Laura Davies
Executive MBA, 2005
Health Promotion Service Manager, NHS
I work for the NHS as a Health Promotion Service Manager and had been looking at various Masters level programmes as my next challenge. I didn’t want to narrow my options for the future by focusing purely on public health or health promotion, and therefore considered an MBA as the way forward. I felt the management skills would be transferable whatever industry or department I progress to in the future.
I enrolled on the Lancaster EMBA to develop my learning, understanding and skills in the world of management and business. Coming from the public sector, I had little, if any, exposure to areas such as finance and operational management. I was aware that there was a lot I needed to learn in relation to the business world, which is why I chose to explore the MBA in the first place. I knew that, given my background, it would not be easy and I would need to become comfortable with the basics in every subject area, and NOT try to become an expert in anything in particular.
My expectations before coming to Lancaster were: to acquire a first-rate business education and experience my first venture into the private sector. I expected that this would be a time for me to "push my boundaries," step outside of my comfort zone and broaden my perspectives. I feel that this has definitely occurred.
The things that stand out most for me are:
- The modular format of the EMBA course was particularly useful. It allowed me to have dedicated time away to study, allowing me to focus and learn in a more concentrated environment than would be possible on a day-release.
- Although it was very hard work I can now say that I particularly enjoyed the dissertation process. It allowed me the opportunity to fully explore the future of ‘partnerships’ – an issue that is becoming more and more significant in public sector working. It gave me the opportunity to experience this concept further and to question other people's understandings, while also to use the management theory in my own workplace as a way of improving my (and other people's) understanding of the situation.
The Lancaster Executive MBA has been a great exercise for me. It has extended my learning, changed my perspectives and my approach to work.
I've acquired more sensitivity to other viewpoints, I am more thoughtful and experienced, but more importantly I've acquired insights and skills into other areas of practice that I think will benefit me as a manager.
After two years, I have eventually learnt to be more confident. Going into the May presentation I lacked confidence in my ability and was sceptical of the work I had done. However, when the results came through I began to realise that I am more capable than I give myself credit for, and that I need to have the self-assurance to believe in myself.
I conclude that both the taught and lived experiences of the Lancaster MBA have provided an opportunity for self-reflexivity and a platform for a wider questioning of management practice. It has given me greater confidence in my abilities and the assurance to question things more readily. I feel better equipped now to address the outside business world.
