Marvin Meitzen

With a background in healthcare and business development, Marvin wanted to build on his professional experience and gain a deeper understanding of business strategy. The University of Cumbria's MBA provided the flexibility to study alongside work, helping him broaden his knowledge, challenge his thinking, and develop the confidence to pursue new opportunities in a rapidly evolving business landscape.

What motivated you to pursue postgraduate study, and why did you choose an MBA?

I decided to pursue postgraduate study because I wanted to build on my professional experience and develop a stronger understanding of business and management from a strategic perspective. An MBA felt like the right choice because it allowed me to broaden my business knowledge while continuing to work. I wanted to complement the practical experience I had gained in my career with a broader academic foundation that would support my future professional development.

Was there a particular experience, professional goal, or person who influenced your decision to continue your studies at postgraduate level?

My decision was mainly driven by my professional development and the desire to prepare myself for the next stage of my career. Working in healthcare and business development showed me how important it is to understand not only customers and markets, but also the wider strategic and commercial context in which organisations operate. This motivated me to deepen my knowledge and develop a more strategic perspective.

What factors led you to choose the University of Cumbria for your postgraduate studies?

I chose the University of Cumbria because I wanted to complete an MBA that I could combine with my professional career. The flexibility of the programme was particularly important to me, as I was working in the healthcare and medical device sector while studying. I also valued the international perspective of the programme and the opportunity to develop my management and business knowledge alongside my practical professional experience.

Can you tell us about your student experience? What did you enjoy about postgraduate study at the University of Cumbria?

As I completed the MBA through distance learning, the student experience was naturally different from studying on campus. I had the opportunity to interact with students from different professional and cultural backgrounds, which I really enjoyed. The diversity of experiences and perspectives made many of the discussions particularly interesting.

I also enjoyed the practical approach to teaching and the way tutors encouraged us to look beyond theory and apply what we were learning to real business situations. I liked that they challenged us to think critically and form our own perspectives rather than simply looking for one correct answer.

Are there any modules, projects, or research opportunities that were a highlight of your studies?

One of the highlights was the opportunity to explore business topics from different perspectives and connect academic concepts with real-world situations. I particularly valued assignments and projects that required critical thinking and encouraged me to consider how theoretical ideas could be applied in a professional context. This practical connection made the MBA especially relevant to my career.

How did postgraduate study push you academically, professionally, or personally?

When I started my MBA, my ambition was to broaden my business knowledge and develop the skills required to take the next step in my career. I wanted to complement my practical professional experience with a stronger academic and strategic business background.

Studying for my MBA had a significant influence on both my professional and personal development. It taught me to approach challenges more strategically, consider different perspectives and connect academic concepts with real-world business situations.

It also reinforced my belief that continuous learning is an important part of professional development.

What advice would you give to someone considering postgraduate study?

Make the most of your time at university, but don't focus only on grades. Try to understand how what you are learning can be applied to the real world.

My advice would be to stay curious, keep developing yourself and don't be afraid to take opportunities that push you outside your comfort zone. Combining academic education with practical professional experience can be incredibly valuable.

What are your plans now you've completed your MBA, and how has the University of Cumbria helped you work towards those goals?

My ambition is to continue developing my career in business and account management, particularly at the intersection of technology, artificial intelligence and business.

I would like to take on greater responsibility in the future and use both my professional experience and the knowledge gained through my MBA to contribute to organisations and projects with a meaningful impact.

I am very grateful for the experience I had at the University of Cumbria and proud to have completed my MBA there. The programme has been an important milestone in my professional journey, and I am looking forward to applying what I have learned to the next stage of my career.

Interested in learning how an MBA from the University of Cumbria could help you achieve your professional goals? Explore our postgraduate business courses today.