I joined the EMBA programme in the role I have currently, at HSBC. I work in Global Asset Management as MD Global Head of Sovereigns and Supranationals. I lead a small team, helping sovereign governments and supranational entities to manage their investments.

My career took an unexpected path; it's not remotely related to what I studied at undergraduate level. I did a Liberal Arts degree focused on journalism at Boston University, close to where I was born together with a study abroad stint at university in France. When I graduated, there were no media jobs available offering a decent living whereas there was an opportunity to work for an asset management company. I was fortunate to join the industry in the 1980s when it was booming. They couldn't get graduates through the door quickly enough. 
 
I really benefited from that. It was a true baptism by fire. It wasn't the career I'd planned but once I got stuck in, I found the industry dynamic, challenging and great fun.  My first move was with US insurance company, Aetna, at their headquarters where I worked on setting up a mutual fund from scratch. I moved with Aetna to the UK in 1993, where I've been living ever since.  

I had always wanted to do an MBA but had never found sufficient time. When I took on my current position, a move to a bigger, global role, I knew the increased travelling (regular long haul flights and airport downtime) could allow room for study.  Even though the Executive MBA was relatively new at the point I applied (2006) I had full faith that the programme would thrive because of the investment Oxford was sure to make in it.  I also liked the full week programmes.  I didn't want to sacrifice precious weekends with my family and felt that the blocks of time would give me a fuller Oxford experience. 

There is a good balance of required course work and electives - electives that can be tailored to my specific needs. And it's not a cliché to say that I learn as much from my classmates as I do the course itself.  Everyone is so collegiate and helpful. The School fosters a unique sense of teamwork.  I have enough competition in my professional life and what I value is learning in the round, not just from the university but from the community of students that I feel sure I will remain in close contact with, professionally and personally, for years to come.