Valentina Kaiser MBA

The course

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

I have two young children under the age of four. It was my ambition to do an MBA, and having first applied to universities in Switzerland, my Mum encouraged me to be braver, and to apply to top schools like the University of Edinburgh. Not only is it amongst one of the oldest universities in the UK, it's one of the few to offer a modern version of the MBA that can suit a busy lifestyle without compromising on work-life balance.

Your career

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

I originally specialised in finance, working at Ernst & Young and BDO in London. I then joined a niche tech consulting firm as an Innovation Consultant and had the opportunity to deepen my knowledge about technology. After that I joined IQVIA in Milan before relocating back to IQVIA London. I worked alongside senior leadership teams supporting them on various strategic assignments.

My MBA gives me the ability to pursue opportunities in strategy and consulting.

How did your degree prepare you for your career?

My MBA gives me a broad range of skills and knowledge, including important communication skills which I rely on for client presentations and internal project work.

Having studied international business, finance, analytics and now an MBA, I am able to develop and pursue work opportunities outside of a fixed job title or service line.

Masters of Change

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

The MBA has allowed me to see my professional life as more of a journey, not tied to one company or role. As my mind grows, it's easier for me to see that the world is filled with more opportunities than I had initially imagined.

The MBA has also empowered me to make better decisions in my personal life, both from having deeper and more honest conversations, to making tougher decisions.

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

I’m happy to have been able to leverage the knowledge gained through my MBA and work experience to pursue more opportunities in strategy and consulting.

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

Some of the key strategic concepts, communication strategy, data and analytics skills as well as professional development I use on an almost daily basis.

Course highlights and advice

What are your best memories on the programme?

My favourite memory is the strategic engagement assignment where the class worked on a business case for the Managing Director of Johnson & Johnson UK. It was an exceptional opportunity to work with senior leadership.

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

Make connections with those around you including students, lecturers and support staff. Ask them to introduce you to two people who can help or guide you on your career path. Then ask those new contacts to introduce you to another two, and before you know it, you have a network of people who can help you navigate your career and life, opening the doors that you never thought possible.