People & Partners

In 1998, I decided to make a career change and leave hospital medicine to pursue a career in the pharmaceutical industry with Pfizer in the UK. I quickly recognised the need to improve my management skills and I wanted a course that would fit in with my busy lifestyle that necessitated much travelling.

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 Open University Business School.

I joined the Open University Business School to study for an MBA and found it an invaluable resource to draw upon when I formed my IT consultancy business. The MBA was crucial in giving me the skills and the confidence I need to interact with people at all levels in the multi-national organisations I work with.

I came to the Open University Business School in 2001 with specific training needs, having been appointed as Chief Executive of a Scottish NGO. This had meant a move into management from a technical background in agricultural engineering and livestock production and I knew that I needed more practical training in management.

I am a former Research Assistant in the Marketing and Strategy Unit at the Open University Business School and am currently a PhD student there. I believe that the research I am now undertaking is playing an essential part in developing my career in academia.

Two months after enrolling on the OU’s MBA programme, Karen was unexpectedly diagnosed with breast cancer. Not one to give in easily, she decided to battle the illness and continue with her studies.