Karl Bygrave | Lush Cosmetics
Karl completed the Bournemouth MBA and is now a Director at an international cosmetics company, Lush Limited. His role has evolved and he currently looks after development of the Middle East; he is responsible for building and coaching management teams and advising on Intellectual Property matters.
Why did you choose to study for an MBA at BU?
I have been fortunate enough to gain a wide variety of work experience but I have always felt that I lacked formal recognition of my skills. An MBA was both a way of checking how my experience stacked up and a validation.
I had considered other Business Schools but the scope of the MBA at BU suited me and I was able to study part-time so I could always balance work, study and family life.
"I had considered other Business Schools but the scope of the MBA at BU suited me and I was able to study part-time."
What work experience and qualifications did you have before studying for the MBA?
I benefitted from a broad range of experience, although predominately in one industry sector, as well as taking a number of management courses..
How did you adapt to studying again?
The main thing is to realise that the advice given by the lecturers about handling deadlines should be listened to. You have to set aside enough time to be able to keep up with the work. The final dissertation also required me to shut myself away.
What have you gained through your MBA?
I have more confidence in my own ability. The Bournemouth MBA showed me that my experiences were valid and my decision-making skills were sound.
"The Bournemouth MBA helped my career enormously, especially in my appreciation of management."
It helped my career progress enormously, especially in my appreciation of management accounting and corporate governance. Also, I have taken the opportunity to gather advice from a number of fellow MBA students on their areas of expertise.
