Oliver Boyte
Investment Associate at the Clean Energy Finance Corporation
Full-time MBA (2021-22)

Why did you decide to do an MBA?

I have always wanted to start my own business and having spent the previous seven years working in the UK, Singapore and Australia in Corporate Finance and Investment roles, I felt that I now had the necessary experience to make this happen. To give myself the best chance of success, I decided to do a 12-month MBA program in preparation, allowing me to further develop my leadership skills and build out my international network. 

What first attracted you to Warwick Business School?

Prior to coming to the UK, having grown up and completed my undergraduate studies in Australia, I knew little about the University of Warwick. However, after beginning my career in Finance in London, it didn’t take long before I’d met and worked with a number of WBS alumni, each of whom spoke fondly of their time at the university and vouched for the quality of the business school. With these strong recommendations in mind, WBS was the first business school I applied to once I decided to undertake an MBA.

How did you find the work/life balance?

 A 12-month MBA program is definitely not a “break” – its intensive and face paced. Outside of the actual modules, you also spend a lot of time on career development including researching industries and companies of interest and networking. However, there are still plenty of opportunities to socialise with your cohort and explore the UK. In fact, a lot of the relationships I’ve built so far have been done outside of the classroom. There is a strong sense of camaraderie among the full-time MBA students and its an incredibly inclusive environment.

Leadership Plus

In all honesty, I wasn’t really sure what to expect from Leadership Plus coming into the course. I have attended leadership courses and seminars in the past, and more often than not have felt that I didn’t get a lot out of them. This has definitely not been the case with Leadership Plus. The module teaches you as much about being aware of and understanding yourself, as it does about leading others. The module provides a safe environment with which to practice dealing with confronting and uncomfortable situations and provides effective tools for navigating difficult challenges. Much of what I have learned through Leadership Plus will help me not only in the workplace, but also in my personal life. 

Do you have any advice for anyone currently thinking about studying for an MBA?

Just go for it! I spent months debating whether to do an MBA or not, but at the end of just the first day, I knew it was the right choice and have never looked back. You’ll never get an opportunity like this again. Immediately you become part of an amazing community made up of some of the most intelligent people you’ve ever met, and from a variety of nationalities, backgrounds and career paths. What you learn on the modules is just one part of a much broader experience, one that allows you to build close friendships, explore different career paths, seek advice from industry experts, lead professional clubs and initiatives and truly grow as a leader. The business school and wider university provides students with numerous opportunities and resources with which to succeed both professionally and personally.