What was your study and/or professional background prior to this programme?
For undergrad, I studied aerospace engineering at the University of Southern California. After that I worked as a Robotics Project Engineer at Amazon for just under 2.5 years. There were many reasons I loved (and did not love) my prior career in project engineering. I loved the technical problem solving but yearned for more face-to-face interaction. I’m excited to leverage these experiences as I move toward a career in management.
Why did you choose to study at the University of Edinburgh Business School?
I chose to study at the University of Edinburgh Business School for a number of reasons. The programme suited me from a career progression perspective. It was also the most prestigious school I got into for management. I also just love Edinburgh. When I visited here while waiting for my application decision, this city seemed to have it all – and having been here for 5-months now, it still feels this way.
About the course
What was it about the degree programme that particularly attracted you?
Flexibility to choose course options that were applicable to Project Management was a huge plus. The city, the programme emphasis on student development, and the prestige business school were all additional factors in my decision to enroll here.
How many people are on your programme (approx.), and what is the diversity mix like?
There are just under 50 students in the programme. It’s a diverse bunch from all over the world! I was surprised to be one of only a few students from the USA, but it’s really been a joy to meet people from so many different countries and cultures. I believe East Asia and Southeast Asia would take the majority, but there’s also quite a bit of representation from across Europe.
What does a typical day look like for you on this programme?
Typical day starts with cooking – a new skill I recently picked up. I usually have 1-2 classes per day. Between classes, assignments, and group projects, the day is usually busy but I do my best to fit in one leisure activity per day. Lately it’s been golf or running, but when it gets a little bit drier I plan to get my skateboard out more often.
How much time do you spend in lectures and how much time do you spend studying each week (approx.)?
I spend about 10 hours per week in in-person lectures. This number changes though as some classes have extra seminars, guest speakers, industry talks, or group projects. With the 5-week courses, you end up procrastinating less, so study time is pretty consistent through the course. By deadline time, I am usually studying +4 hours per day.
How feasible do you think it is to work part-time while pursing your Masters?
I definitely think that everyone is different when it comes to capacity to work part-time. Many people I know work part-time jobs and they are completely able to balance school and personal time. The most successful ones have jobs where hours and opportunities are flexible.
What have been the differences between the teaching & learning methods in Scotland compared with your home country?
In engineering school in the US, classes were primarily theory based. Here at the Business School there are some conceptual courses. However, they do a great job of creating projects that would match what you would see in industry. This has helped me learn immensely.
What course have you enjoyed the most so far and why?
Economic Analysis with Augusto Voltes Dorta. This class is designed around cases you would see as a junior consultant at a large consulting firm. If you’re interested in consulting this is a must-take course.
Student experience
Have you been involved with any industry activities so far (e.g. company visits, guest speakers, student development, professional development sessions)?
Tons! Too many to name in fact. My favorites have been a coding work shop at Accenture (and I don’t really even code), Speakeasy – a no-judgement forum to practice public speaking, and the Edinburgh Award sessions – a track designed to help you become more employable.
Is there a specific experience you’ve had so far on the programme that stands out?
Our info session at the Deloitte Edinburgh Office was quite enjoyable. After learning about the firm, we partook in a business pitch competition that our particular group won.
Have you joined any clubs or societies? What do you like to do outside of your studies? How do you spend your weekends?
I am part of the Surf Club. Surfing in Scotland is a lot different than California, but I plan to hopefully suit up for the surf as the weather warms up a bit. Besides this, I like to golf. If you like to golf, the city of Edinburgh has an unbelievable deal where you can pay around £25 per month to play any of the 6 municipal golf courses as much as you want and for free. Golf takes up most of my free time now.
Have you done any travel to other parts of Scotland or the UK since arriving in Edinburgh?
Yes – the public transportation system makes Scotland travel easy. I’ve been to Glasgow, St. Andrews, North Berwick, and Sterling. All were very enjoyable trips in their own ways.
What kind of accommodation are you living in and why did you choose that option?
I live in private accommodation. It’s on one of the most beautiful streets in Edinburgh (arguably in the world), and it’s not too expensive to split rent with my girlfriend. A dream come true.
How did you go about making friends and building a community in Edinburgh?
Friend-making was a very natural process. The programme does a great job of immersing you with other students on group projects and after-class social events.
Looking ahead
What are you hoping to do after you graduate from this programme?
I’m confident I will be a great fit for roles in product or project management. The exact industry I’m unsure. My dissertation process will include a bit of multi-industry exposure, so that should help illuminate what sector I’m really interested in.
Do you have any tips for people considering applying to the Business School?
Do it!