John Egan

MSc Human Resource Management, 2021

What made you choose to study at Edinburgh Business School, Heriot-Watt University?

Although I lived most of my life in South Africa, I was born in Scotland and always wanted to study at a Scottish University. I read about Heriot-Watt, and liked the programmes that were offered, and in particular the structure of the Master's degree in HRM.

Why did you choose to study Human Resource Management?

I had studied Human Resource Management and Labour Law in South Africa, and was fortunate to have worked predominantly in the manufacturing sector where exposure and learning about all aspects of HR tends to challenging and stimulating.

What's your favourite / most memorable memory of your time as a Heriot-Watt student?

My studies were distance learning based, initially in South Africa, and later in the UK, so I really enjoyed being on campus for the graduation. The modules on Performance Management, and Managing People in Changing Contexts were stand-out learning areas for me. Both really facilitated my thinking about the strategic role of HR in an organisation.

How would you summarise your time studying with the Edinburgh Business School?

The course was absolutely excellent (and that includes all the modules that I covered). It made me realise that I had so much still to learn (and still do). Furthermore, my studies remain valuable to me in the practical sense too, so if I am asked to present a paper or concept to a leadership team or audience, I make regular use of my EBS learning material.

Tell us about your career since graduating from Heriot-Watt.

My initial HR role in England (which also coincided with completing my studies) was with a professional organisation in the veterinary education space, and now I am the Head of People for Home-Start Greenwich within the charity sector.

How has your Heriot-Watt University education contributed to your success?

It has helped me to think more deeply about my job, and how important the HR role is within any organisation. In addition, I actively promote the notion of ongoing learning to my colleagues because I feel that I got something so much more than just a Masters degree from Heriot-Watt.

What advice do you have for current students?

I really enjoyed my studies, and I think that makes learning study a lot easier. If you can find a course of study that makes your academic progress feel more like an exciting ride rather than just the burden of getting a qualification, this is really helpful.

What is your lasting impression of Heriot-Watt University?

I feel really proud to have studied at this fine university.

What are your aspirations for the future?
For your career?

I am starting a LLM in Dispute Resolution in September 2022. This is an area of interest for me, given my involvement in a number of fairly challenging disputes in South Africa, and is really more for personal development than any career objective.
For your local and wider community?
In South Africa, I was very fortunate to work on a number of socio-economic and community upliftment programmes, and have found that this knowledge and experience is helping me in the charity sector here in England too.