Poliana Riemer MSc

The course

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

I had been working in the power sector and wanted a degree that would deepen my strategic understanding while giving me a truly global perspective. Europe has long been at the forefront of conversations around the future of energy markets, and I wanted exposure to that environment. After researching programmes in the UK and Ireland, the University of Edinburgh Business School stood out for its reputation, international cohort, and the strength of its faculty.

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

The in-person, highly international nature of the programme was a major draw. I appreciated that it welcomed people from a wide range of backgrounds and that it combined strategy with an understanding of broader market transitions. That balance aligned perfectly with the direction I wanted for my career.

Your career

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

Before my Master’s, I worked in marketing within the renewable energy sector. After graduating, I joined Priority Power, where my role is more strategically focused. Today I work at the intersection of marketing, technology adoption, and the modernisation of the power system - an area that is becoming increasingly important as AI, data-centre growth, and rising demand place new pressures on an already aging grid.

How did your degree prepare you for your career?

The degree strengthened my strategic thinking and gave me the confidence to operate at a higher level within the industry. The international exposure helped me understand different market approaches - especially how the UK and Europe are evolving along slightly different trajectories from the US. That perspective has been valuable in my current role, where I help communicate complex energy challenges to a diverse set of stakeholders.

It also added a strong academic credential to my CV, and my current employer was impressed by my dissertation, which earned the top score of my class.

I help shape how the power sector communicates its evolving role in a rapidly changing energy landscape.

Masters of Change

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

I’m more intentional about my career and clearer about the type of impact I want to make. Professionally, the degree opened doors to more advanced roles and increased my earning potential. Personally, it gave me the confidence to pursue opportunities that align with my long-term ambitions.

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

At Priority Power, I’ve been proud to help modernise how we communicate our role in optimising energy use for businesses - whether through improving grid efficiency, integrating the right technologies, or preparing for increasing power demands driven by AI and data-centre growth.

I’ve contributed to developing the new brand direction and guidelines, am supporting the launch of our new corporate website, manage a digital media specialist, and plan to continue to build my team in the near future.

This role, combined with my studies, has sharpened both my strategic and leadership skills, allowing me to support the growth of a fast-rising national brand within a dynamic space.

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

The Edinburgh Award in Global Employability strengthened my networking capabilities, which I’ve applied consistently in interviews, industry events, and partnerships.

I also refined my public-speaking skills - first through managing and presenting my consultancy project, and then as the student orator at graduation. Those experiences have been invaluable in my current role, where clear communication is essential.

Beyond that, I rely on lessons in cross-cultural collaboration, systems thinking, qualitative research, and the strategic function of marketing within a global, fast-changing industry.

Course highlights and advice

What are your best memories on the programme?

Writing my dissertation was a standout experience - I chose a topic I found meaningful, worked with an industry-leading company, and had excellent support from my supervisor. Being awarded the highest dissertation score in the programme was a proud moment.

Outside academia, my time in Edinburgh was incredibly special. The city’s blend of culture, nature, history, and music, along with the friendships for life and mentors I gained, made it a formative chapter in my life.

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

I would recommend a Master’s after you have a few years of experience in the workforce so that you can get the most out of the programme, apply the concepts and contribute to class discussions.