Diana Gallego Marín was looking to build a new future when she took the decision to study for an MBA. Here, Diana explains how the course brought about a step change in her career and why it’s crucial to remain curious in business.
“I first visited the UK on a student exchange trip and I’d wanted to return ever since, so once I’d set my mind on doing an MBA, the UK was always going to be my destination of choice.
“I grew up in Bogotá, Colombia and studied to be an industrial engineer at Pontifica Universidad Javeriana in Bogotá. The course was broad in its focus and covered all facets of business, as well as the technical aspects of being an engineer.
“After graduating and my internship, I joined the oil and gas industry – but after five years working for the same company, I knew it was time for a change.
“Moving between the different streams of the oil industry can be difficult, but I decided I wanted a different future. This is when the idea of undertaking an MBA took root and I began to look at my options.
“To anyone considering studying an MBA, I would say: do your research. It wasn’t a decision I took lightly, it is an investment for life. I spent around 18 months looking at various courses and universities before I made my choice.
“I considered many MBAs in the UK and the University of Glasgow came out top for a number of reasons. Dating back to 1451, it’s one of the oldest universities in the English-speaking world and this history appealed to me, whilst the direct links of the Business School to Adam Smith was also a huge attraction.
“Glasgow has a particularly strong track record of delivering MBAs, it’s a well-established course which is internationally recognised. In fact, whilst I was studying at the Adam Smith Business School, celebrations were held to mark the fortieth anniversary of the programme.
“Another factor that marks Glasgow out from other universities is the deliberately small and diverse cohort of students accepted on the course. This is a striking difference to some universities where you’ll find hundreds of students accepted on the MBA each year.
“The small intake means you receive a lot of 1-2-1 mentoring, teaching and support which is of enormous value, including highly practical help like writing your CV. The staff are genuinely interested in your career ambitions and in helping you to achieve them.
“The small cohort also means classes are interactive. With a good balance of tuition and discussion, there is more opportunity for students to participate and have their say than would be the case with a larger intake.
“Great thought is put into who is accepted on the course, so you’ll find people of all ages, backgrounds and professional experience, home and overseas students. It is an exceptionally diverse environment. The international feel of the course has definitely helped me in my career as it broadened my outlook. I’m better equipped to work in a multinational company than before.
“One other factor that made Glasgow standout to me was that a mentor early on in my career completed their MBA at the Adam Smith Business School, I was impressed by their knowledge, skills and helpfulness – so this too influenced my choice.
“In addition to the core syllabus, there are a lot of options from which to choose, so you can suit your personal academic and career ambitions, whether they be in a finance, strategy or marketing direction. It was these electives which really brought about a step change in my career, as it enabled me to develop my strategic and marketing skills in addition to my supply chain experience.
“The team-consulting project was also immensely valuable, as it provided us with the opportunity to put theory into practice working on real business scenarios. As the leader of my team it gave me the chance to hone my leadership skills.
“One of the most inspiring moments of my professional career was the opportunity to listen to Tim Cook, CEO of Apple, who was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Science by the university. His talk about professional aspirations and business strategy made me even more aware of the importance of remaining curious, of how we should find new ways to deepen our knowledge, whatever our background or level of expertise. You never stop learning. In addition, a range of guest speaker and networking events were organised for the MBA students on top of the main course curriculum – all of which were really worthwhile.
“Taking a broad perspective is the richness of an MBA. Ultimately they help you to think more strategically, to evaluate and challenge businesses. The MBA has enabled me to analyse businesses from many perspectives, which was perhaps the most valuable thing about the course.
“Overall, the MBA enhanced my business acumen and opened the door to new career opportunities. Completing my MBA has enabled me to change the direction of my career. Before the course, almost all of my experience was in the upstream sector of the oil and gas industry, but since finishing the MBA, I’ve been working in the downstream or post production sector of the industry, which is a difficult switch to make.
“My early career was almost wholly in supply and procurement making sure all of the materials and equipment were in place to facilitate production and operation, but since completing the MBA I’ve been based in marketing and sales, working towards finding ways to grow across the value chain. As a commercial analyst, I’ve been supporting the definition of short and long term strategy for commercial performance. I wouldn’t have been able to make such a significant career change without the MBA.
“Glasgow has to be one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. It offers a captivating mix of city living with a huge range of cultural activities on your doorstep, stunning architecture, picturesque green spaces and scenic countryside nearby – all of which make it very special.
“Travelling overseas to study in a country where I wouldn’t be speaking my first language certainly had its challenges, but I found everyone extremely friendly and welcoming. It was such a good experience I never wanted to leave.
“If I was to go back and choose my MBA again, I wouldn’t change a thing, I’d definitely choose Glasgow – it has been one of the best experiences of my life. It opened the doors to new opportunities for me.”
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