Making dramatic changes in life University of Exeter
- RalphUnited Kingdom
- University Of Exeter, United Kingdom
- MBA
- Postgraduate
- 2008
I completed my MBA at Exeter University in 2001. This was quite a surprise on reflection, for at school I was a frustration to my teachers. My primary fascination was for motorcycles and rock music that all too easily distracted me from my academic studies!
As I gained promotion in my job, I felt it essential to complement practical experience with a detailed understanding of management theory. I completed a Diploma in Management in 1997 and found to my amazement at the ripe old age of 37 that I actually enjoyed studying and being challenged with new ideas (my poor school teachers would have been even more amazed!). The MBA at Exeter was a natural progression management training. I deliberately chose the full time MBA to enjoy the university experience that I missed when I was younger, and had fantastic support from my wife Gaynor.
The MBA marked a dramatic change in my life. I gained a new confidence in myself through meeting the challenging array of different management theory that characterises the MBA. As I neared the end of the programme, I believed that I was ready for a new direction. I felt that my best opportunity to make a significant contribution was through the world of management consultancy but I wanted this to be to my own model.
In 2001 I took the plunge and formed Complementary Management Services Ltd and faced the daunting prospect of competing in the world of management consulting. The University of Exeter has been absolutely pivotal to my success. My initial contract came as a result of an Exeter Alumnus enquiry from BAE Systems looking for process management support for developing the next generation of aircraft carrier. The MBA at Exeter has changed my whole direction in life. I have recently been accepted at Exeter to undertake a PHD in the use of viable systems modelling to help understand the challenges of partnership working. This will directly complement my work at Sutton. Not everything has changed however, although I am now a committed academic, I do still own a motorcycle!
Institution info
Located in Southern England.
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Rankings for this institution
- Times Good University Guide 2012: 10
- SHJT: 301-400
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