Graduates from the University of Edinburgh Business School are highly sought after globally. Transitioning into a future career after achieving a degree is a priority for our students. We therefore have specialist support available. We are here to help you become equipped to maximise your potential in the global market.

Student registering at event

Graduate employment

AI is reshaping business landscapes and is arguably one of the most transformative forces we are facing. The latest Future of Jobs Report, published by the World Economic Forum (2025), highlights that expected demand from employers is set to grow over the coming years with technological skills projected to grow in importance more rapidly than any other skill. Among these AI and big data top the list as the fastest-growing skills (87% net increase) in importance. Almost half of organisations are expecting to reorient their business models towards new AI-driven opportunities.

The programme will be of particular interest to those who are keen to influence or drive change through the uptake of AI and digital tools. We foresee a number of potential ways that individuals who study with us will influence and deliver change. These includes via:

  • Management roles within large organisations responsible for managing digital and AI projects and shaping the digital/AI projects portfolio;
  • Management consultancy, whether as part of a team or specialist function, delivering AI and digital transformation for clients;
  • Business Development roles within the area of AI and digital product;
  • Promoting the adoption of AI solutions within a corporate or public organisation.

We expect the programme to open a range of career pathways for our graduates. Roles we anticipate being among these pathways include:

  • Digital Information Manager
  • AI/Digital Transformation Lead
  • Management Consultant
  • AI or Digital Transformation Consultant
  • AI or Digital Transformation Specialist
  • AI or Digital Business Development Specialist
  • AI Solutions Manager
  • Digital Portfolio Manager
  • Strategic Digital Manager
  • Digital Product Manager
  • Digital Growth Manager
  • AI or Digital Innovation Lead
  • AI or Digital Advisor (e.g. within start-up ecosystems such as accelerators or incubators)
  • AI or Digital Programme Lead
  • AI or Digital Policy Advisor
  • AI or Digital Engagement Officer

Student Development Team

Our dedicated Student Development Team works with you to develop your global employability; the skills, knowledge and experiences that you will need to enter, thrive, and progress in competitive job markets across the world.

Career Development is a life-long activity that requires self-awareness, personal responsibility and planning. To get this right, our students need support and tools that are tailored to each individual’s needs and aspirations.

The Student Development Team will be an integral part of your student experience from day one, helping you become equipped to maximise your potential in the global market.

This forms part of the strong coaching culture you’ll experience within your Master’s Programme. It creates an environment that supports you to become more successful in both your professional and personal lives.

Below are a few examples of some of the activity that we host to support you in your career development journey.

Employability and Careers Expo

This is one of our flagship events - a fantastic opportunity to develop your practical employability skills, gain business insights and network with professionals who are currently in the types of roles you may wish to pursue.

The Employability & Careers Expo: Through a series of workshops, panels and discussions, students can equip themselves with new skills and insights to help reach their long term career goals.

Edinburgh Award in Global Employability

As part of your MSc programme you will have the opportunity to further enhance your employability credentials by taking part in the Edinburgh Award.

By proactively working on your own individually tailored development plan, you can gain official recognition through the Edinburgh Award in Global Employability. You will choose 3 core skills to develop during your year. As a participant you will also be offered one-to-one coaching, peer networking opportunities; workshops on topics such as leadership, time management and advanced presentation skills as well as access to a ‘Skills Vault’.

In addition to receiving an official certificate from the University, completing the Award will be recognised on your Higher Education Achievement Report (HEAR).

One-to-One Coaching: How can you benefit from Coaching?

You can benefit from coaching to lead you towards success at the University of Edinburgh Business School and beyond.

Skills, Opportunities and Networks

Skills

The above examples of activity are just some of the opportunities you will have to develop your skillset out with the classroom. Across your academic year you can benefit from a series of sessions - run by the Student Development Team - that cover a range of topics including:

  • Presentation skills
  • Resilience
  • Networking
  • Job search strategies
  • Self awareness

For specific and tailored career advice and coaching you can book 1-to-1 sessions with a member of the Student Development Team to discuss:

  • Tailored CV and application advice
  • LinkedIn profile reviews
  • Careers guidance
  • Interview or assessment centre practice

Opportunities

All our MSc programmes also offer various built-in opportunities to engage with companies and alumni; an important step in your networking skills development but these opportunities also allow you to find out more about different career paths. Examples of programme-specific opportunities include:

  • Career and Employability Treks (please note these may be in and around Edinburgh or further afield and may have limited places)
  • Guest lectures
  • Alumni panel discussions
  • Career lounges
  • Company sponsored dissertations

Industry opportunities

Networks

The Student Development Team is on hand to help you build your confidence in networking skills. We do this by running events that give you the opportunity to practice your networking skills in a supportive environment. Throughout your time at the Business School you will also have the chance to grow your own network via students, staff, alumni and industry contact.

In addition to the Student Development team, there are many other services and societies across the university which may help with your professional development, such as:

Got questions? Get in touch

Jo McLaren

Jo McLaren

Student Development Manager

jmclare3@ed.ac.uk