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The course

Why did you choose to study at the University of Edinburgh Business School (UEBS)?

Coming from a technical background, my goal was to enrich my skillset and cultivate a business-oriented mindset.

UEBS offered the chance to attend guest lectures and presentations and gain valuable insights from seasoned professionals with years of industry experience.

The Business School also provided the opportunity to engage in practical projects that connect with real-world practices and to collaborate with the Student Development team to prepare for my future endeavours.

Furthermore, Edinburgh itself serves as an exceptional city for both living and studying. It combines a rich history and vibrant culture with a diverse and international student community, creating a unique backdrop for academic and personal growth.

What was it about the degree programme that particularly attracted you?

As I was looking into the programme's structure, I quickly realised that the curriculum closely aligned with my career aspirations and personal interests. It not only covered today's data-driven business landscape but also encompassed a broad range of specialisations that intrigued me.

What truly set this programme apart though, was the opportunity it offered for collaborative real-world projects with fellow students and the chance to undertake a client sourced dissertation.

Your career

Can you tell us about your career before and after graduating?

Before graduating, I was enthusiastic about the idea of working with data, yet uncertain about the specific role within the data field that would be the best fit for me.

With an engineering background, I sought to leverage my technical skills but was uncertain about the next steps in my career. My time in Edinburgh proved transformative as it helped me cultivate a versatile skill set and adopt a more open-minded approach.

I gained a clearer vision of my career path and explored various roles. During my studies, I discovered my passion for infrastructure and the diverse methods of data processing. This realisation prompted me to take the next step and pursue a career as a data engineer.

I gained a clearer vision for my career, discovering my passion for diverse methods of data processing.

How did your degree prepare you for your career?

The programme provided me with a strong foundation in data analysis, statistics, and business strategy - all valuable skills for any data-related role.

The opportunity I had to work on collaborative real-world data analytics projects and engage with industry experts helped me to grow both personally and professionally.

Through the programme, I gained a deeper understanding of the data ecosystem and the ability to apply my knowledge to solve real business challenges. It provided me with the knowledge necessary to transition into a data engineering role.

Masters of Change

What notable changes has your degree enabled you to make in your professional or personal life?

The Business School placed a strong emphasis on engagement with industry and collaborative, real-world projects that facilitated better connections among students and equipped us to address challenges effectively. This experience significantly influenced both my personal and professional development. It provided me with a solid foundation, enhanced my skills and increased my confidence.

Upon graduation, I felt different than I had when I started the programme. Interacting with so many individuals from diverse backgrounds enabled me to grow and I was more confident and eager to take on new challenges as I prepared for the next step.

What are the changes you have been able to make in your chosen field, of which you are most proud?

As a data engineer, my work revolves around designing and building infrastructure, enriching data assets, and improving data quality so that the derived insights are accurate, reliable, and can be used to make impactful decisions. Witnessing the results of your work being used to enhance products, improve user experience, or inform critical decisions is truly amazing.

If I were to highlight one accomplishment I'm particularly proud of, it would be the use of data to ensure the timely availability and delivery of essential goods to those who needed them most during the Covid-19 pandemic.

How did your studies at the Business School help you to make those changes?

My studies provided me with a strong foundation of knowledge and skills that were instrumental in making these changes in my career. The programme deepened my understanding of the data ecosystem and provided a technical foundation, which I used to enhance my skill set.

Collaborative projects and teamwork were an integral part of the programme and this experience prepared me for collaborating with fellow engineers and cross-functional teams in my career. Data engineering often involves working closely with data scientists, analysts, and business stakeholders.

Finally, the networking opportunities with professors, industry professionals and fellow students have given me valuable insight into best practices and different approaches.

What key things that you learnt at the Business School do you still rely on today?

My studies emphasised the importance of aligning with business objectives, utilising technical skills for problem-solving, and making data-driven decisions.

The Business School's commitment to industry engagement and collaborative real-world projects enhanced both our soft and technical skills.

During my studies, I learned project involvement from start to finish and effective collaboration with diverse backgrounds and skill sets for tackling complex challenges.

These, along with a drive for continuous personal and professional improvement instilled during my studies, continue to guide my work and personal life.

Course highlights and advice

What are your best memories on the programme?

I'll always remember the good times I had with my fellow students and friends, studying and facing challenges together in the Business School Hub or the library. We bonded over our shared struggles and had a blast working on all sorts of problems.

Outside of our study sessions, we took breaks together, wandering around the city or campus. We'd chat about our projects, our dreams for the future, or just share stories and make lasting memories together.

What one piece of advice would you give to current students and recent graduates?

Keep pushing your own boundaries and embrace lifelong learning. Whether you're a student or a graduate, the commitment to continuous learning fuels personal growth and professional success.

This can be powered by seeking out courses and resources that interest you, whether they are related to your field of study or entirely new areas, and staying curious and open-minded, without being afraid to explore unfamiliar subjects. Don't be discouraged by challenges or setbacks; view them as opportunities for growth even if at times this feels hard.