My dissertation challenged my thinking on my own practice

I needed to discover why things did or did not work in the business world

I had not attended university or been successful at school as a young person as my aspirations were very different: I did not see the importance of a traditional education. Eventually I entered the workplace and over a period of time decided I needed to discover why things worked or did not work in the business world. I wanted to learn how I could be more effective and develop my career. Also, I felt that lack of a formal educational background was something I needed to prove to myself that I could achieve.

I chose to study my MBA at Sheffield University Management School because it is a high performing university. It is on the cusp of research, meaning I knew I wouldn't be learning about yesterday's practice but about new and emerging studies and practice.

Through my dissertation, my thinking on procurement practice was challenged

I decided to work on a traditional dissertation and my title was 'Real Living Wage in the Supply Chain: A case study into the costs and benefits'.

The research process made me aware of my pragmatist leanings, meaning that I should avoid jumping to conclusions. The findings on poor procurement practice really challenged my thinking here as they were unexpected and not part of the “solution” I was considering. This reflection improved my interview technique: I felt I became an improved listener allowing exploration of issues more with interviewees, rather than waiting for them to state what I expected.

I was quite surprised when interviewees pulled out of the research process, stating concerns over bidding for future business with my company. This made me consider if my position of influence as a buyer did condition some of the responses. Although I have no evidence of bias in responses, this did make me more aware of my unintended influence on the research process. As a result I re-emphasised neutrality and reduced my verbal inputs into the interviews.

Working with the 301 Skills Centre helped me improve my time management skills

Having a family with three children and managing my research, alongside other professional commitments, was a huge time management challenge. I had been extremely anxious about time and the dissertation, so I undertook reading and learning from the 301 Skills Centre. What I have learned about my productivity during this project is that, I appeared to be more effective in short sprints, or using the Pomodoro time management technique. Planning my work in this way has enabled me to complete this project with more focus and be time efficient. This is something I have also transferred into my work life.

Since graduating, I have been working as Head of Supply Chain Procurement and Social Value at Maximus UK Services Ltd

There are two parts to my current role in Supply Chain Procurement. Firstly I lead a team responsible for buying supply chain for bids, technology, property, consultancy - basically everything the business needs to operate. Secondly I lead our Responsible Business agenda which provides social impact for customers. It has been fantastic to support my team to develop and flourish to achieve their own career success.

I have just accepted a role at Northern Rail as Procurement Director

As I transition into my new role as Northern Rail's Procurement Director, my main career aspiration to make a success in the role. I hope to have wider influence in the business going forward.

My advice for future MBA students

Be absolutely clear why you're participating in the programme. It will test you mentally and physically, so you need the purpose to see you through to the end.