Graduate profile
A picture of Susan

Susan Keirle

"I knew that to transition from being purely operational to taking on more senior leadership responsibilities, I needed to develop my leadership skills and understand broader business concepts. Within 2 months of achieving the Surrey EMBA I was promoted to Head of Operations."

How has the programme impacted your professional path? 

Before enrolling in the Surrey Executive MBA (EMBA), my career path was a bit unconventional as I hadn’t attended university. I come from a working-class family and went out to work at 15 years old, after having a admin role for a charity at 12 years old and then a Saturday job at 13. I worked my way up through three different companies (Corporate, NHS and Education), gaining hands-on experience and progressing through various roles. Along the way, I completed several professional qualifications to build my expertise and skill set. While I enjoy a strong operational background, I recognised that to advance to the next level in my career, I needed more strategic knowledge and a formal qualification. 

I knew that to transition from being purely operational to taking on more senior leadership responsibilities, I needed to develop my leadership skills and understand broader business concepts. The Surrey EMBA has had a significant impact on my professional path, providing me with the strategic insight, frameworks, and confidence I needed to become a better leader. It equipped me with the tools to think more critically about business challenges, manage change, and lead teams more effectively. The programme not only enhanced my ability to think strategically but also gave me the qualification that opened doors to new opportunities and career growth. Within 2 months of achieving the Surrey EMBA I was promoted to Head of Operations.   

 

Did you have the opportunity to network during your studies?  

I had several valuable networking opportunities during my EMBA studies, which significantly enhanced my professional experience. 

One of the most impactful moments was during a week-long visit to Prague, where I was part of a team tasked with helping a failing business turn things around. We were given just a week to make an impact, and it was an incredible challenge. The experience allowed me to apply the strategic concepts we had learned in real-time and collaborate with my peers to develop actionable solutions under pressure. 

It was an amazing opportunity to work on a live business challenge, and the connections I made during this project, especially with other members of my cohort, have been invaluable. The video of this presentation is on YouTube, where we pitched our ideas to the company. 

Additionally, during the programme, I had the chance to connect with a cohort from the United States.  

What is also great, is that you gain new lifetime friends, these cohort members are now some of my closest friends.  

 

What real-world projects were you involved in? 

 I had the opportunity to work on several real-world projects that allowed me to apply the knowledge and skills I gained in the classroom to practical situations.  

In addition to the Prague visit, there were many alumni who presented new business ideas to us, and during practical sessions, we had the chance to actively contribute to these ideas. This collaboration not only allowed me to apply strategic and operational insights but also helped me understand how innovative ideas are developed and brought to life.  

I also worked on projects that involved analysing and improving operational processes, developing strategic plans for growth, and advising on leadership strategies. These hands-on projects allowed me to collaborate with classmates from diverse backgrounds and industries, enriching the learning experience and deepening my understanding of different business challenges. 

Another highlight was during the innovation module, I worked with a team within our cohort to create a health child gaming app! That was amazing and we presented this idea to the new MBA cohort of 2023. 

 

What impact has Surrey’s EMBA programme had on your career goals and aspirations? 

Surrey’s EMBA programme has had a significant impact on my career goals and aspirations. Whilst my management team already recognised me as a hard worker, a can do person, and problem solver, they noticed a clear shift in my approach over the course of the two years. 

As I applied the skills and knowledge gained throughout my studies, I became more strategic in my thinking, better equipped to lead teams, and more confident in making decisions that drove success. This transformation was recognised by Director, which ultimately led to my promotion. 

Can you share any personal or professional achievements you’ve reached since graduating from the MBA programme at Surrey? 

When I first started the EMBA programme at Surrey, I felt a bit out of my depth. I was surrounded by highly intelligent individuals from all over the world, many of whom had English as their second language, and I was in awe of their skills and experiences. However, I stayed true to myself, and, despite my initial doubts, I was honoured to be chosen as the course representative for my cohort. In this role, I made sure to support my fellow students throughout the programme, balancing my responsibilities as wife, mum, and employee while also focusing on my own studies. 

Initially, I aimed simply to just pass the EMBA. My marks were merit level mainly, and the finance and accountancy module tested me to my absolute limits, but I was focused on completing the course. However, as the programme progressed, my perspective shifted. I became determined not only to pass but to do so with distinction. 

My final project, although focused on the somewhat dry subject of fire management systems, was a real turning point for me. I was so proud of my submission, and to my surprise, I achieved the highest marks in the cohort. This accomplishment was something I never would have believed possible when I first started. In the end, I graduated with a distinction, a personal achievement that I’m incredibly proud of. 

For those still undecided about applying, what would you tell them?  

For anyone still undecided about applying, my advice is simple: just do it. Commit the time, believe in yourself, and go for it. The Executive MBA will push you, challenge you, and help you grow in ways you never expected. It’s not an easy journey, and you will need to make sacrifices, but the personal and professional rewards are well worth it. 

One key piece of advice is to ensure your family supports you throughout the process. This is a commitment that affects not only you but also those around you. Your family will need to understand the time and energy the EMBA requires, and they may need to compromise a lot over the two years. Having their support and getting everyone on board is crucial for your success. It’s a team effort, and with that support, you’ll be able to stay focused and make the most of the experience. 

So, take the leap, trust in yourself, and make it happen.