Jonathan Dyson (MEng, University of Durham), London Business School

Biog: Prior to starting his MBA, Jonathan worked as a field engineer for Baker Hughes, a major US-based oil and gas service company. As a field engineer, he was responsible for running wireline logging jobs, which provides data to geoscientists about a well or reservoir. He worked in Aberdeen, Stavanger, Alberta, Texas, and most recently Tanzania.

 

What inspired you to study for an MBA?
The 2014/15 decline in oil price impacted the sector tremendously. I decided to spend my time productively during this downturn and applied for an MBA.  Luckily, I was accepted at LBS at relatively short notice (a few weeks before the term began!) and moved to London a few days later.

Why did you apply for the scholarship?
I applied for the scholarship after my first year at LBS. I started the MBA at short notice and heard about the SMF scholarship from colleagues at LBS. The SMF is a considerable scholarship which greatly relieves the financial burden of an MBA. This allows me to focus on pursuing a career in industry after the MBA, instead of services. Finally, I researched the SMF network prior to applying and was impressed and inspired by the success of previous SMF awardees. It’s a fantastic network!

How has the course been so far?
I’m now into my second year at LBS. My first year was incredible. The variety of backgrounds other LBS MBAs have means I learn as much from them as the professors. The core MBA courses are very different to anything I have studied or practiced before, which means each class is interesting and engaging. I’m currently on exchange in New York, which is another experience I would never have had if I hadn’t done an MBA.

What is your ambition after you graduate?
I would like to remain in industry, preferably in oil and gas. The sector is going through a fundamental period of change, I think this poses many exciting business opportunities for both incumbents and new players.