Niall Silvestro MSc

The course

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

I chose the University of Edinburgh Business School because it combines academic excellence with practical relevance. The flexibility of the online format was a major factor for me. It allows me to balance study with both my professional responsibilities and family life as a parent of a young child. That balance was essential, and the programme made it possible without compromising on quality.

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

I want to help organisations move beyond passively collecting data to actually using it to shape strategy and deliver meaningful outcomes. For me, impact means making technology and analytics accessible and actionable for decision-makers so they can confidently (and appropriately!) drive high-quality change.

In my experience, complexity often slows progress, so I see my role as helping organisations turn insight into action to bridge the gap between strategy and data to create solutions that make a real difference. This degree programme gave me this opportunity.

Your career

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

Before starting the MSc, I had built a career in the public sector, working in a large and complex organisation where I progressed from practitioner roles into management. That experience has given me a deep understanding of operational challenges and strategic priorities (and the conflict that emerges between them), and I’ve developed a reputation for delivering innovative, data-driven solutions to complex problems.

Alongside that professional experience, I hold a BSc in Data Science, which gave me a strong technical foundation. The MSc in Data and Decision Analytics is helping me take that foundation to the next level.

Beyond my core role, I contribute to the wider industry both as a member of a computer science industry advisory board as well as a member of the judging panel for the UK Employee Benefits Awards, which gives me exposure to best practice and how organisations use data to inform strategy and measure impact.

I’ve implemented workforce and analytical solutions to identify the impact of insight for decision makers.

Masters of Change

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

Even before completing the MSc, I’ve noticed a shift in how I approach complex challenges. The programme has expanded my toolkit beyond technical capability; it’s given me the confidence and frameworks to tackle problems that previously felt intractable. I’m now able to combine strategic thinking with advanced analytics to create solutions that unlock the potential of organisational data.

This enhanced capability has already influenced the way I lead projects, ensuring that data, technology, and insight are embedded in decision-making rather than treated as an afterthought.

It has also strengthened my credibility to contribute beyond my organisation, enabling me to take on additional roles, where I help shape thinking on how data can drive organisational success.

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

Through my work, I’ve implemented workforce and financial analytics solutions that support the effective management of almost £1bn in annual expenditure, helping decision-makers see the tangible impact of data-driven insights.

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

My studies have given me more than technical knowledge; they have provided the frameworks and confidence to apply advanced analytics in a way that drives strategic impact. As the MSc is part-time, I’ve been able to immediately translate what I’m learning into real-world solutions.

The ‘Time series forecasting’ module was a particular turning point, as it allowed me to combine advanced causality analysis with forecasting to better aid long-term decision-making. I’ve also been able to apply the principles from the ‘Making science relevant to policy and decision-making’ module to bridge the gap between complex data and actionable insights.

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

One of the most valuable things I’ve learnt at the Business School is how to approach complexity. The MSc has taught me to break down ambiguous problems into clear decision models, which is something I now use daily.

I also rely heavily on the ability to critically evaluate data, not just for accuracy, but for relevance and impact. The programme reinforced that analytics is not about numbers alone; it’s about asking the right questions and connecting insights to strategic objectives.

Course highlights and advice

What are your best memories on the programme?

Meeting fellow students from around the world was a real highlight. The diversity of backgrounds and experiences was incredible. Hearing their motivations for undertaking the MSc was inspiring and, from my perspective, only reinforced the global relevance of the skills we’ve committed to develop.

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

Investing in yourself is the best decision you can make. The world is moving fast, but if you commit to continuous learning, you don’t just keep up, you can enjoy riding the wave.