Elaine McKechnie
MSc Business Analysis & Consulting, 2013
Business Analyst at HSBC
I embarked on the MSc Business Analysis and Consulting as part of a major career change. I worked for nearly ten years as a Police Officer, latterly carrying out intelligence analysis however I resigned to take up this course. I wanted to use the MSc to jump-start a new career as a Business Analyst. I realised employers would take me more seriously if I made the effort to consolidate my first degree, BA in Business Studies, with my work experience. I chose University of Strathclyde firstly because the course seemed to fulfil my needs and secondly because of the University’s outstanding reputation. Prior to submitting my application I met with one member of staff from the course and they were only too happy to answer all of the questions and alleviate any fears I had about returning to study after nearly eleven years.
The course was challenging in all the right ways. I found it to be an intensive learning experience where most of my weekdays were consumed with lectures and teamwork and my weekends were spent reflecting on my learning experiences over the week. The course attracts students from all over the world – China, Norway, Russia, Romania, Vietnam to name just a few! It was amazing to study with colleagues from such a diverse range of cultures and it helped me to broaden my spectrum of views during problem solving tasks. I was proud to act as one of two Class Representatives who help voice the opinions of the students to the course lecturers and leaders.
This MSc offers valuable opportunities to work with real organisations in the private and public sector through the ‘Becoming an Effective Business Analyst’ module. We were presented some facts and figures about a current problem, allocated team members and given a week or two to come up with a report, recommendations for solutions and prepare to present back to the client. It was amazing to see how repeated presentations helped everyone’s confidence grow and we became more professional as the course progressed. Such tasks provide opportunities for students to put theory into practice in a controlled environment and gain valuable feedback from real clients.
I completed a three week apprenticeship in the January (between semester 1 & 2). I travelled to London and worked for BP carrying out planning and performance analysis in their International Centre for Business and Technology. Working for a global company was a fantastic opportunity. This was only possible through the excellent industrial partnerships that Strathclyde works so hard to maintain.
The final part of the MSc involves working on a project which forms the basis for a dissertation. I interviewed successfully for a temporary contract with HSBC (a multinational banking and financial services organisation) and secured a full-time Business Analyst job based in Stirling. On completion of the project I was offered a permanent job as a Business Analyst and I accepted. Since then I have continued to work on a global project and I am completing internal training to further my career.
I believe the MSc provided me with both the skills and the opportunities to fulfil my career changing ambitions and I am now well on my way to being as successful in my new role as a Business Analyst as I was as a Police Officer. Taking a chance on leaving my job to do this course was one of the best things I have ever done and my proudest moment was learning that I passed my MSc with distinction! The hard work was most definitely worth it!
