Jacqueline Ferguson

MBA student testimonial

The majority of my work experience and career history was ‘hands-on’ electrical engineering, complemented with engineering qualifications. I felt that the career ladder would require some managerial qualifications and without management experience I set my sights on an MBA with the OU Business School. Alternatives just did not compare. The electronic assignments and the flexibility of the OU Business School made it so much easier as I was always travelling and working away from home at that time.

Some would say that I don’t do things by half but I set off on the journey nonetheless. Starting with the Professional Certificate in Management, followed by the Professional Diploma in Management, I had reached the entrance requirements for the MBA. Little did I realise that this was only the base camp for the mountain.

The course was far from easy and I did trip up now and again, but it’s the getting back up in pursuit of a goal that brings about success. If it was easy then the accreditation would be meaningless and encouragement from tutors and other students would not seem worthwhile. Finally I made it, and just when I thought the books had been put away, a new opportunity as a business analyst presented itself. A job that allows me to utilise what I have learnt and really put the knowledge into practice, not just a distant memory. I didn’t rest long; once settled in my new job, the OU Business School MSc in International Finance and Management caught my eye. Yes, the start of another mountain, but not only do you have new goals, you meet new friends and keep your mind alert to further development. The hard work pales into the background when you experience the rewards.