Toshiki Takahashi MSc

The course

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

Growing up in Shizuoka, a small town in Japan, I developed a strong desire to expand my horizons and build a career with a global perspective.

The University of Edinburgh Business School, and the MSc Management programme in particular, combined academic quality, exceptional diversity and a flexible curriculum which stood out to me. The tailored learning approach offered the opportunity to explore a wide range of subjects, enabling me to refine my interests and strengthen my capabilities for future career opportunities.

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

I have been inspired by the stories of business leaders who have built enterprises that create meaningful impact. One of my long-term ambitions is to start my own business, and with my bachelor’s degree in a different field, I was seeking a programme that would provide a comprehensive foundation in business.

The MSc Management at UEBS offered a wide range of courses across key business disciplines, along with dedicated entrepreneurship modules. These provide practical insights into how businesses are created and grown. Combined with the School’s international outlook and emphasis on real-world application, the programme aligned perfectly with my personal goals and career aspirations.

Your career

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

I began my career in the high frequency trading division at Société Générale, where I observed the critical role of technology in driving business success. This inspired me to build skills that bridge IT and business, leading to roles in fintech and e-commerce start-ups, where I gained first-hand experience in launching and running businesses.

Since graduating, I have worked in a number of roles, leading to my current job as a Business Analyst at Tata Consultancy Services, where I support major airline clients. Understanding both technology and business objectives allows me to deliver meaningful results and contribute to projects that drive growth in the airline industry. As someone passionate about travel, it’s especially rewarding to see how our work helps improve the experiences of travellers around the world.

How did your degree prepare you for your career?

My degree gave me a strong understanding of business principles allowing me to see the bigger picture within large organisations and better understand how different functions connect to create value. When this foundation is combined with practical, technical skills, it becomes a powerful competitive edge that truly sets me apart in the professional world.

I have found it fulfilling to contribute to a large-scale initiative that has a positive impact on so many people.

Masters of Change

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

The University of Edinburgh’s reputation helped me to gain valuable further experience. Studying in an international environment broadened my global outlook and strengthened my ability to work with people from diverse cultures. The friends I made at UEBS, along with their life stories and ambitions, inspired me to strive to be a better person. These connections remain strong and the memories we created together continue to shape me to this day.

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

I am currently involved in the New Distribution Capability (NDC) project, which is transforming how airlines and travel sellers exchange information. This new communication standard enables airlines to provide more personalised and dynamic fare options to travellers.

It has been a challenging project, as the systems involved are complex and require close coordination among many stakeholders. However, through effective team communication and by providing clear, practical solutions to clients, we have been able to successfully deliver the project. Hearing positive feedback afterwards was incredibly rewarding and I have found it fulfilling to contribute to such a large-scale initiative that has a positive impact on so many people.

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

My studies gave me a strong foundation in analytical thinking, problem-solving and effective communication - all of which have been essential in managing a complex project like NDC. The coursework and group projects also helped me understand how to approach challenges strategically and collaborate with people from diverse backgrounds. These experiences have directly influenced the way I communicate with stakeholders, lead discussions, and develop practical solutions.

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

What I still rely on most from my time at UEBS is the mindset it gave me - to stay curious, think broadly, and approach every challenge with an open and solution-oriented attitude. The programme also taught me to see things from both a strategic and human perspective - balancing data-driven decisions with empathy and real-world understanding.

Course highlights and advice

What are your best memories on the programme?

My best memories come from the many collaborative projects where I had the opportunity to work with ambitious classmates, and we often continued our discussions and teamwork outside the classroom. We learned a great deal from one another, both academically and personally. I especially enjoyed the times when we shared our home countries’ foods and cultures.

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

My advice to current students and recent graduates is to embrace every opportunity to learn beyond the classroom - whether through internships, networking, or real-world projects. Building diverse skills and relationships will not only deepen your knowledge but also open doors to unexpected career paths.