Why did you decide to pursue an MBA from the University of Liverpool?
I was really at a crossroads in my career. My undergraduate degree was in Business Management, and I feel that I fell into a career path with very operational roles. Although I enjoyed all of these, I felt it was a good time and the MBA provided the perfect opportunity to get a better understanding of other key areas of business. I viewed the MBA as a real opportunity to gain practical insight into business area, learn from both the course content but also from a room full of experts from all over the world.
What do you feel was the most rewarding element of the programme?
I think the network has been the most rewarding and that extends from my classmates on the Football Industries MBA, the Liverpool MBA cohort, lecturers, University staff and alumni.
With most of the cohort relocating to Liverpool to study, we were trusted into each other’s company. Additionally, most of us had not studied formally for some time so we became reliant on each other throughout the shared journey.
Classmates came from every corner of the world and every industry imaginable, this provided diverse thinking and an incredible learning environment.
What advice would you give to someone thinking of studying an MBA?
I feel that an MBA is perfect if you are like me, in a position where you want to explore other areas of business. The MBA and the practical learning and group work allow you to experience different business areas without you having to move internally within your company, change jobs to gain that insight. So it really equips you with knowledge of areas and skills to help you pivot into a new business area if you really pick up a flare for a topic.
Secondly for anyone looking to take a step into the boardroom, you are given tools to be able to assess all areas of a business. This enables you to have a 360 view and more importantly an understanding of all areas of a company.
I think for many, taking a year out of industry is a risk but for me, you will leave Liverpool with an incredible experience, new skills, an MBA, a highly valuable network and endless opportunities.
Why did you choose the Management School?
I choose the Management School specifically for the Football Industries MBA. At the time, the programme was in it’s 24th year and its reputation within the industry is outstanding. A quick glance at some alumni and you quickly realise the calibre of people who have passed through the programme.
Which guest speakers do you remember from your time at the Management School, did you have any takeaways?
From the Football Industry side, Paul Barber, CEO of Brighton & Hove Albion FC was an early standout. He visited during one of our first weeks and gave an incredible insight into the running of the football club. Not only did we learn about the club, but Paul also intimately shared his own career journey and some of the pitfalls that can be faced.
Another one was an Irish due of Dr Tom Markham and Dr Oli Gottmann who were classmates and eventually worked together on a deal to acquire Wigan Athletic. This showed the power of networking and how connections now can benefit us all in the future.
We also benefited from speakers during the career’s sessions led by Bernadette Lyons. Shalom Lloyd was a standout here as she spoke about building her business from scratch, turning a home remedy for eczema into a now global product, all being done with a circular economy approach.
What skills and knowledge did you develop during your time on the programme?
I think the obvious skill is that I am now more of a strategic thinker. Decisions now have greater foundations and I question why things are done a certain way.
During the careers sessions I also feel I have become a more active listener and also more culturally aware of working in a global team.
During our programme I felt we had a focus on the circular economy which is something I did not have much prior knowledge off. A number of the modules had this theme in the assignments, and it has certainly made me more conscious of the price of doing business and the role we all have in society.
What aspects of the programme did you enjoy the most?
I really enjoyed the fact that it was assignment and group work focused. It really felt like we were doing real life work at times.
We were often given freedom to apply our learnings to our own areas of interest which in my case was football. So we were getting the tools in new subject matter and actively applying them to the industry. We were able to produce outputs that we could share among some fellow industry professionals almost as a portfolio of our work.
Did you make use of the MBA careers support available?
Yes, I tried to attend all the sessions organised and delivered by Bernadette Lyons. These were fantastic opportunities to gain complementary skills and they helped prepare me to re-enter the workforce.
There was a really nice balance of guest speakers, practical sessions on CV writing, interview skills, how to utilise our social networks etc.
Where are you working now, what is your job title and what does your role entail?
I am currently working as an Event Coordinator and Venue Manager at the European football governing body, UEFA.
My role is very much one of project management as I work on the delivery of the UEFA Club and Nations League Finals. This year, I will be working on the UEFA Women’s Champions League Final which will take place in Bilbao. Here as Venue Manager, I will work to ensure the stadium is prepared and ready to deliver this end of season showpiece. This includes coordinating with all the UEFA internal departments and the Local Organising Structure which consists of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), Athletic Club Bilbao and the city of Bilbao. We are almost seen as the conductor in an orchestra, with many people involved, we need to ensure we are all singing from the same sheet.
As the preparation moves towards the delivery, I could be working on anything ranging from supporter arrangements, ticketing, team movements, accreditation, post-match ceremonies etc.
I will also play a small role in the delivery of the UEFA European Championship Finals in Germany this summer.
Do you feel the MBA has helped your career progression?
I feel the MBA was a pivotal in my career progression. It allowed me to really evaluate my future career direction and I felt a newfound sense of confidence as I moved towards my current role. It has allowed me to settle back into the workplace with new skills and an ability to not just interact but to also meaningfully contribute at a senior level.
Did you receive a scholarship, if so, what impact did this have on you?
Yes, I received a part scholarship based on my previous educational achievement.
This was extremely appreciated, and it really helped to take some financial concerns away and allowed me to fully immerse myself in the programme, alleviating the need to rely heavily on part-time employment. As a result, I was able to attend many additional sessions and also take time to network.
Describe your MBA experience in two words.
Life changing.
What did you enjoy the most about studying/living in Liverpool?
The city has a vibrancy that I have not experienced anywhere else.
Studying the Football Industries MBA, you are transcended to a city filled with football tradition with two Premier League teams in the city, Tranmere on the Wirral and you’re a stones throw to Manchester and other cities should you ever wish to catch a game.
Then the people of Liverpool could not be any more welcoming. There is a real sense of independence in Liverpool, and it’s coupled with an optimism the large student population brings on a yearly basis.