After I graduated in 2010 with a BA in Economics, I became a Financial Specialist at the Federal Highway Administration in Washington DC. I returned to study as I had progressed as far as I could in my current role and I also wanted to move from the public sector into the private sector. I chose the University of Edinburgh for its global reputation, its location, and because of the length of the MBA programme (1 year compared to 2 in the US).
The MBA is an intense full-time program providing an overview of business with the option to specialize in an area of interest. There is a strong focus on sustainability and corporate social responsibility as well as the development of leadership and other soft skills. Because the school is so well placed in Europe and has such a good reputation, it attracts students from all over the world, providing a diverse and stimulating learning environment. The opportunities to learn beyond the classroom – from international business treks to case competitions and undergraduate mentoring programs are vast.
The programme allowed me to develop both my technical skills and my soft skills which were instrumental in landing me my current job. I am now a Senior Financial Analyst for Johnson & Johnson and was introduced to my current company through the programme’s Capstone project.
Having an alumni community that I can tap into is important to me. The network I’ve built thus far has been a huge support in my post-MBA life. The programme is quite rigorous and the city can be a huge distraction, so it’s essential to find the right balance between studying and enjoying all that Edinburgh has to offer. Make sure to take advantage of all the opportunities the school provides for development outside of the classroom – the multiple clubs, volunteering opportunities, projects, guest lecturers, and career services.
