I came across the Oxford Executive Diploma in Strategy and Innovation online. I’d describe myself as a ‘multi-passionate’ person and I’m always looking for new ways to pursue these passions; to learn and study subjects that will better equip me – both on a personal and professional level. I’m very strategic about how I spend my time and investments, so I was looking for something that was going to offer a real return on both.
Strategy and innovation are topics that are applicable to so many aspects of the world around us and our working lives, and this diploma felt like a real opportunity to explore these topics from a global multidisciplinary perspective. It was also a chance to gain a professional, masters-level qualification in this area which would support my strategic experience to date with solid credentials. Of course, Oxford’s reputation as a prestigious educational institution was a huge draw too.
When I applied to study the programme, I found the process efficient, simple and smooth. Oxford Saïd offers three scholarships in each Executive Diploma class, and I chose to apply for one of the Director’s Awards. The Director’s Award really spoke to me as it is focused on enhancing your cohort’s learning experience by sharing your diverse perspectives. I thought that I could contribute to this by bringing an inter-governmental and non-profit lens when discussing global challenges and designing and implementing strategies for non-corporate organisations. When I found out that I had been awarded the Director’s Award Scholarship, I felt incredibly honoured! The opportunity this Scholarship has given me to study the Diploma in Strategy and Innovation has been unparalleled.
If you want to tackle complex global challenges, gain new tools, new ways of thinking and expand your network with like-minded peers across very different sectors and industries – you’ll find your place here on the Diploma in Strategy and Innovation. On the programme, you will network with experienced professionals working in diverse areas like healthcare, finance, energy, and science and technology in the private sector, the public sector, and non-profits. In practice, this means there will be someone who will share an experience, perspective or insight that resonates with you every single day during the programme.
The programme can also create a shift in your perspective, encouraging a growth mindset, inspiring you to be the best version of yourself and to push outside of your comfort zone. The opportunity to briefly step out of your own world and organisation into a new environment opens your mind to new ideas and perspectives in itself.
Though I initially felt a bit intimidated at the prospect of studying at a business school, as I wasn’t sure how I would fit in coming from a mission-focused organisation, in reality it didn’t matter at all. Everyone was open and friendly, and it made for a really nice learning environment. It’s also exceptionally inspiring being on campus in Oxford; there’s something very special about the atmosphere in terms of how it makes you feel and how it expands your thinking.
Looking ahead to the future, I hope to gain the inspiration, confidence and practical tools to take my learnings forward and apply them to topics I’m passionate about.
For me, studying this diploma is not just about what I can deliver for my own organisation and what learnings I can take back, but about a return on my own personal investment and what I can do for myself. So far, the programme has been excellent at supporting my growth on both a professional and personal level, and I can’t wait to see it will take me.
