Yanisa Chaisiriwongsuk

Profile

Why did you choose to study an MBA at this point in your life and career?

I’ve always believed the best investment you can make is in yourself, and education is the key. My background is in economics, and after working in education, consulting, management, and the military, I wanted a broader perspective on business. I also hope to start my own business, and by pursuing an MBA, I knew I’d strengthen my leadership skills and make better decisions. Since I was working full-time and serving in the military, I needed flexibility. Choosing Edinburgh Business School turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve made.

Why did you choose Edinburgh Business School, Heriot-Watt University?

I researched several universities, but Edinburgh Business School stood out due to its strong reputation and over 30 years of delivering distance learning MBAs. I appreciated the flexibility of studying at my own pace while earning the same globally recognized UK degree as on-campus students. The pay-as-you-learn model and scholarship opportunities made the program even more accessible. It allowed me to keep working, stay close to my family, and continue my military career without putting my life on hold.

How was your overall experience?

It was challenging but incredibly rewarding. I completed my MBA in just one year while working full-time, which required a lot of discipline and time management. Each module pushed me to think more strategically and critically. Looking back, I gained much more than a degree - I became a more confident professional, a stronger leader, and a more disciplined person.

What was your favourite part?

Definitely the flexibility - I could study anywhere and fit learning around my work and military commitments. I also appreciated the support from professors and the global student community. Even though I studied from Thailand, I never felt alone. Most importantly, I could apply what I learned immediately in my career and business, which made the experience very practical.

What challenges did you face and how did you overcome them?

The biggest challenge was balancing work, military responsibilities, and studying. There were difficult moments, but I focused on building a routine instead of relying on motivation. Taking small, consistent steps every day helped me stay on track. Along the way, I developed stronger discipline, resilience, and time management skills that still benefit me today.

How has the MBA impacted your life and career?

The MBA exceeded my expectations. It strengthened my professional credibility, accelerated my military career, and opened new opportunities in management and business. More importantly, it changed how I think. Today, I approach challenges more strategically, make decisions with greater confidence, and feel much more comfortable leading teams. It transformed not just my career, but my mindset.

What are your hopes for the future now you have achieved your MBA?

My goal is to help more people discover the opportunities education can create. I believe education shouldn’t be limited by where you live, your finances, or your stage in life - often the biggest barrier is believing it’s not possible. As I spoke with prospective students, I realized many worried about their English, balancing work and study, or whether an online degree would be officially recognized in Thailand. I wanted to bridge those gaps by sharing my own experience, practical study tips, and guidance in Thai. After graduating, I started sharing my MBA journey on TikTok to show that earning a UK degree from Thailand is possible. One of my videos reached nearly a million views; over 10,000 people showed interest, and several enrolled after consulting with me. I hope to continue working with Edinburgh Business School, inspiring more professionals across Thailand and Southeast Asia to believe that world-class education is accessible and life-changing.

What would you say to someone who is thinking about studying an MBA?

Don’t focus solely on the qualification; focus on the person you’ll become. An MBA changes how you think, solve problems, and lead others. Many people worry about their English, but I always say if you’re willing to learn and believe in yourself, you can do it. For me, the MBA didn’t just advance my career - it gave me the confidence and the opportunity to help others pursue their dreams.