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Monica Kansiime

Monica Kansiime is an MBA graduate from Uganda. She graduated with an MBA in Winter 2025, while working full-time as a Deputy Director, Development and Outreach, Africa.

Monica Kansiime

Profile

What was your favourite part of the MBA?

All topics covered were relevant and timely. I was particularly happy to learn about financial decision making, people work and organisations, strategic change management. These are critical knowledge areas for any leader in this dynamic world.

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

The programme's impact has been most evident in how I lead in my organisation. Undertaking an MBA equipped me with a robust toolkit for managing teams, shaping strategy, and driving sound financial decisions. This business leadership capability, when combined with my technical background in agricultural economics, has been a game-changer. I now feel I have a complete and firm foundation to not just participate in my industry, but to help lead its strategic direction.

What was your favourite course and why?

My favorite courses were Financial Decision Making, People Work and Organizations, and Strategic Change Management. While I enjoyed them individually, their true power lay in how they interconnected.

Financial Decision Making gave me the toolkit to identify where to invest scarce resources for the greatest return. But a spreadsheet alone can't execute a strategy.

People, Work, and Organizations provided the crucial human lens of how to align, motivate, and lead teams effectively.

Finally, Strategic Change Management was the capstone, teaching me the framework to implement new directions in a dynamic environment.

Together, they form a complete blueprint for leadership. The 'what' (financial priorities), the 'who' (managing people and organizations), and the 'how' (navigating change). This has been invaluable in our world of shifting priorities and constraints.

How would you describe your experience studying online with Heriot-Watt University?

My experience at Heriot-Watt University has been very transformative. I feel confident as a leader. I feel confident as a community practitioner. I feel very confident as a financial manager. In all spheres of an organisation, I am now very confident.

Find out more about the MBA and MBA Specialisms.