What was your study and/or professional background prior to this programme?
I originally studied mechatronic engineering and started my career designing and installing solar and battery systems across South Africa. Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to work across several parts of the energy sector, including asset management, project development, and now energy trading.
What was it about the degree programme that particularly attracted you?
There were two primary things that attracted me to the MSc in Data and Decision Analytics (Online) programme. The first was the content. The course covers several data science concepts I use every day, and I wanted to dive deeper into the theory behind what I was doing.
The second was the method of delivery.
I really value the flexibility that comes with online learning. Since starting the course, I have lived in three different countries, and that flexibility has helped make that possible.
Student experience
How many people are on your programme and what is the diversity mix like?
There are around 15 people on the course, with an extremely diverse mix of backgrounds and geographies, which has made group projects especially interesting. Coordinating across time zones has also been an education in itself, and occasionally a test of everyone’s calendar skills. I haven’t had to do that in my work yet, but the programme has been a fantastic introduction to it.
What does a typical day look like for you on this programme?
I’m a morning person, so during term time I like to do my coursework before my day starts. Typically, I begin at around 6am and spend one to two hours studying, depending on whether I need to go into the office, before starting my workday. That said, I’d be lying if I said the studying always stops there. I often find myself doing a bit of revision on the train home as well.
What course(s) have you enjoyed the most so far and why?
My favourite has been ‘Applied Decision Optimisation’. Optimisation is a branch of mathematics that has always interested me, although I’d never really had the chance to use it in practice. It was exciting to finally dive into it and learn as much as I could.
Although you are studying online, have you had the opportunity to come to Edinburgh?
I have! I’ve made the trip to Edinburgh twice so far. I now live in England, so it’s relatively close. I absolutely love the city, and it’s always an awesome experience wandering about the campus. I would love to live in Edinburgh one day. I haven’t yet met up with anyone from my cohort, but that’s definitely in the works.
Can you tell us a bit about the support on the programme?
Something that has stood out to me is how supportive the staff at the Business School have been. The support extends well beyond the course material itself. There are regular career guidance sessions, mentoring opportunities, and talks from extremely interesting external speakers. The programme team is highly engaged and are genuinely invested in helping students succeed both academically and professionally.
What do you like to do when you have downtime from working and studying?
When I’m not studying, I love exploring everything the UK has to offer. My wife and I really enjoy taking road trips around the country and discovering new towns, countryside and coastal areas. It has been a great way to experience the UK beyond the classroom. I have also been introduced to football since moving here, which has been a lot of fun and a great way to connect with the local culture.
Looking ahead
What are you hoping to do after you graduate from this programme?
I plan to stay in the energy sector, which I care deeply about. At the moment I work in a fairly technical role, and parts of the programme have already helped strengthen that foundation. Over time, I hope to move into something more strategic, helping shape decisions at a broader level. What I value most about this degree is that it goes beyond technical methods and also focuses on how analytical insights are applied and communicated to senior stakeholders. I believe that combination will be invaluable in helping me make that transition.
Do you have any tips for people considering applying to the Business School?
Just do it! I started my masters a few years into working, and I think that timing has been fantastic, as I’ve been able to apply what I’m learning directly in practice. My advice would be to see it as an investment in yourself and to make the most of the flexibility the programme offers.