MX (Masters Extra) programme

The Masters Extra (MX) programme is designed specifically for taught masters students in the University of St Andrews Business School and focuses on careers, and personal and professional development. This series of talks, networking opportunities, and activities includes guest lectures from leading academics and experienced managers.

Through regular attendance, participants can enhance their career opportunities and earn a Certificate in Career Development. To qualify for a certificate, students must attend a minimum of four MX sessions in each semester.

MX is an integrated programme between the Business School, CEED (the Centre for Educational Enhancement and Development), and the University Careers Centre.

MX sessions after Orientation Week are presented on Wednesdays and include 30 minutes for Q&A. Sessions are held either in person, in Gateway LR 3/4 unless otherwise specified, or online through MS Teams, according to the speaker's preference.

Outline schedule 2024-2025 Semester 1

Thursday 12 September 2024 3pm In person: Physics A
Wednesday 18 September 2024 3pm In person: Booth Lecture Theatre

Film screening, strategy overview and reception

Join fellow students and staff for this inaugural event of the Masters Extra (MX) series 2024.

The session will begin with an exclusive screening of 'Beyond Zero', a documentary that chronicles the journey of Interface, a global flooring company, and its visionary founder as they embark on a strategy to eliminate their environmental footprint. The film offers a rich insight into the challenges and tensions related to embracing sustainable strategy.

Following the screening, the Dean of the Business School will present a brief overview of the new School strategy and the role of sustainability in the School. This is your opportunity to learn how the School plans to integrate sustainable practices into curriculum and operations. You'll also have the chance to ask questions and engage in discussions about School strategy and sustainability initiatives.

The event will conclude with a drinks and nibbles reception, providing the perfect setting for getting to know other students and faculty.
Wednesday 25 September 2024 4pm In person

Florentyna Smith, Principal at Starburst

Are you curious about how the space sector connects with innovation beyond just rockets and satellites? Join an engaging event which will explore the evolving role of innovation intermediaries – those who bridge industries and drive collaboration – by examining how open innovation and collective action are reshaping sectors like defence and space. The session will discuss how this shift challenges traditional competitive strategies, opens up new opportunities for knowledge sharing, and can reframe the use of technologies for social good over profit. Whether you're interested in space or other fields, this session will shed light on the skills and challenges of becoming a key connector in the world of innovation.
Wednesday 2 October 2024 4pm In person

Dr Stephan Rinck, Technology Specialist for Consultancies and Global Systems Integrators IBM Deutschland GmbH

2023 started a new era for artificial intelligence (AI). Since that time a wave of technological innovation is taking various industries by storm and has become the top discussion point for AI – generative AI, made popular by ChatGPT.

The rapidly advancing AI capability is on its way to revolutionising every aspect of an enterprise. The ability to access data has leveled the playing field and brought every enterprise a unique possibility of progress.

Stephan Rinck's MX talk will refer to recent research from IBM's Institute of Business Value (IBV). Stephan will illustrate the presentation with examples from several IBM clients – showing the context and relevancy of AI for enterprises.
Wednesday 9 October 2024 4pm In person

Barclay Milne, Director Of Engineering at Shure

Why do some companies consistently provide great products or services to their customers, almost as if it’s in their DNA, while others - despite employing very talented people - fail to hit the target? When the difference between such success and failure can be so pivotal to the commercial success of a company, knowing and acting on the answers to this question can hardly be of more fundamental importance to entrepreneurs, investors, senior management, and indeed any stakeholder of an organisation. Shure has been making microphones for almost 100 years and is said to be the preferred brand for musicians and sound professionals at the top of their game. In this talk, Milne will explain why innovative products and services can only come from companies who have deep empathy with their customers and understand how to nurture and manage innovation as a commercial process at the beating heart of their business.
Wednesday 16 October 2024 4pm In person

Carlos Ferraz, Chairman of Skywire Australia

Carlos Ferraz is a seasoned global entrepreneur with 12 startups and 4 successful exits. He will share his journey from building and managing businesses in the fast-paced IT and mobile computing market to pursuing a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA). This talk will explore the intersection of practical innovation and academic rigor, offering insights into how entrepreneurial experiences can shape and enhance scholarly pursuits. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a future academic, or simply curious about the fusion of business and research, this session aims to provide valuable perspectives and actionable takeaways.
Wednesday 30 October 2024 4pm In person

Jim Campbell, Assistant Director, Careers Centre, University of St Andrews

Attend this event to find out more about the graduate job market in the UK. The session will cover common recruitment timelines and effective job search strategies, and provide tips on how to perform well in a typical recruitment process. It will also draw upon the experiences of international graduates who have previously sought employment in the UK via the Graduate route visa or the Skilled Worker visa.
Wednesday 6 November 2024 4pm In person

Sharad Vishvanath, Partner and SVP Global Enterprise Client Leader, AON

Drawing on real life examples, this interactive session will focus on how consulting can be a force for good, e.g. through Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) advisory or Environmental, social and governance (ESG) advisory. It will detail some of the realities of the consulting profession and what it takes to be successful in a consulting career.