Management Science prepares an RAF pilot for a new career
A University of Southampton Management Science postgraduate has become President of the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS), the world’s oldest and most prestigious aerospace organisation.
RAF pilot Phil Boyle from Portsmouth turned to the Management School near the end of his time in the air force, where he had flown Hercules and Nimrod aircraft before being posted to Boscombe Down, near Salisbury, as a trials pilot. He had seen service in the Falklands War. Although he had taken a master's in Avionics with the RAF, he wanted to study for a qualification that would prepare him for a career in business. The University of Southampton offered the right degree at the right time; Phil describes his choice as ‘serendipitous'.
"In the 1980s, a Management Science MSc was similar to an MBA but with harder maths," he recalls. "The RAF helped out with a contribution to fees and some study leave. I went to university one day a week for two years and remember being taught by Dr Jonathan Klein. I thoroughly enjoyed the course and definitely got my first job as a civilian directly as a result of the qualification."
Phil entered management consultancy after graduating from Southampton in 1987 and went on to found executive recruitment consultancy Ramsey Hall Talent Management, which has grown into a global brand.
He has been a member of the RAeS's governing Council for over 20 years and, as President, now heads the global organisation. He is also Chairman of the Society's Solent Branch. His continuing interest in aeronautics regularly brings him back to the University of Southampton, often to talk aviation with engineers.