Class profile
Find out about the diverse industry backgrounds and nationalities of a typical MBA class.
View the MBA class profileCareer outcomes
The success of our MBA programme is reflected in the career destinations of our graduates.
View alumni career outcomesWhat our students think
Erin Bembe
Senior Financial Analyst, Johnson & Johnson
After I graduated in 2010 with a BA in Economics, I became a Financial Specialist at the Federal Highway Administration in Washington DC. I returned to study as I had progressed as far as I could in my current role and I also wanted to move from the public sector into the private sector.
I chose the University of Edinburgh for its global reputation, its location, and because of the length of the MBA programme (1 year compared to 2 in the US).
The MBA is an intense full-time program providing an overview of business with the option to specialize in an area of interest. There is a strong focus on sustainability and corporate social responsibility as well as the development of leadership and other soft skills.
Because the school is so well placed in Europe and has such a good reputation, it attracts students from all over the world, providing a diverse and stimulating learning environment. The opportunities to learn beyond the classroom are vast – from international business treks to case competitions and undergraduate mentoring programs.
The programme allowed me to develop both my technical skills and my soft skills which were instrumental in landing me my current job. I am now a Senior Financial Analyst for Johnson & Johnson and was introduced to my current company through the programme’s Capstone project.
Having an alumni community that I can tap into is important to me. The network I’ve built thus far has been a huge support in my post-MBA life.
The programme is quite rigorous and the city can be a huge distraction, so it is essential to find the right balance between studying and enjoying all that Edinburgh has to offer. Make sure to take advantage of all the opportunities the school provides for development outside of the classroom.
Jess Webb
Non-Executive Director UNE Life and Non-Executive Board Member, Beef Australia
The MBA helped me move beyond my technical background in Marketing & Communications and provided me with a suite of wider skills, which led to opportunities I never imagined would have been available without the qualification. I was approached for various roles in companies, which I do not think, would have come my way without the MBA experience.
The Edinburgh MBA is the perfect blend of career development and lifestyle. Living life in Scotland for a short while and taking advantage of all that is on your doorstep in terms of work experience, as well as travel, was really unique coming from Australia. I loved living in Edinburgh – a global city rich in history but still affordable and small enough to walk across town, with the University at the heart of the city.
I really enjoyed honing my financial knowledge because this is a fundamental step in building your capability in management, no matter the sector or industry. Walking away more comfortable with that aspect of business has been valuable to me. Additionally, the program places a lot of emphasis on developing the ‘softer’ leadership skills like emotional intelligence, active listening, and influencing, which are all critical components of good leadership.
Meeting my business ‘hero’ on the Women in Leadership Trek in London which eventuated in a summer internship and capstone project in her company – then a job offer to work for her – still pinching myself that it even happened!
Undertaking the MBA was like drinking from a fire hose – with so much content and so many opportunities it can be hard to fit them all into 12 short months! The University of Edinburgh has a strong global brand and the city itself is full of character, so if you are lucky enough to take the time out from your life and job to do a full-time MBA, then the Edinburgh MBA will provide you with a wonderful blend of experiences you’ll look back on and cherish.
Tuta Wamanga
MBA Alumni
What attracted you to the Business School?
I liked the fact that the MBA class is quite mature and diverse and I felt I would be able to learn a lot from my classmates. The MBA has offered me the chance to get further international exposure through the exchange programme option, which fits perfectly with my career goals.
What has the Edinburgh MBA allowed you to achieve?
Personal development is a key aspect of the MBA. In addition to the theoretical concepts that I have been exposed to on the range of subjects that I am taking, I have been able to enhance my soft skills. I have also had numerous opportunities to network within and outside the School.
Edinburgh is a beautiful city and it is a joy to visit. It is highly cosmopolitan and the people are friendly – they are always willing to give a helping hand when you cannot find where you are going!
How did you find the application process?
The application process was straightforward. The staff that I interacted with during the process were friendly and encouraging, queries were answered promptly and this enhanced the positive feeling I had about the School.
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