Before starting his Football Industries MBA, Joe worked as an Accountant across automotive, manufacturing and transport. Prior to this he was an Associate at a financial services company.
Joe now works as a Strategy Analyst at Everton Football Club, where his role focuses on providing useful insights across the Club through reports and project work.
Why did you decide to study an MBA?
It was a long-term goal, having first saw the MBA when graduating from my BA several years earlier. I was always interested in working within the football industry, and felt the course could open the door to different opportunities.
What do you feel was the most rewarding element of the programme?
The people you meet on the course is the most rewarding element – every year group probably says it, but mine was the best. I have met people I will remain in touch with for the rest of my life, who I call lifelong friends and can go to whenever I need too.
What advice would you give to someone thinking of studying an MBA?
Maximise the opportunity you have during the year. Make every assignment the best it can be, use them as tools to present your skills and abilities to prospective employers in the future. Go to every guest speaker talk, you never know what you can learn. But most importantly, bond with the people around you, they become your family during the year and it can become a great support network.
Why did you choose the Management School?
It was all about the course for me – it’s the only MBA in the country that focuses on football, which fortunately is well established and well known across the industry.
Which guest speakers do you remember from your time at the Management School, did you have any takeaways?
Paul Barber was phenomenal, his lessons stick with me today and I was fortunate enough to see him again recently. I was able to pick up new insights I did not the first time from his many years of experience.
The biggest takeaway I received from Paul was everyone plays a part in delivering excellence. It does not matter what your role is in an organisation, if you are able to do the best possible job you can in your role, and other people do theirs, it helps to deliver excellence overall.
What skills and knowledge did you develop during your time on the programme?
The biggest skill was the ability to network effectively, which is something I am still developing to this day. It is vital in the sports industry to have this ability, as it can open many doors and create opportunities.
In terms of knowledge, it was the insights of a number of different people that visited that provided the most useful insights. CEOs, Directors of Football, Heads of Marketing, Operations or even Agents – all have a view of how the industry works, both from the perspective of their roles and experiences. No one CEO is the same, but they will have similar skills and drive that have led them to where they are.
What aspects of the programme did you enjoy the most?
The Becoming a Football Executive module was a great experience, as you got to experience what it was like working within the football industry. You learn about the different challenges executives at all levels will face, and how you must find the best way forward amongst a plethora of information within tight deadlines.
Did you make use of the MBA careers support available?
I was able to speak with the person there at the time, who provided useful resources for me to explore to try and find where I wanted to see myself in the future.
Where are you working now, what is your job title and what does your role entail?
Currently I am a Strategy Analyst at Everton Football Club, where my role focuses on providing useful insights across the Club through reports and project work. I work with a variety of stakeholders to help them establish the best ways forward to realise their goals.
No one day is the same and for someone like myself, I enjoy the challenge this brings and the opportunities that can arise from a single conversation.
Do you feel the MBA has helped your career progression?
The MBA has opened doors and played a role in where I am now, without it I would not have developed key relationships within the industry or have the confidence to pursue opportunities that once felt out of reach.
Did you receive a scholarship, if so, what impact did this have on you?
I received a 50% scholarship which was a massive help as I had chosen to do the course full-time. I fully immersed myself in being a student once again. It gave me the freedom to build great friendships, explore my interests and fully focus on breaking into the industry.
Describe your MBA experience in two words.
Unforgettable experience.
What did you enjoy the most about studying/living in Liverpool?
I love the city; it is home and always feels vibrant. There is always something going on and always something to do. It has quicks and spaces that may not quite match up, but it makes it work. The city is part of the North West footballing hub, with a number of different clubs that play across the top divisions within the footballing pyramid.
In terms of studying in Liverpool, the opportunity to live and breathe the football industry and to do so with likeminded people was amazing. To find somewhere where you can fully immerse yourself in the industry, and create the chance for yourself to break in and have an extraordinary career, is special. Liverpool is a special place and as a student here, you can create amazing memories and begin to build something special in whatever field you wish to pursue.