David Lakin

Why Surrey Business School?

I was aware of the excellent reputation Surrey Business School had and, after a little research, I quickly concluded that Surrey met all my requirements for supporting me as I took on the challenge of studying an Executive MBA (EMBA). I was immediately impressed by how professional the Business School was with its first-class network of business experts from across the world, providing students with a rich mix of academic and real-world knowledge.

I attended a virtual taster session over Zoom, back when Zoom was relatively new to us all. This said Chris Mahon, the MBA Programmes Director and the team were still able to clearly outline the structure of an EMBA, the modules and more importantly, the learning outcomes. Chris was joined by a member of his lecturing team who presented an example of a typical module lecture on sustainability, which I personally found very helpful to gain a brief glimpse into what and how I would be learning.

The skills learnt on the Surrey MBA

Studying an EMBA has really enabled me to hone and build an array of different skills, from presentation techniques, ideation and working with others in group work to pitch business plans to real-life investors. I have quickly transferred these skills, learned on the Surrey EMBA, into my professional life, demonstrably enhancing my professional practice.

Not only am I now able to understand the terminology used in the board room, for example, but I am implementing my learning in my day-to-day role, applying the various tools and techniques introduced to us over the course of the EMBA in very well delivered modules.

The quality of the academic staff at Surrey Business School is one of the reasons EMBA students do so well and finish their studies with not only the qualification but having had a rich experience and gained valuable insights on specialised topics from leading experts. There’s a real sense that each member of the Business School wants to provide the very best learning experience for their students. The facilities could not be better - I was instantly impressed by the quality of the lecture rooms and the equipment available. As EMBA students, the majority of our lectures have been held at Horsley Towers which not only provide excellent facilities, including lunch but also has accommodation for those who have further to travel on a weekend and want to stay over.

Balancing an MBA

“Success is all the sweeter if a little sacrifice is endured along the way”. For me, balancing my EMBA with my home life and work hasn’t been too difficult. I’m very lucky to have a very supportive and understanding family, and my employer, The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), has generously funded my course fees. My colleagues at the IET are always on hand to provide insight and information for my assignments when I’ve based them on the organisation. This support has allowed me to have the freedom to throw myself into my studies. That said, if you’re determined and passionate enough about achieving something like an EMBA, you just get on with it find a way of making it work and overcoming challenges and obstacles is part of that.

If you’ve reached a point where you’re looking into the Surrey MBA and you’ve started to consider taking an EMBA, you’re halfway there. You will always find reasons to delay or not do something. I say look at the bigger picture and your long-term goals. Identify that vision of where you want to be or what you want to achieve in your professional life and then work out the steps towards realising that. For me, that was starting an EMBA with Surrey Business School.

It was the best career move I’ve made, and I’ve enjoyed every minute. My advice – just go for it!

Find out more about the part-time Executive MBA