Wojciech Salski

Wojciech Salski studied MSc International Business Management at Edinburgh Business School. He reflects on his experience working on a company project at the end of his degree, highlighting the support he received from academics and the valuable skills he gained which have given him a competitive edge after graduation.

Can you tell us which company you worked with for your company project?

I worked with Continuum Flow Lab, a research-focused entity at Heriot-Watt University specialising in continuous flow chemistry. The project aimed to help them transition from a purely academic focus to becoming a commercially viable business.

What did you enjoy most about your company project?

What I enjoyed most was the opportunity to apply strategic frameworks in a real-world setting. It was incredibly rewarding to see how theoretical models could be used to identify tangible business opportunities and help shape the future direction of the lab.

How did your degree prepare you for taking part in the company project?

My degree provided me with a strong foundation in strategic management and business analysis, which were crucial for tackling the challenges of this project. The coursework on market analysis, stakeholder engagement, and change management was particularly relevant and helped me approach the project with confidence.

What is your favourite memory of your company project?

My favourite memory is the moment when the Continuum Flow Lab team began to see the potential of the strategic recommendations I was presenting. Their openness to new ideas and the positive discussions that followed gave me a real sense of accomplishment. During the final meeting, when I presented my findings and we've been discussing where to go from here, one of the client's team members literally said, 'it's an epiphany moment'. It was wonderful to experience that.

How did academics support you during this project?

The academic support I received was exceptional. My supervisor, Alistair Pryde, provided invaluable guidance and was always available for feedback, which helped me refine my approach. Additionally, the insights and advice from Tom Pfefferkorn were instrumental in navigating some of the more complex aspects of the project and the procedures, which should be followed throughout.

Would you recommend the company project to students?

Absolutely. The company project is a fantastic opportunity to apply what you’ve learned in a practical setting. It’s challenging but incredibly rewarding, and it offers a unique chance to make a real impact on a business while developing your skills in a hands-on environment. For me, as a practice-oriented person, it was a great opportunity and one that I thoroughly enjoyed.