Tell us a little about your career background
As a professional athlete on the GB rowing team, my background is quite different from the typical Oxford MBA candidate.
I spent six years competing at the highest levels of international rowing, representing Great Britain at World Cups, European Championships, and World Championships. I am a World University Champion, a multiple-time senior GB Trials winner, and a multiple-time Henley Royal Regatta champion.
In 2021, I was selected for the Tokyo Olympics but narrowly missed out on qualification with my partner, Morgan. After retiring from the senior GB team in 2023 due to a recurring back injury, I set my sights on transitioning from elite sport to the corporate world. I applied to Oxford’s MBA program to build the skills and network needed to make that transition successfully.
Why was an Oxford MBA important to help you understand a global view of business where markets, trade and work are transforming at a rapid rate?
Coming from a professional sporting background, I recognised that I needed to strengthen both my technical skills and broader understanding of business to successfully transition into the corporate world. The Oxford MBA provided exactly that. The first two terms gave me a strong foundation in key business disciplines, while the third term allowed me to specialise in finance-focused modules.
The exceptional teaching quality, combined with the diverse perspectives of my classmates, helped me develop a well-rounded understanding of global markets, trade, and business transformation.
Over the year, I was able to enhance my technical skill set, leading to being named to the Dean’s List in Trinity term, an achievement I’m particularly proud of given my non-traditional background.
Turning to your personal career journey, did you know where you wanted to head in your career before your MBA?
Before starting my MBA, I knew I wanted to explore a career in finance, as I had always enjoyed managing my own trading portfolio alongside my time on the GB rowing team. The MBA provided me with both the clarity and the technical skills needed to pursue this path.
Over the course of the program, I refined my focus and knew that a role in a markets team was the right fit for me.
How have the resources and opportunities of an Oxford Saïd education and career development assisted you?
The support and resources at Oxford have been instrumental in helping me secure a role in the Credit Sales Emerging Markets team at Nomura. The career services team, alumni network, and interview prep sessions provided guidance, giving me the support needed to navigate a highly competitive job market.
Beyond academics and career support, the Oxford community has been equally impactful. Being part of such a diverse, friendly, and highly accomplished peer group means that I now have a global circle of friends, an asset that will undoubtedly support me throughout my career.
Now you have taken your next career step, what recommendation would you give to incoming students embarking on their MBA journey?
The Oxford MBA is full of opportunities, so take full advantage of everything the program and the wider university have to offer. The year flies by so immerse yourself in the academic experience, engage with the incredible network around you, and make time to build relationships. If I could do it all over again, I would.
This year has been incredibly rewarding, equipping me with the skills, connections, and confidence to take the next step in my career in finance.
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