Stephen Salter – MBA Sustainability and Energy Transitions
Stephen Salter, who currently works at Wood plc, returned to Robert Gordon University (RGU) to pursue an MBA having first obtained a (BA) Business Management degree.
Benefiting from RGU’s alumni discount, Stephen chose to specialise in Sustainability and Energy Transitions and began his studies in 2022. He worked full-time through the majority of the course, balancing his job alongside his studies by opting for the part-time, distance learning option.
“I have always been impressed by the facilities and quality of teaching at RGU and I wanted to cement my years of work experience with a further recognised qualification.
“With the energy landscape changing, I wanted to be equipped with the knowledge and tools required to assess and navigate the resultant complexities and tensions. I felt the course offered all the core components of an Executive MBA with the added dimension of the Energy Transition, preparing me to deliver in a more diverse energy industry”
In addition to the MBA, Stephen also took advantage of a small career break to obtain an on-campus Postgraduate Certificate in Finance – again with distinction. Looking back at his experience, he is sure that his hard work has benefited his working skillset and will enhance his future.
“In addition to the subject matter knowledge, the MBA enhanced my skills in examining different perspectives, particularly from a strategic lens, allowing me to enhance my evaluation techniques. I hope to be more adapt at delivering strategic plans too.
“My understanding of how the financial markets link to firm financial and operational performance has also been key and this encouraged me to complete further study of Financial Management at postgraduate level.
“Furthermore, the subject matter did expand my knowledge, in particular learnings from previous energy transitions and how government intervention can support and potentially hinder progress through policy and taxation. Finally, the course provided a global perspective to the challenging economics of moving to new energy sources and delivering sustainability industries in general.”
Surrounded by experienced professionals from an array of different sectors on his course, the MBA provided a unique opportunity to explore and learn from different perspectives and ways of working.
Stephen also worked with local organisation Peterhead Port Authority (PPA) as part of the MBA to further develop his knowledge and insight. His time there proved award-winning and presented the perfect tonic to a hugely productive, and positive, RGU experience.
“I was privileged to be provided an opportunity to deliver a report to Peterhead Port Authority to assist them with their Net Zero Strategy. Having not had any previous contact with the business or conducted such a study before it was a considerable undertaking but proved extremely interesting, worthwhile and rewarding.
“The team were extremely supportive and it opened my eyes to a different perspective on sustainability and decarbonisation.
“I was lucky enough to win the tv for my efforts, but it would not have been possible without the support of Dr Anita Singh from an academic perspective and Keith Mackie from PPA.
“Overall, I had an overwhelmingly positive experience at RGU.”