Why did you choose your MSc and Edinburgh Futures Institute?
I studied film directing, then film and media, so I came in with a creative background. I wanted to further develop my academic side and add a business side, so I could work in corporate settings as well as creative ones. The MSc in Creative Industries offered that through modules like creative markets, the client consulting project, strategic leadership and others. It helped me turn a broad background into a strength.
How did you get to where you are?
I work at the European Investment Fund on an early career programme. The EIF is an EU body that makes financing more accessible and affordable for small to medium sized businesses.
My MSc in Creative Industries added analytical skills and business modules to my creative background. I believe that mix helped me get noticed for a programme like this.
People often assume finance is only accounting and other hard finance subjects, but many other roles support them. I started in the marketing division, and the work felt close to the case studies I did at EFI: taking in new information, finding workable solutions and delivering to strict deadlines.
Now I work in mandate relations and fundraising, where I organise events, write country briefings and present data. There is always something new to learn.
What did you gain from your time at Edinburgh Futures Institute / the University of Edinburgh?
One of the most useful things I gained on my MSc was a framework for putting new technologies and policy into context. Ethical Data Futures taught me to ask what follows from a technology before deciding whether it is good or bad.
I now ask the same question when I read about a new technology, or when I try to make sense of a policy or how an institution works.
Tell us about your Futures Project
My Futures Project was a group assignment for an Arts venue in Edinburgh. They asked us whether operating a cinema there was feasible, and how they should approach that decision.
Everyone in the group came with a different skill set, and I learned from each of them how to map audiences, follow a visitor’s experience and turn findings into numbers. Presenting to them at the end was the best part, because I could see they got something out of it.
Do you have any highlights or a favourite memory of your time at the University?
At the opening reception of EFI, I met my partner. We enjoyed studying together, and many of our study sessions happened on road trips across Scotland.
In my case, the people I met made the programme a really nice experience, and this is what I remember most.
What advice would you give to someone considering studying at Edinburgh Futures Institute?
Use the time the programme gives you outside of class well. I had a part-time job where I could apply what I was learning, and I followed my own interests alongside the degree. This is how I worked out what I wanted to do afterwards.
Say yes to things. Join a society, take the opportunities the programme offers and talk to as many people on it as you can.
