Mark Magro

Online Masters in Business Administration (MBA), 2020

What made you choose to study at Heriot-Watt?
I was interested in starting an online MBA and when I was doing an initial online research, I found some really great reviews and positive feedback about Heriot-Watt's online MBA program. Then I also got to know that two friends were in the process of completing their MBA with Heriot-Watt, and when they showed me in detail the study materials and the program I got hooked. I saw that the program was a good fit with my busy lifestyle, as I could study in my own time without having the need to attend classes at set times and dates.

Why did you choose to study an online MBA?
Once I started working and progressing in my career, I started reading more and more business books, but I noticed that I was reading these books sporadically and without any pattern. This reading helped increase my business and management knowledge, but it also made me yearn for more knowledge. This became even more the case as I started applying learning to my day-to-day tasks. This is what lead me to the decision to start an MBA. I opted for an online MBA as I wanted an internationally recognized MBA, and one which I could do whilst still retaining my job.

What's your favourite or most memorable memory of your time as a Heriot-Watt student?
It was definitely getting my first result. It had been a while since I had graduated and after the first online study experience, I started getting doubts about whether I had chosen the best study method - but getting a good result following the first exam gave me the boost, energy and belief that I could actually complete the online MBA.

How would you summarise your time studying an online MBA with the Edinburgh Business School?
It was pretty intensive at times as I had to juggle work, studying and starting a family. But what really impressed me is that I enjoyed studying, as I knew it was all practical stuff that I could implement immediately. Completing the MBA also gave me better confidence, awareness and knowledge to tackle difficult situations differently.

Tell us about your career since graduating from Heriot-Watt.
Thanks to the MBA, I made a career switch. I moved from sales and marketing within the pharmaceutical industry to sales operations in the financial services industry. Through the learning I gained, I got promoted to senior manager from a senior officer in less than three years and I am now covering a global role, leading the sales operations team.

How has your Heriot-Watt University education contributed to your success?
I made the switch as I was inspired by the study material, otherwise I would have probably stayed within the pharmaceutical industry. The MBA provided me not just with practical tools to use day-to-day but also more awareness, confidence and belief. This positively influenced my performance on my job.

How has your online MBA benefited you personally?
I believe it did, as the increase in confidence and self-belief also had a positive impact in my personal life.

What advice do you have for current students?
The best advice I can give is don't just study to pass an exam and complete the MBA. Use this experience and study material to identify ways of how you can implement and incorporate these learning to your day-to-day job and also life.

What is your lasting impression of Heriot-Watt University?
A very organised and professional university. My only regret is that I was hoping to visit the university in person for my graduation, but I had to cancel my plans due to COVID. But I'm definitely looking forward to visiting when this is over.

What are your aspirations for the future?
For your career?
Continue learning, evolving and find newer and creative ways of how to add value. My aspirations are not related to a job position or a company but to my constant development and evolution.
For your local and wider community?
Now that I am more mature and I have a family, I plan to take a more active role within my community to show and lead by example.