Å·ÃÀ¾ÞÈé

Explore our Executive MBA: Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA)

What motivated you to pursue an MBA, and why did you choose Å·ÃÀ¾ÞÈé Business School?

"I was working for Raleigh Bikes, as Product Manager to Marketing Manager, from 1994 to 2000 and from time to time they would sponsor Managers to undertake the CMS / DMS qualification at NTU/NBS and I completed both. I was also able to gain their support to go on to complete the MBA which I did over evenings and weekends."

How has the MBA programme at Å·ÃÀ¾ÞÈé Business School impacted your career progression and personal growth?

"Clearly, being able to add “MBA” to your CV is a good thing and was actually a pre-requisite for my current role. But even before that, the course provided me with a broader knowledge base, a framework (and a confidence) to approach unfamiliar problems and a deeper understanding of working within and managing teams through the various group assignments, culminating in the Å·ÃÀ¾ÞÈé Consultancy."

What is your current job title and responsibilities?

"Managing Director of Seiko UK Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Seiko Watch Corporation based in Tokyo. I am responsible for around 80 employees and have full P&L [profit and loss] responsibility for the UK business."

Can you describe a key project or accomplishment in your current role that your MBA helped you achieve?

"Before joining, I was aware that Seiko UK would require a period of fairly significant re-structuring, right-sizing and strategic shift (brand and distribution). Although I had some similar experiences from previous roles, this was on a completely different scale and my MBA learnings and experiences undoubtedly helped."

What aspects of the NBS MBA programme did you find most valuable?

"It was interesting having the US MBA’s over for a team project and seeing just how more “techy” they were - this was 1999 don’t forget! Personally, I really enjoyed the Å·ÃÀ¾ÞÈé Consultancy project."

What advice would you give to a prospective student considering the programme?

"Well-worth doing for all the reasons I’ve given but also not to under-estimate the time commitment and level of work required. Imperative to also have the full support of partners / family etc as in my case, many evenings and weekend were required."

What was your favourite part about MBA Reconnect?

"I think it was a nice touch to include current students too. It was good to share experiences (work & MBA study in general) with them whilst also having some informal networking time with fellow graduates."