Chester Enslin MBA

The course

Why did you choose to study at the University of Edinburgh Business School (UEBS)?

I have always wanted to complete an MBA. However, over the years, a busy career prevented me from undertaking intensive studies on a full-time basis. The opportunity to study an MBA part-time online was the ideal way for me to be able to complete my MBA.

What was it about the degree programme that particularly attracted you?

The degree offered me two distinct advantages. Firstly, the online format allowed me to study from any location. Secondly, although the courses are structured, I can study at my own pace within set guardrails. This allows for flexibility and adaptability for my busy life.

Your career

Can you tell us about your career before and after graduating?

I started out as a Software Developer, and then became a Consultant at a large multinational consulting firm, where I progressed further. Eventually I was offered a role in the IT division of a large stock exchange. Here I also progressed steadily, and eventually headed up the IT integration for the enterprise.

I completed my undergraduate degree many years ago, and through experience I acquired many of the skills needed to run a large division. However, my skills lacked formal knowledge and training, and hence I elected to pursue an MBA that applies formal discipline to my skillset.

The Online MBA gives me the MBA I always wanted without pausing my career.

Masters of Change

What are the changes you have been able to make in your chosen field, of which you are most proud?

This degree is boosting my confidence. I often interact with senior people, and have always felt ill-at-ease in these settings, particularly around topics such as business strategy and thought leadership. As the degree equips me with relevant skills, I am finding that my confidence and participation is increasing, as I have an ever-growing understanding of business.

How did your studies at the Business School help you to make those changes?

The degree is teaching me new theories and practices. The teaching is focussed on pragmatic implementation, where theory is applied in practice. Part of the course entails working in a real-life scenario to solve business problems for an existing organisation.

Once the theoretical part of a course has been covered, we apply this to real-life scenarios. We’re encouraged to use what we’ve learnt in our own working environment. It means the teachings are applied for the duration of the course, not only at the end.

To me, this practical application of what we learn is the strongest asset of the skills I am acquiring.

What key things that you learnt at the Business School do you still rely on today?

The degree focusses on critical thinking and interpretation which teaches the art of applying these skills objectively to business scenarios. This allows me to thoughtfully consider the ever-changing business world, and the many challenges that surface, by providing a sound framework and reference point to use.

Many of us have good intuition skills but lack the theoretical and interpretation skills needed to explain how we solved a problem. It is a key strength needed in the business world, as it adds more credibility to solutions.

Course highlights and advice

What are your best memories on the programme?

The Business School recognises that online students can miss out on opportunities to interact directly with tutors and fellow students and therefore arranged an in-person event. It significantly strengthened the bond of our cohort, as well as the interactions with tutors. The event was a highlight for me, and allowed me to get to know my fellow students on a deeper level. It also offered me the opportunity to interact with the academic staff, boosting my confidence and setting my mind at ease.