The University of York played an important role in my professional development, and I’m glad to share my experience to hopefully inspire future students. Please find below a short testimonial, along with a photo attached.

After completing my MSc at the University of York, I made the jump from an Insight Lead role in England to a managerial position in Controlling in Madrid. That said, it wasn’t just about career progression. The flexibility of the course and the solid grounding I gained in real-time data sparked my entrepreneurial side. Coupled with my passion for tourism, it led me to set up my own business delivering high-end travel experiences in southern Spain, always with a strong focus on sustainable practices.
 
Whereas before I mainly worked with financial data, I now apply that analytical mindset across financial, operational and marketing data alike. Our bespoke tours in Andalusia are tailored to each client, maintaining an NPS consistently above 90, with a 24-hour response commitment.

My MSc in International Business, Leadership and Management at the University of York was more than academic study. It shaped how I work and think globally. Collaborating with classmates from diverse backgrounds challenged my assumptions and broadened my perspective. The course combined theory with real-world application. Through case studies and group projects, I learned to navigate cultural differences, prepare global strategies and build partnerships across borders. These are skills I use every day.

Today, I work with international markets in executive education and work in executive business management within the EdTech space. Whether defining strategies for new regions or supporting growth across markets, I often trace my approach back to this program. It gave me not only the knowledge but also the confidence to lead in a global context.

Studying for a Master’s in Computer Science with Cyber Security at the University of York was a transformative experience. The programme’s academic rigour and support deepened my expertise and helped advance my career as a Software Engineer.

I was nervous stepping back into education more than two decades after finishing my undergraduate degree, especially as a full-time worker with a family; however, the University of York's support was responsive, helpful, and proactive in letting me know what I needed to do and when. The course structure was ideally suited for me to study in the evenings and on weekends. The quality of the content and teaching was excellent, the lecturers were all extremely knowledgeable and enthusiastic about their field, happy to answer questions, and quick to help when needed. The impact of this masters on my career has been very clear, It gave me the confidence and skills I needed to move into a more senior role, and the knowledge I gained during the course has been critical; I still refer back to my materials from time to time as issues come up at work.

Pursuing the MSc in Innovation, Leadership and Management at the University of York was a transformative experience. Having earned a Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy from Cairo University, a professional postgraduate diploma in Supply Chain Management from the American University in Cairo and a MicroMasters in Supply Chain Management from MIT, I was no stranger to academic rigor across different disciplines and countries. Yet, this degree offered something unique, a comprehensive management perspective that helped unify and elevate all of my previous learnings.
 
Delivered through distance learning, the programme combined academic depth with flexibility and was supported by a world-class faculty. I gained a solid foundation in leadership, organisational behaviour, strategic innovation, and general management. But what I valued most beyond the broad toolkit of management theories and frameworks was the emphasis on critical thinking and research.
 
The programme challenged me to question assumptions, evaluate evidence and approach problems analytically and creatively. These skills not only enhanced my academic performance but also translated directly into my professional life, empowering me to make more informed, strategic decisions and contribute to meaningful change within my organisation and eventually to my career shift to pharmaceutical business development.