From undergrad to PhD: a Strathclyde journey

As the first in his family to attend university, Akwal Sunner didn’t rest at just one degree – he recently graduated with a PhD to complete a triumvirate of degrees and become Dr Akwal Sunner. 

On November 7, I graduated from Strathclyde Business School - for the third time - but this time it felt different. This time I felt a deep sense of personal fulfilment, this time I had achieved something beyond my own expectations of what I was capable of doing.
 
Ten years after I first walked in as a bright-eyed undergraduate, nothing could have prepared me for the journey I was about to embark on.
 
If you would have told me then that I'd go on to achieve a doctorate, I would never have believed you. Not least because, as a second generation British Indian, and first in my family to attend university, it felt like uncharted territory.
 
As those that know me well will testify, as well as being my own biggest hype-man I am also my greatest critic.
 
And this journey has certainly tested my mental and physical capability and determination to keep going. After the countless number of times when throwing in the towel seemed to be the easiest option, to finally walk out with a new title - Dr Sunner - was the greatest feeling I've experienced in my academic life.
 
An ex-colleague and good friend of mine, jokingly refers to me as the perpetual student. It certainly has felt that way over the last decade. But this was a fight I knew I had to take on, this was a personal battle with the odd inconvenience of a global pandemic amidst other things thrown into the mix! 

Prior to starting my PhD at the Hunter Centre for Entrepreneurship, I worked for the Royal Bank of Scotland in their Technology division, where I supported the final stages of implementing the regulatory changes brought about by the Independent Commission on Banking following the financial crisis in 2008. 

It was during this time that I became interested in the emerging financial technology (Fintech) sector, particularly around understanding how technological innovations could disrupt existing practices within banking and financial services more broadly. This intrigue to learn more and explore this area further prompted me to return to Strathclyde and pursue a PhD in this field. 

My research sits at the intersection of strategy and innovation ecosystems, to understand how strategy shapes the development of ecosystems. To achieve this, I investigated the role of institutional stakeholders in the formation of the Fintech ecosystem in Scotland, focusing specifically on their involvement in the strategic decision-making underpinning the development of the ecosystem. 

I currently work for a boutique consulting firm that works with clients in and around the public sector to create exceptional outcomes. As a consultant, my work focuses on strategy, service design and operational delivery in the education and economic development sectors. 

Longer term, I would like to specialise in helping organisations develop and implement strategies for managing innovation and emerging technologies – using the knowledge and expertise developed during my PhD journey to add value for both public and private sector organisations. 

The PhD journey will test your mental and physical capability, it involves dealing with countless curveballs and overcoming a good number of hurdles. However, it is also one of the most rewarding and fulfilling experiences. The biggest piece of advice I can give to anyone considering a PhD is that this journey will provide countless opportunities to build on your own skills, personal development and can open up doorways for the future. So whenever you have the chance to participate in an event or a challenge or a talk, something that looks interesting - make the most of it, it will help you develop in so many ways. 

Anyone doing a PhD will have great support around them - I have to express my enormous gratitude to my supervisors Dr Aylin Ates and Professor Peter McKiernan who have provided me with expert guidance and support to get my thesis completed. And also, to all my friends and family that have supported me on this journey.
 
The University of Strathclyde - after 10 years, an undergraduate degree, an MSc in Project Management and Innovation, and now my PhD - has become something of a second home - the 'place of useful learning' has certainly delivered on its promise. 

About Akwal Sunner

Dr Akwal Sunner is a consultant with MH&A and completed three degrees at Strathclyde Business School, including most recently graduating with a PhD in November 2022.