The world's most flexible MBA programme
This is your MBA. Not ours. That means you start when you like and finish when you like. You can study from home or on campus. At EBS, our courses are designed to fit round you.
EBS 4-day seminar: a student’s experience
Lorna Watson, MBA student
An MBA demands much in the way of commitment and dedication. For a distance learner this is especially true. Part of the way through my MBA, I had seen the seminars advertised by EBS and thought that it would be very valuable to benefit from the interaction with the EBS teaching staff, and fellow students. I weighed up the opportunity cost of attending the intensive four-day seminar on campus, and made the decision to go to the Economics seminar. It was a big decision given the six flights in total that would be required, plus board and lodging would need to be covered, in addition to the seminar costs.
Attending the seminar was a very enriching experience. I had no idea how large Heriot-Watt University actually was. EBS is just one faculty of a very large and well-respected university. I stayed on campus in comfortable lodgings for a reasonable rate. The daily rate included a full Scottish breakfast (like an English one, but more generous!). EBS was kind enough to supply lunch every day and provided lots of good biscuits at tea-time, so sustenance was no problem. There were a number of eating options on campus so there was no need to leave, unless you wanted to see the beautiful city of Edinburgh. Doing so was very easy, as buses came right to the reception very regularly. You’d wait no more than a few minutes during the day, and half an hour at night. The University is set in scenic grounds, providing pleasant walks. A shop, bookshop, gym and even a hairdresser are also available.
Living arrangements aside, the actual seminar was of huge benefit. Craig Robinson had prepared good notes and was friendly and approachable. He also answers faculty board questions online and is well versed in exam requirements, so he was well placed to advise us. He was very friendly, patient and approachable too. I was “volunteered” by a very confident American team-mate to be one of the presenters of our opinions of the UK car scrapping scheme on the first day, which was absolutely terrifying but people generally were supportive, and no rotten tomatoes or flying haggises were thrown at me! One of the best parts of attending the seminar was meeting the other students. Most were pursuing their MBAs full time, but I did meet a couple of people busy with doctoral research as well. The delegates were friendly and there was a high level of mutual respect throughout. Some 48 in number, I identified at least three South-Africa born and bred amongst the group! Sharing knowledge and experiences was excellent and firm friendships were formed. So firm that I found myself having a raucous time down in the student union with my new mates on more than one occasion!
The teaching was supplemented by very organised and pleasant administration staff. On the Wednesday evening dinner was provided as we were set to work until 10pm, practising simulations of how to run the US economy in preparation for the group competition the next day. Drinks were even provided, which was very generous. Interestingly, delegates mentioned that they had experience of other institutions that never provided food during lectures. The camaraderie and exam preparation alone were worth the trip, and I wouldn’t hesitate to attend another seminar if I was able to do so. The trip has certainly made me take my studies very much more seriously, and has been a huge motivator. I would recommend the seminars to anyone, particularly for subjects in which they have a special interest, or subjects that they find challenging.
