Why did you decide to study an MBA?
Working in TV has been exciting and creatively fulfilling. I’ve learned about all types of people and how to make series that audiences over the world enjoy.
However, my job moved primarily online during the pandemic, and I found myself spending all day editing in one corner of my apartment. I spent years working with teams in New York and Los Angeles that I will likely never meet outside of Zoom. I started missing the in-person collaboration that defined the earlier part of my career. Then, I discovered football and became fascinated with storytelling in sports.
I wanted to pivot into working in sports media and was delighted to find the Football Industries MBA (FIMBA) – the only programme of its kind – to help me make this career transition. Having no prior business education, I was intrigued by the idea of learning about football within a core business context. I feel confident that this foundation will equip me with vital transferable skills no matter where I end up after graduation.
What do you feel has been the most rewarding element of the programme?
Being in a cohort of professionals from around the globe gives incredible insight into different cultures and perspectives, both in and out of class. Everyone has a unique life experience to bring to the table.
What do you do when you are not studying?
I try to go out and explore Liverpool, it is such a wonderful city with a lot of history and beautiful architecture, so when time allows it, I enjoy going for a walk through the city with some of my MBA classmates or alone.
Watching live football as well, we’ve had the opportunity to attend some games at Anfield which has been incredible!
What advice would you give to someone thinking of studying an MBA?
Big picture advice: Begin with the end in mind. Get clear about what you want out of the MBA and start building your toolkit from day one of your course to get there.
Practical advice: Learn some Excel and PowerPoint before you arrive! You’ll be doing lots of calculations and can make all your presentations sing if you know how to translate data into stories/graphics.
Why did you choose the Management School?
I chose the Management School because of its triple accreditation, impressive faculty and access to leaders in the business field through events like talks and site visits.
What have you learned from the guest speakers so far?
The speakers have provided tremendous insight into how businesses and business leaders make decisions, as well as how influential company culture is in guiding employee behaviour.
What skills and knowledge do you feel you have developed?
The theories I’ve learned about strategy, organisation, and leadership have provided so many interesting ways for me to think about how I interact in a business environment. My Excel and PowerPoint skills have increased enormously through application in assessments.
One of our Accelerator Week activities about networking illuminated several actionable steps I can take when I find myself at a professional event where I don’t know anybody.
And my best friend is an accountant who is absolutely thrilled that I can finally speak her language about corporate financial statements!
What aspects of the programme have you enjoyed the most?
I’ve really enjoyed the FIMBA site visits to Anfield and Goodison Park. I also took on a role as a Representative of the Staff-Student Liaison Committee, which is helping develop my leadership skills on behalf of my fellow students. As part of my Rep duties, I helped organise a friendly football match against the FIFA Masters programme. The other FIMBA students are very patient with the fact that I am the weakest link on the pitch.
What are you enjoying most about living in Liverpool?
It’s been ages since I’ve lived in a walkable city, and I’ve never lived in a city with so much to do! It takes me seven minutes to walk to class and I could stop at four different places to get coffee or lunch on the way if I wanted. I love that there are tons of shops and museums, and trains and buses to take me anywhere I can’t get on foot. It helps that the locals are so friendly as well.
I’ve lived in many places – some that I’ve loved and some that I haven’t. Liverpool is amazing. Zero regrets about my decision to come here.