Why did you decide to study an MBA?
I decided to study an MBA for multiple reasons, some career related and some more personal.
When I left University I had a feeling of regret, that I never did myself justice and did not achieve as well as I was capable. This has been a nagging thought in the back of my mind ever since.
My career has been successful, I have worked hard to get to the position that I now have but more and more, as I look to progress further, it has become apparent that an MBA is a pre-requisite.
My eldest daughter started her degree at University this year, which I think was the final deciding factor. It may me think, ‘why can’t I do that?’ So I decided the time was right for me to put to bed my own insecurities, prove myself to myself and hopefully give myself another edge for the rest of my career.
Why did you choose the Management School?
Quite simply the reputation of the University as a whole made me want to come here. I have many friends (and a wife) who studied at the University so I have always known how good it is.
I am local, I live a 30 minute drive from the University and love the city of Liverpool.
Add to that, the meetings and conversations I had with Julie, Bernie and Dane – it was the only choice for me.
What do you feel has been the most rewarding element of the programme?
The people.
It's no secret that I am very much senior, age wise, than the rest of my cohort. I love it though.
Working alongside people with different levels of experience and from different sectors and nationalities is what makes this the MBA for me. This is how you learn and gain as a person.
What do you do when you are not studying?
I am studying part time and working full time so managing time is a challenge but one that I am embracing.
I have a wife, 2 daughters and a dog so that is most of my ‘spare time’ taken care of.
I also run (I used to run ultra marathons), love watching Liverpool Football Club (I moved here for a reason). If there is any time left, I’ll be enjoying a pint in ‘The Bow Legged Beagle’.
What advice would you give to someone thinking of studying an MBA?
Do it. It's that simple.
If you want to enhance your career, create new experiences and progress as an individual, it’s the perfect way.
What have you learned from the guest speakers so far?
That people like me can study this course and be successful.
That everyone enjoys the experience.
That the University gives you the tools necessary to be a success, making use of those tools is down to me (you).
What skills and knowledge do you feel you have developed?
It's only week 4 of my studies so still early days. We are currently focussed on Finance with Kieran and whilst it sounds scary, and yes I so get lost at times, it’s a superb environment to learn in and the quality of the teaching staff is outstanding.
I am enhancing skills I already had and learning to look into areas that I would normally avoid, in much more detail and with a more inquisitive mind.
What aspects of the programme have you enjoyed the most?
Beyond my fellow students, the teaching staff, the University, the city.
I have to say the ‘Insights’ work we have done with Bernie has been brilliant. In many ways it has reaffirmed what I knew about my personality already but the report gives me a new way to understand myself, understand how others perceive and react to me and what ‘triggers’ me. It will be so powerful over the next few years as I reflect on it and try and be more self aware.
What are you enjoying most about living in Liverpool?
I’ve lived here for 30 years. I came as a student and never left. I think that answers the question…
Liverpool is, without doubt, the best city in the UK.