Cloe Stapleton

Profile

Why did you choose to study online with Edinburgh Business School?

I chose Edinburgh Business School because it’s well recognised and has a strong reputation, so it felt like a really worthwhile investment. What really stood out to me, though, was the flexibility - I needed something that would fit around work and everyday life, rather than the other way around. I also like how the course is structured, with assessments broken down by module. It makes everything feel much more manageable and allows me to focus properly on one area at a time without feeling overwhelmed. Another big factor for me was the ability to gain part-qualifications along the way. It’s motivating to have those milestones and to see progress as you go, rather than everything being at the very end. Overall, the flexibility and the option to take it in manageable stages made it the right fit for me.

Why did you choose to complete your chosen programme at this stage of your life and career?

I chose to start this programme at this stage in my life because it felt like the right time to invest in my development. I didn’t have a formal college education earlier in my career, so doing an MBA was something I had always wanted to come back to when the timing was right. When I started, I felt like I had my “plates spinning” in a manageable way - both professionally and personally - and I had the mental capacity to take on something new. That made a big difference, as I knew I could properly commit to it. I was also in a really supportive place at home, which gave me the stability and encouragement to take this on. Overall, it felt like the right moment where everything aligned - the experience I’d built, the headspace I was in, and the support around me - to challenge myself and take this step forward.

What was your experience of doing a degree at Heriot-Watt University?

My experience at Heriot-Watt was great; I did the degree at my own time without losing quality. Although it was a little stressful at times as working, doing the degree and having a kid at the same time is not easy, but I managed to do everything with the support of the staff.

What was the biggest challenge you faced while studying online?

The biggest challenge for me was making sure I was giving enough time to everything - balancing family, friends, and work, while still prioritising my studies. It was easy for things to compete for my attention, so I really had to be disciplined with my time to make sure I stayed on track, especially around exams. At times it meant making sacrifices, but I knew it was important to stay focused and keep my studies a priority to get through it successfully.

What kept you going when you faced challenges?

What kept me going was my daughter, first and foremost. She was a big motivation for me to keep pushing through, even when it felt challenging. I wanted to show her, as much as myself, that it’s possible to take on something new and see it through. A big part of it was also proving to myself that I could do something I never thought was possible for me to achieve. That sense of personal challenge really kept me focused, especially during more difficult moments. It became about more than just the qualification - it was about building confidence in myself and showing that I could commit to something and succeed.

What does this achievement mean to you now?

Honestly, it still feels a bit like “pinch me” - it’s hard to fully believe it. Completing it has given me a real sense of pride. More than anything, it’s shown me that if you really want something, you’ll make the time and space for it in your life, no matter how busy things are. It’s proven to me that I’m capable of more than I probably gave myself credit for, and that’s something I’ll carry forward into everything I do next.

How has your programme impacted your career and personal life so far?

The programme has had a big impact on both my career and personal life. On a personal level, it’s given me more confidence and self-belief, and pushed me to take on new challenges I might not have considered before. It’s also shifted how I think about my time - I have a different perspective now on making space for the things that matter. From a career point of view, completing the MBA made me take a step back and reassess where I was. My previous employer was great and very supportive, especially with funding the MBA, and I’ll always be grateful for that. But finishing the programme made me realise I wanted more and that I was capable of reaching another level. Since then, I’ve made the decision to change jobs and take on a fresh challenge, which I don’t think I would have done without the experience and confidence the MBA gave me.

How did you find the online learning materials?

I found the learning materials really strong. One of the biggest benefits for me was being able to go back over the content as many times as I needed, in my own time, to make sure I fully understood it. That flexibility made a huge difference. The videos and materials were clear and easy to follow, which helped keep things manageable, especially alongside a busy schedule. The mini questions at the end of each module were probably the most valuable part for me. They really help you test your understanding and get comfortable with the material. My biggest piece of advice to anyone doing the course would be to focus on those — if you can confidently work through them, you’ll be in a great position going into the exams.

What was your favourite course and why?

My favourite courses were Entrepreneurship and Developing and Executing Strategy (DES), for different reasons. Entrepreneurship really stood out to me as it was my first module and completely eye-opening. I loved the process of creating a product or service from scratch and thinking through everything - the “where, how, when, and why,” as well as building forecasts, planning how to go to market, and working through projections. It brought everything to life in a very practical way, and it’s a module that has definitely stayed with me. DES was also incredibly interesting, but in a different way. We were given a company and had to analyse it in depth - looking at where it had come from, where it was going, and then building out a full strategic analysis based on that. It was the first time I had ever looked at a business in that level of detail, and it really changed how I think about strategy and decision-making. Both modules challenged me in different ways and gave me really valuable, practical insights that I’ve carried with me since.