Bridget McCarthy MSc

The course

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

Having worked in the human resource management space (primarily in international organisations) for over 20 years, I wanted to explore the theory and research behind many of the practices with which I was familiar, more deeply.

The MSc in International Human Resource Management offered by UEBS appealed to me when comparing programmes with other universities. The opportunity to study in the city of Edinburgh tipped the scales in its favour. I'd first visited Edinburgh 10 years prior and had been smitten ever since...

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

Its international focus, one-year duration, student development (Edinburgh Award) resources, and, most importantly, its Edinburgh campus.

Your career

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

My career has always been spent primarily in the human resources space – specialising in leadership and organisational development, succession planning and change management – while working in international organisations in the private sector and UN.

I've lived and worked as an expat in over 14 countries throughout North and South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. The majority of my roles have been leading the function or providing strategic thought leadership while navigating challenging situations or major organisational transformation.

My studies enabled me to become a member of an incredibly valuable alumni and academic community.

How did your degree prepare you for your career?

My MSc in IHRM equipped me with a depth and breadth in international human resource management that I would not have gained otherwise. It has given me confidence in the latest research, or to know at least where I can find it, when implementing practices in my field. Now I know that both my employers and clients are benefiting from sound and evidence-based solutions.

Masters of Change

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

Professionally speaking, my studies have enabled me access to and become a member of an incredibly valuable and distinguished alumni and academic community. The degree also instilled in me an insatiable curiosity to continue my learning journey. So much so, that I may pursue a professional doctorate (DBA) in HR management in the near future.

Personally speaking, I am committed to giving back to the School as much as I can - no matter where I am. It energises me - makes me happy! Since graduating in 2016, I continue to support the Student Development Team by serving as a mentor, a guest speaker, and workshop facilitator.

I have often made an annual journey to the School from places as far away as Hungary, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia, Stockholm and Colombia. I have enjoyed my experience with the School and in Edinburgh so much that I recently bought a flat here.

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

Since completing my MSc in International Human Resource Management, I have become more strategic in my approach. I rely less on "tried and true" transactional solutions from my toolkit and take risks showcasing what I learned during my studies.

I am more curious about the latest research and more confident now about highlighting the theory that underpins many HR practices and activities.

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

"The Production Game" enabled me to experience first-hand the learnings and the lessons from Tuckman's Stages of Group Development - aka the Tuckman Model.

I've gone so far as to re-enact or recreate mini-versions of the production game in my management and leadership development programmes. They have proven to be extremely popular and successful in introducing the participants to the concepts of building their own teams.

Reading about the model is one thing but actually experiencing its value is much better.

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

I learnt how to develop my critical thinking skills and support my arguments with many types of evidence, including both qualitative AND quantitative data.

Course highlights and advice

What are your best memories on the programme?

The lectures, the tutorials, the student development activities, the classmates, the professors, Burns Night, the Production Game, the campus and how the campus extends to the rest of Edinburgh...this non-exhaustive list is in no particular order and I could go on!

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

Embrace learning in all of its forms, not just from your professors or from your classmates, from your courses or from your research. Look for it EVERYWHERE and from EVERYONE.