Katie Gideon MBA

The course

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

My current company gave me the opportunity to relocate to Edinburgh, Scotland from Houston, Texas to expand my role. The University of Edinburgh Business School was a good fit for me because of the programme structure, the global perspective it provides and the location.

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

Working in the private consulting sector as part of the technical operations team, I felt I wanted to expand my global business knowledge. The MBA programme offered the business management knowledge necessary to help me in my current position, as well as in my future career. The online structure allows me to continue to remain active within my industry and study at the same time.

Your career

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

I graduated from the United States Naval Academy and spent nine years in active-duty as a Surface Warfare Officer. I’ve always been in a leadership and management position working with a wide range of skilled professionals and technical subject matter experts.

As a Senior Environmental Project Manager with Tetra Tech RPS, I have continued to strengthen my management skills in the private sector, managing environmental compliance for clients and supporting our operations team during offshore energy surveys. The MBA degree programme helps me fill in my knowledge gaps beyond operations.

The international networking opportunities gave me a global perspective on business.

How did your degree prepare you for your career?

The degree has opened additional opportunities for me within my industry as well as future positions.

Masters of Change

What notable changes has your degree enabled you to make in your professional or personal life?

In my professional life, the degree has filled in some knowledge gaps, expanding my knowledge beyond my technical and operational expertise. It has also expanded my knowledge of global business management and given me adaptable skills to support my current role.

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

I have a better understanding of the larger strategic plans and intentions within my company. I’ve been able to use my new expertise to improve services for our clients and our industry.

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

I liked the mix of lectures, tutorials, and case studies from relevant companies and organisations. Using real and specific company examples in the learning improved my understanding of the global business market.

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

The networking opportunities provided on an international scale, across different industries, gives me a unique and invaluable global perspective.

The strategic leadership course was very impactful and the conversations and skills built are very relevant to me.

Course highlights and advice

What are your best memories on the programme?

The programme is fully online and I loved the flexibility it provided to me. As an MBA cohort we were able to interact so much during online tutorials and group projects, as well as during informal events. It was so good to have that support and insight on a programme like this.

What one piece of advice would you give to current students and recent graduates?

Continue to build on the relationships you make within the programme cohort, the MBA team, and the wider University and utilise the network you create.