set up my own business.
I initially applied for an MSc in Management with Enterprise and Business Growth. At the time I believed my management experience from the hospitality and retail sectors wouldn’t have been enough to gain a place on the MBA course at Glasgow. Managers from this field are often seen as “accidental managers” as many - like myself - don’t have qualifications in business or management, despite managing high volume businesses.
However, this changed when I met with the MBA Director, Javier. He explained how I was an ideal candidate for the MBA due to my demonstrable large scale managerial experience. Since starting the programme, I’ve been surprised to see how some case studies are of restaurants and retail, and it’s made me realise how much I learnt on the job.
What are you enjoying so far? What skills/knowledge have you gained?
Already, I can see how the MBA is creating opportunities for my future career. It has given me the knowledge, theory and skills I need to apply for more senior management positions upon graduating. The core modules and the electives I have chosen are helping me gain better understanding of how to get my business started and what kind of role I want prior to becoming self- employed.
The MBA team are always there to answer any questions and support us through the course. I have regular meetings with David, the MBA Careers Manager, who provides great support and advice from writing CV’s to interpersonal skills.
What’s your advice for someone who comes from a similar background to you?
Go for it! You may not think it but you will have the necessary knowledge and expertise to do an MBA. It gives you a background knowledge of what you do on a daily basis and why you do it.
How the Glasgow MBA is expanding this IT Consultant’s business knowledge.
Nandita Gupta is from a northern city in India called Kanpur. Her family own a business, but she has always been interested in working outside of this and has ventured out of India. Nandita comes from an IT background and is now looking to expand her business knowledge.
What were you doing before you joined the MBA?
For the last few years I had been working in IT consultancy at EY at their global office, managing a range of clients who were mainly based in the UK and America. I got a secondment to Glasgow and fell in love with the city and its people. My role became more client facing and I was managing larger projects which could have teams of around 10-15 people on them at any one time. I had started out as an IT analyst and got promoted to a consultant relatively quickly.
Why did you choose the Glasgow MBA?
I felt that I needed to take my skills and experience up a level and study for an MBA. It is a prestigious, diverse qualification that is universally accepted and can help me understand the wider working environment, therefore enabling me to relate with a diverse range of clients that I will be exposed to in the consultancy field.
I had heard lots of good things about the University of Glasgow and the Adam Smith Business School – the University resonates with many people around the world. I had the opportunity to visit several business schools, and Glasgow was beautiful. Having spoken with current MBA students I realised that the Glasgow MBA was the best fit for me as I could see how the small class developed a personal relationship with the professors and it wasn’t operating in a cut throat, competitive environment. The focus is on learning rather than being first in class.
What are you enjoying so far? What skills/knowledge have you gained?
Studying the MBA has been the best decision I have ever made. I have seen a few changes in myself. I used to be rather shy, but I have developed a lot of interpersonal skills and am now much more confident in new situations.
I have also enjoyed learning from my peers – learning about their own industries and countries – which will be useful for taking back into consultancy. For example, I have developed my understanding of the management side in the healthcare industry and have a better knowledge of sales.
In terms of the course itself, I have gained a holistic approach to business and particularly enjoyed learning about economics - how the market works and how to adapt business plans to operate on a global scale.
What’s your advice for someone who comes from a similar background to you?
If you are someone who is early on in your career, doesn’t come from a business background but are looking to excel quickly, the Glasgow MBA is the next step on your career ladder. Whilst it’s good that you have the technical knowledge, now you need the business knowledge to help you better understand how the industry works and how to become a successful business leader.