Aiming for success with two prestigious qualifications – in engineering and business
Engineering doctorate graduate Dr Darko Matovski has now added a Southampton MBA (passed with merit) to his qualifications. He started to study for the challenging business degree during his four year EngD, completing it after leaving University, and now works in technology for a London financial company, solving business problems through computer science.
Darko believes this combination of engineering and professional skills will give his career an extra edge: "Having an MBA tells employers you are aiming for a senior management role," he explains. "Many people have strong technical skills, others possess business qualifications but not many have both."
He studied his undergraduate BEng at Southampton before the EngD, which combines a challenging project with a leading scientific or engineering company, academic research and business education. He worked with the National Physical Laboratory in Teddington researching how an individual's gait - the way they walk - can be used as a reliable biometric tool for identification.
Whilst studying for an EngD, students are permitted to undertake a range of MBA modules that may count towards the Southampton MBA. After being awarded an EngD and subject to acceptance onto the MBA programme by Southampton Management School, graduates may successfully complete the remaining modules and a dissertation to be awarded the MBA. Darko is the first student from the Industrial Doctorate Training Centre (IDTC) to achieve both an EngD and an MBA at Southampton.
"I was particularly interested in learning about technology transfer, leadership and marketing and know they will benefit me in my career," he says.
Helene Glasspool, Associate Director of the EngD Programme in the Faculty of Engineering and the Environment says "I am delighted at Darko's success and feel sure the MBA will help him progress in his career. We urge all our students to take advantage of the opportunities available to them during their time at The University of Southampton."