MBM aids personal and professional growth

Christian Recinos Valencia did the MSc Business & Management to study abroad, gain an international perspective on business and management and to reach the next level in his career. He explains how the programme helped him grow. 

Before coming to Scotland to study the MBM at Strathclyde, I was working as a cost estimation engineer on the Surf City project in El Salvador. I truly enjoyed my role, as I’m very passionate about numbers and analysis. However, even though I was in a good position, I felt a strong desire to grow both personally and professionally. I knew that expanding my knowledge abroad and gaining an international perspective on business and management would help me reach the next level in my career. The MBM programme aligned perfectly with my goals. 

Overall, the MBM programme is a highly effective and immersive introduction to the world of management. Coming from an administrative and engineering background, this programme helped me strengthen and formalise my knowledge so I can confidently apply for more managerial roles. The way the professors are able to engage students in the topics within just a few days is impressive, especially through practical assignments and real-world projects with external clients. It's well-structured, especially for those without extensive managerial experience, and led by professors who are truly experts in their fields. 

One of the most impactful elements for me was the Professional Management Practice module, especially the creation of the Personal Development Plan (PDP) under the guidance of Dr Kathryn Thory, the programme coordinator. This assignment pushed me out of my comfort zone, encouraging me to join societies, apply for part-time jobs, and take daily actions toward self-improvement. More than just a professional tool, the PDP became a personal journey of self-discovery. It encouraged me to reflect deeply on who I am and what I’m capable of achieving. This mindset stayed with me throughout the entire academic year. 

I particularly enjoyed the consultancy projects for real clients that were offered. One that stood out was the marketing plan we developed during the Marketing Management module. From the moment the client joined us to explain their challenges and expectations, through the brainstorming sessions with my team, to the final presentation, it was a rich and rewarding experience. We had similar opportunities in other modules, such as Managing People in Organisations and Management Consultancy, but the marketing project was especially meaningful to me in terms of practical, hands-on learning. 

With an eye on my career after graduation, I made a point to attend as many career-related events and opportunities shared via email and social media. Some of the most valuable ones can be easy to miss, so I recommend paying close attention. Personally, I used the CV review service (both with the career advisors and the AI CV checker), participated in mock interview sessions, and attended several skills development workshops. I also used the Strathclyde Inspire service to receive guidance on developing a business idea I had. Additionally, as part of my professional development plan, I recognised the importance of mental wellbeing and booked support sessions through the university's wellbeing service, which greatly improved my self-awareness. 

Throughout the programme, I gained a wide range of skills. In terms of hard skills, I significantly improved my understanding of marketing, finance, accounting, and business strategy. On the soft skills side, I developed stronger interpersonal communication, assertiveness, and self-awareness. These improvements came not just from the coursework, but also from engaging in extracurricular activities and seeking out new challenges throughout the year. All of this will undoubtedly help in my future career. 

At this point of the programme, my current plan is to apply for consultancy-related roles, ideally as a project management consultant within engineering and construction companies in the UK. I want to combine my technical background with the new business and management skills I’ve gained during the MBM to bring value to complex infrastructure projects. 

I would absolutely recommend the MBM programme to both domestic and international students, especially those who come from non-management backgrounds or who are looking to switch fields. It lays a solid foundation in management and gives you the tools to become an effective leader. My advice would be: if you are passionate about business and have a clear vision of your goals, this programme can really help you grow. However, if you already have substantial experience in business, and time is not a constraint, you might consider aiming for an MBA, which opens more doors for senior-level positions, particularly in the UK or internationally. 

About Christian Recinos Valencia

Christian Recinos Valencia is a student on the MSc in business and Management programme at Strathclyde Business School. Prior to his studies he worked as a cost estimation engineer on the Surf City project in El Salvador.