Winter graduation 2021: taught postgraduate prizes

In the run-up to graduation, the School of Management is sharing stories from the recipients of the School's taught postgraduate (Masters) prizes, which are traditionally awarded at the Winter graduation. This second story in the series is a reflection written by Ryan Thorne, winner of the Head of School Prize 2021.

Since submitting my dissertation, I have taken up my Bobby Jones Scholarship and relocated to Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia to begin a Masters program in the Department of Environmental Sciences.

Here I am involved in Emory Student Climate Talks and have been continuing my work on SMEs and climate mitigation, having recently featured on Amplifire, a student-led podcast which seeks to educate and inform listeners on climate change and related issues. As part of this, I interviewed a representative of Gravitricity, an Edinburgh based SME specialising in development of green energy storage. Recently, I delivered a presentation on accelerating climate action and the role of non-state actors and also featured in Emory University News, where I discuss climate change.

Reflecting back on my time in St Andrews, I feel I am moving forward as a truly enriched individual. My experiences at this world-class institution have positively pervaded all aspects of my life and I can say with confidence that I am certain I would not have had the same experiences elsewhere. I remain immensely grateful for all the opportunities I was afforded during my five years of learning in the School of Management at the University of St Andrews.

Learning virtually during the pandemic was actually very useful for my CV. I realise in hindsight that a flexible way of working is more common now, and I am grateful that I was prepared for this transition through the School's proactive approach to teaching during this time. Group work was a very immersive experience: the option to work on projects interactively during the pandemic allowed for the creation of virtual spaces where I felt I could share my perceptions, and indeed have them challenged by others. I never felt like there were wrong answers as a student in the School, and this really helped me to embrace the learning experience.

I am excited for prospective students who are considering applying for undergraduate or postgraduate study in the School of Management. You will have the chance to embrace real exposure to some of the largest issues of your time and will work with your contemporaries to devise feasible and innovative solutions.

Ryan Thorne, winner of the Head of School Prize 2021