Bade Trosper
Published: 12 June 2024
MSc Management, 2022
Name: Bade Trosper
Home country: USA & Turkey
"With a background of Turkish and American roots, I embraced the life of an international student at the Adam Smith Business School, where I completed my MSc in Management in 2022. My upbringing in international schools fostered a deep appreciation for global cultures, sparking my passion for travel and exploration. Eager for a fresh experience in a new location, I chose Scotland for my studies—a decision driven by my long-standing desire to visit this beautiful country and the UK's convenient access to the rest of Europe.
I often share with others that the warmth and friendliness of Glaswegians truly embody the spirit of the city's motto, 'People Make Glasgow.' My time at the university wasn't just about acquiring a master's degree; it was also where I formed lasting friendships."
Why did you choose the Adam Smith Business School?
I once quipped that the Glasgow University Business School was named "Adam Smith Business School" as a sort of honorary gesture because Adam Smith, the 'father of economics', roamed its halls. I was quickly humbled with a reality check, courtesy of a Google search, and I was pleasantly surprised to learn that Adam Smith was indeed an alumnus of the university. I had no idea the university was over 500 years old! Throughout the years Glasgow University has produced alumni who have gone onto become Nobel laureates, world renown inventors, prime ministers, and more.
The Adam Smith Business School has triple accreditation, and the MSc Management course contents were exactly what I was looking for – especially as someone coming from an engineering background wanting to accelerate my understanding of modern business practices within different areas.
What did you enjoy the most about your programme? How has your degree helped you in your career?
Among the highlights of my master's program was the opportunity to engage in a business case study instead of traditional thesis work. The university acknowledged that not all students aim for further academia and that a conventional thesis might not serve everyone's career aspirations. To address this, they introduced an alternative more suited for those of us inclined towards entering the industry—a comprehensive report based on a group case study. I found this approach not only innovative but also rewarding. Collaborating with classmates to devise solutions to real-world business challenges was a highly enriching experience, and is indeed similar to my work experience in the corporate world.
What have you been up to since graduating from the Business School?
Straight after graduating, I undertook a brief internship at a startup that specializes in using AI to assist businesses in making more informed decisions through analyzing consumer behavior. Shortly thereafter, I started a full-time job as part of a graduate project management scheme at a company named Ipsos, where I am positioned in the healthcare division focusing on pharmaceutical research. I feel quite fortunate to be able to participate in projects involving some of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world, where each project is unique, offering insights into the operational and decision-making processes of these companies. I enjoy seeing what goes on behind the scenes, including ideas for products/technologies that are still in development and haven’t been released to the general public yet. It has also been incredibly rewarding to observe the positive impact our research has on patients.
What was the most important thing you learnt while studying at Glasgow?
To network whenever and wherever possible, whether that be with other students, professors, or guest speakers/participants at events. You never know when your paths will cross again in the future. Although academics was at the forefront of my focus, I made sure to be as socially active as possible as my schedule allowed me to be. I signed up for activities and societies of all sorts, not just the ones related to my program or career aspirations. For example, I was part of the Adam Smith Economics Society and the consulting society, but also part of the art, and skydiving ones! University is one of the few and best opportunities where one is constantly surrounded by others of various backgrounds, creating a melting pot of perspectives. This diversity offers a unique opportunity to meet, interact with, and learn from people you might not encounter otherwise.
What is your top piece of advice for current students – our future alumni?
Try new things, even if they seem daunting. As cliché as it sounds, your comfort zone is precisely where you shouldn't be, especially at a time in your life when you can afford to make mistakes without severe consequences. Another piece of advice is to apply for or pursue something even if you think you're not 'qualified enough' – you might be surprised to discover that you can, in fact, meet the expectations perfectly. In the worst case, as the saying goes, "fake it till you make it" - even if you fail, you'll still learn something new and improve for next time. It's a challenging time and stage in your life in which you have little to no experience in certain aspects and feel like you need to work twice as hard to prove your worth, but don't let that discourage you.
Tell us about your fondest memory at the Business School.
While pursuing my studies, I joined the GU Consulting Society and got the opportunity to serve as a board member overseeing postgraduate members. Additionally, I participated in the case competition, a prominent student-led initiative within the business school, facilitated by the society. It involved collaborating with a team of peers whom I had not met before, all hailing from different academic programs.
Being an active member of GUCS enriched my academic journey significantly. I even briefly presented on my insights during one of the interviews for my current role - highlighting the practical and interpersonal skills gained through these experiences which are required for project management roles.
First published: 12 June 2024