How studying an online MBA at a UK business school helped my career

The UK is known for the high standard of its higher education. 28 UK business schools feature in the most recent QS Global MBA Rankings, as well as eight schools offering online MBAs.  

Robin said: “Durham University's reputation was impossible to ignore when comparing MBA programmes and visiting Durham University Business School, meeting the academic and programme staff, underlined why this is.  

“The course struck me as being very well thought out with a view towards mixing traditional management disciplines, such as finance and people management, with forward-looking modules such as technology innovation and business analytics.” 

Durham University Business School’s online MBA is also extremely flexible, giving students the option to study entirely online or through a blended learning approach, where they will study several modules on campus.  

“The flexibility to study some modules in person at Durham University Business School was also a key reason for choosing this course over similar programmes,” said Robin. 

If, like Robin, students already have a career path in mind, the Business School encourages them to personalise their programme with optional modules which align with career aspirations and goals. 

When looking to progress in your career, networking is essential. This is why it’s important to choose a business school that has extensive connections. 

For more than 55 years, Durham University Business School has built strong links with businesses around the world, across a range of industries and sectors.  

There is a strong focus on networking across all of the programmes at Durham University Business School, with frequent networking events held throughout the year for students and alumni, as well as sector specific career presentations.  

Robin said: “I attended networking events among cohorts before the pandemic, and the Business School was fantastic with keeping these going virtually through lockdowns. I found them to be very beneficial and learned a lot from fellow students with varied backgrounds and careers.”  

When applying to his current role at Capgemini Invent, Robin contacted a fellow student who had worked there in the past. This student helped Robin apply for the role, offering advice about the application process. Once Robin had accepted the role, he put him in contact with some of his former colleagues who were still at the company.  

“This helped build my internal Capgemini Invent network before I had even started,” said Robin. 

Dr Lengler said: “The online MBA will give candidates the opportunity to engage with companies, classmates, and alumni from around the world. Our online MBA has students from more than 30 countries.”  

The diversity of students, alumni and faculty at Durham University Business School, as well as the collaborative nature of the online MBA, helped Robin build a global virtual network across a wide range of business sectors.  

He said: “I feel as though I could work in the USA, Australia, Nigeria, China, the UAE and many other countries, and have a network of peers I could call on for advice.  

“If I needed help, I have built friendships with experts in tech, finance, consulting, engineering and more, and I would be very comfortable calling them if I needed guidance and would be very happy for them to do the same with me. Durham University Business School, and my employer Capgemini Invent, have a global mindset - which I value immensely.”