Alumni testimonials
Discover how our postgraduate programmes in Economics, Finance, and Management have shaped careers and created opportunities for our alumni. These firsthand accounts offer valuable insights into the unique learning environment and transformative experiences at the University of St Andrews Business School.
Department of Economics
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Dr Ciarán Mac Domhnaill
PhD in Economics, Graduated July 2024
After St Andrews: Postdoctoral Researcher in the School of Economics, working on the NexSys: Next Generation Energy Systems research programme
University College DublinSt Andrews was a fantastic place to undertake a PhD. I completed my PhD there between 2021 and 2024, and I always felt that support was there if I asked for it. I genuinely learned a lot from the expert guidance of my two supervisors, Dr Radek Stefanski and Prof David Jaeger. They were also constantly encouraging of my research and I enjoyed many stimulating discussions with them. Other members of faculty and staff in the Department of Economics were also very friendly and always willing to give me time and advice whenever I reached out to them.
Perhaps more importantly than all that, I came away from St Andrews with so many very happy memories. It was such a privilege to live in the small seaside town of St Andrews for three years, where I regularly went sailing from East Sands beach with the welcoming St Andrews Sailing Club, took golf lessons from excellent instructors at the St Andrews Links Golf Academy, and spent time in the many restaurants and pubs of the town with friends I will remain in contact with for a very long time. For a place to study for a PhD and to live for a few years, I am delighted that I chose St Andrews.
Dr Zhiting Wu
PhD in Economics and Finance, Graduated July 2021
After St Andrews: Assistant Professor in Finance
Institute for Financial and Accounting Studies, Xiamen UniversitySt. Andrews is the best town to do research that you could imagine. When research issues plague you, go to the beautiful beach or the ancient church to relax, or discuss with your colleagues in the offices located in the School building, and you will soon be inspired. The School of Economics and Finance stands on the beautiful seaside. Its staff are happy to provide invaluable guidance and encourage students to complete cutting-edge research. The class size of the school is small, so that each student gets careful attention. Academic staff, professional staff and students are as close as a family. Without advice from my supervisors and care from the school, I would not have been able to start my academic career smoothly as an assistant professor.
Dr Nayha Mansoor
PhD in Economics, Graduated July 2020
After St Andrews: Economist
Development Pathways LtdWhen I reflect on my time at the School of Economics and Finance, St Andrews as a PhD student, I conclude that the experience not only made me a better economist but also prepared me in unpredictable ways for my career. Through the research driven PhD program at the school, conferences and workshops with incredibly supportive and highly skilled faculty who were nothing short of mentors, I was challenged to work hard and achieve my goals. Having been shaped in part by the creative, yet rigorous PhD Economics program at St Andrews, I found myself able to communicate, innovate, and collaborate in ways that enabled me to be a better researcher. I am very happy that I chose St Andrews to pursue my PhD studies.
Dr Zhibo Xu
PhD in Economics, Graduated December 2019
After St Andrews: Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Shenzhen UniversityMy time in St Andrews has been the most extraordinary experience of my life, from the day of my arrival to the memories I still hold. Far away from the crowds and the busy metropolis, St Andrews is a quiet and warm fairy-tale place. The school provided internal and external high-level academic activities and encouraged PhD students to present their research in meetings, seminars and conferences within and outside of the School. During my studies, I received strong support and sincere help from all the support staff and academic staff. My supervisor Professor Miguel Costa-Gomes led by his own example of dedication to research and continual improvement; I was very lucky to experience his kindness and intelligence.
Dr Sinan Corus
PhD in Economics, Graduated December 2018
After St Andrews: Associate
Cornerstone ResearchAfter 6 years of policy experience and a year of M.Sc. in a city as big as London, I came to St. Andrews in 2014 worryingly, with a lot of questions in my mind. Very rapidly, St. Andrews proved that it is an excellent place to do a PhD. A safe space. A time capsule. A very vibrant, welcoming, and inclusive university town that strikes the fine balance between not being too distractive on one hand and not being boring on the other. I managed to both focus on my research and have fun here. Department of Economics contributed a great deal to the pleasance of this adventure. The program is research oriented. It does not involve heavy course work that many other programs do. It provides a good deal of flexibility to the student in the design of research portfolio. Department actively encourages teaching experience, and participation in academic conferences to present your research (even provides some funding). It is a fact that PhD opened the door to the next stage in my career. I am very happy that I came here to embark on this journey.
Dr Nikolay Chernyshev
PhD in Economics, Graduated December 2018
After St Andrews: Associate Lecturer
University of St AndrewsDon't let St Andrews' size deceive you, the place is very vibrant both academically and socially. The School of Economics and Finance both has a very strong standing on its own and is extremely well connected academically, so you will have plenty of opportunities to bounce off ideas with prominent scholars in all fields of Economics from all around the globe. The overall academic environment at the School helped me a lot in focusing and directing my research, as well as becoming a better researcher myself.
Dr Marc Daube
PhD in Economics, Graduated June 2017
St Andrews is a lovely coastal town with a great postgraduate community that makes life in St Andrews very enjoyable. The School of Economics & Finance is very welcoming to its PhD students and enables exchanges with top academics from a wide area of economic research, which not only helps with the PhD research but enables you to become a well-rounded economist.
Dr Sean Slack
PhD in Economics, Graduated June 2016
After St Andrews: Senior Economist
Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR)I undertook my PhD in the School of Economics and Finance over the period 2012-2016; my research focused on the design of tax-benefit systems. The department provided an excellent and supportive environment to undertake this research, with regular departmental seminars and frequent opportunities for Ph.D students to present their research. Departmental staff were always willing to provide feedback. I am particularly grateful to Professor David Ulph, whose excellent supervision, wealth of knowledge in public finance, and enthusiasm for the discipline were invaluable.
Dr Ning Zhang
PhD in Economics, Graduated June 2016
After St Andrews: Lecturer
University of GlasgowI truly miss St Andrews. The PhD experience there is unforgettable for me. The town is beautiful and quiet. The program is well-designed and the School provides not only rigorous economics training but also support for professional development. All professors and supportive staff are super-friendly and knowledgeable, which makes study here a joy.
Dr Erven Lauw
PhD in Economics, Graduated November 2015
After St Andrews: Research Fellow
Dundee Business SchoolAs a PhD student in the School of Economics & Finance at St Andrews University, I was fortunate to have two very good supervisors who are intellectual, kind-hearted and supportive. The school has a strong research community: research meetings like seminars, brown bags and reading groups were organised actively and consistently. During these meetings, the members of staff and PhD students who were present had the opportunity to engage in intellectually stimulating discussion and to exchange research ideas. The University as a whole is very supportive towards its students: it provides various channels to help students in need. Finally, St Andrews University is a strong international community. During my studies, I made many friends from all over the world and thus had a chance to learn about many different cultures. All of these have definitely made my PhD studies easier and more enjoyable.
Dr Samer Adra
PhD in Economics, Graduated June 2015
After St Andrews: Lecturer in Finance
Birmingham Business SchoolMy PhD experience in St Andrews has shaped both my research agenda and the way I view the world. The daily interactions with the academic staff and the able research supervision, combined with the weekly seminars that included academic authorities from all over the world, allowed me to gain unique interdisciplinary insights that I still rely on as a lecturer and a researcher. The unconditional support of the administrative staff helped me become fully focused on maximizing my learning experience. As for the town, the people, the sea, the shops, the students, the buildings, the beauty, the kindness … these cannot be described in words!
Dr Jacob Seifert
PhD in Economics, Graduated December 2014
After St Andrews: Lecturer
University of LeicesterI completed my PhD in St Andrews between 2011 and 2014. Taking the first steps towards producing your own research in Economics can be very daunting and challenging but in St Andrews I found the ideal place to do so. The staff in the department are excellent and I benefited enormously from the guidance and support of my supervisor and other colleagues. My fellow PhD students were also an inspiration. We were a valued part of departmental life and were supported in our efforts to organise our own seminar series, for example. The town itself is magical and you will meet an exceptional variety of interesting people from across the world here. I am very proud of my lasting affiliation with the University of St Andrews.
Dr Jinyu Chen
PhD in Economics, Graduated June 2014
After St Andrews: Vice President of the Risk Management Department
China Construction Bank TrustI completed my PhD in Economics from St. Andrews in 2014. I'm very proud of this achievement. The School has a very creative and well-respected research group, very friendly faculty and staff and is part of the prestigious University. The School of Economics and Finance is like a big family, which is helpful and supportive. I have very good memories from my time studying and teaching there and miss being a part of the School. I have benefitted hugely from the training and research I carried out at St. Andrews and have used this in my work since graduation. Moreover, I love the town: St. Andrews is a beautiful and peaceful place to live and work in, and is an excellent environment to study and research!
Dr Min-Ho Nam
PhD in Economics, Graduated June 2013
After St Andrews: Principal Economist
Bank of KoreaStudying for a PhD in Economics can be tough, but three aspects of my academic life at St Andrews made all the difference. First, my studies were well-designed and fully supported by the academic and administrative staff. Second, lively seminars on various topics presented by the school faculty and prestigious visiting scholars enabled me to enlarge my academic interest and to deepen my understanding of economics. Third, casual conversations with the school faculty members were invigorating and helped me to solve any problems I had with my research. In addition, I found life in St Andrews to be safe, comfortable and more than satisfying.
Dr Morten Dyrmose
PhD in Economics, Graduated June 2013
After St Andrews: Associate Director
UBSI thoroughly enjoyed being part of the academic environment at St Andrews. There was so much to get involved with, from academic pursuits to diverse student societies. I enjoyed the international dimension to St Andrews as well: meeting very talented and interesting people from across the world.
Dr Orachat Niyomsuk
PhD in Economics, Graduated November 2013
After St Andrews: Tax Economist
The Revenue Department of ThailandI have had very good experience in St Andrews, in general, and at the School of Economics, where my PhD was completed, in particular. Despite the size of the school, facilities as well as amenities that the School provided gave me a full opportunity to pursue my research. Basically, a good environment for studying had been created here! Professors, staff and other research fellows were very friendly and supportive. This was especially so with both of my supervisors whom I would like to express special gratitude and appreciation to. All these components, undoubtedly, made my four- year journey in St Andrews as one of my favourite times.
Dr Adnan Seric
PhD in Economics, Graduated June 2011
After St Andrews: Research Economist
United NationsI really enjoyed my time in St Andrews and appreciated the opportunity to learn about a wide range of cutting-edge research from some of the brightest minds in economics profession. I am confident in saying that it was the PhD programme at St Andrews that opened me the door to a rewarding career in international development. I am eternally grateful for my time there and recommend it to anyone without hesitation.
Dr Nicola Searle
PhD in Economics, Graduated June 2011
After St Andrews: Senior Lecturer
University of LondonThe combination of academic rigour, idyllic town and vibrant social scene made for a memorable four years at the School of Economics & Finance. My MSc and Phd helped me pursue my career in policy and academia researching the economics of innovation. I now have a network of fellow St Andrews graduate across the globe. The School was supportive throughout my degrees, and I always pop by if I'm in Scotland.
Dr Tsunehiro Tsujimoto
PhD in Economics, Graduated November 2010
After St Andrews: Quantitative Analyst
Swiss ReSt Andrews is an ideal place to focus on research work without too many distractions, enabling me to complete my PhD within 3 years. The School of Economics and Finance offers an excellent research environment for PhD students, including office space and access to their fantastic research seminar series.
Dr Elisa Newby
PhD in Economics, Graduated June 2008
After St Andrews: Head of Communications
Bank of FinlandThe School of Economics and Finance was the perfect place to do a PhD. It provides a friendly academic community, expert supervision and strong research / career support. The School offered many invaluable opportunities for professional development such as lecturing, participation in international conferences, support for journal submissions, and guidance with funding applications. I strongly recommend the School of Economics and Finance for anyone who is aiming for an academic career, as well for those who might seek professional careers in either the private or public sector.
Department of Management
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Eamon Bradley
MLitt
After St Andrews: with Cledara, a Fintech startupIf you want to be prepared for life beyond education, build an invaluable network, and learn in a challenging yet fun place around forward-thinkers and like-minded peers, look no further than the School of Management. Nowhere else can you find a group of people, cultures, backgrounds, and personalities in one place, packing a lifetime of experiences into one or two years. I can't recommend it enough.
Madlen Roesch
MLitt
After St Andrews: Global Brands Trainee at the Adidas GroupMy time in St Andrews played an important role in both my professional and personal development. Studying International Business allowed me to deepen my understanding of the complexity of global business interactions, and to explore new subjects and topics. Being able to choose not only many of my modules but also the topic of my dissertation, worked very well. I am confident that my time in St Andrews has ideally prepared me for my future endeavours ahead.
Andrew Fleming
MLitt
After St Andrews: Graduate Trainee – Political Risk, War, and Terrorism Insurance, Lancashire Insurance GroupThe International Business Programme emphasises activities that benefit the development of business goals, and focuses on potential risks from any sort of business expansion. My current job requires that I constantly assess the risks stemming from political instability in many countries, and takes 'risk analysis' exercises beyond the classroom. The IB programme polished the skills I needed to make every success in my chosen career path.
Idil Hanoglu
MLitt
After St Andrews: Lead Recruiter for EMEA Global Talent Acquisition at MicrosoftAt St Andrews, I had the opportunity to improve my research, industry experience and presentation skills. I also became very confident in a multinational environment with students studying alongside me from everywhere in the world. The MLitt Human Resource Management programme opened the doors to gain full-time internship experience in the IT industry in the UK for a regional team and that helped me to find my dream job, at Microsoft.
Torben Woehle
MLitt
After St Andrews: Masters at the University of OxfordMy degree gave me a rich and broad understanding of the modern business world, including socio-cultural factors and trends shaping the framework in which companies operate. The program gave me an understanding of key theoretical approaches and methodological research training to further my interest in this field. By pursuing a postgraduate degree in Social Anthropology, I have strengthened the confidence I first gained St Andrews, to conduct my own research.
Christabel Belonwu
MLitt
After St Andrews: Partner Manager, FacebookMy time at St Andrews strongly shaped the type of career and role I saw for myself. I wanted a global and international space where I could challenge myself and learn new things every day. The experience helped me grow, try new things, learn about new cultures and explore things outside my comfort zone. Most importantly I learned to manage my time, prioritise, work well in teams and question things, which I believe are useful skills for any job.
Yeung Cheung
MA
After St Andrews: Masters at the University of Hong KongSt Andrews is a small, breathtakingly beautiful seaside town, which offers students many unique experiences. The student community provides a pure and liberating experience, and an opportunity to get away from the materialism more typical of some metropolitan areas. I am pleased to have had so many inspiring and supportive teachers during my time as a Management student. Many of them went far beyond their academic responsibilities to guide, advise and inspire students.
Kajsa Johansson
MA
After St Andrews: Graduate at InvestecThe most important thing I gained from being a Management student at St Andrews is confidence. At my job interview, the topic of responsible investment came up, and having taken classes in Financial Markets and Sustainable Development I felt very confident that I had an informed opinion and argument to make. Studying Management at St Andrews has not only given me the ability to analyse situations, but also the conviction to speak up and to trust my own ability.
