Marie Saddoo
MSc Place Management and Leadership, 2019
About me
- Consultant at MLS Professional Services
- MSc Place Management and Leadership, 2019
- Contact me on LinkedIn
ABOUT MY CAREER
I decided to study at Manchester Metropolitan University because at the time, I was working for a local partnership called the Oxford Road Corridor, and one of the partners was Manchester Met. True to its word, the university provided the partnership’s employees with holistic business and professional support. This included staff support, which allowed employees to become part of Manchester Met’s staff and student community and access its many benefits including enrolment onto its degree programmes. I was in the privileged position of being able to work and study simultaneously, and in the same location.
Since I was already employed whilst I was studying, obtaining my MSc gave me the confidence and the theory alongside my practical work, which I felt made me feel more knowledgeable and successful in my role. The university library services provided me with access to a wealth of information relevant to my studies. Without these resources, I would not have been as successful in completing my studies. Using these resources helped me to develop my research skills, which I still use today.
I am now self-employed, but I engage in spatial practice interests at all levels, from grass roots to country level, alongside place management. In response to the pressing issues around the globe, my interests are becoming more socio-economic. I use various ‘lenses’ to look at the different issues at each level of society, and how they link together, and one of the most fascinating lenses I use is the Doughnut Economic concept.
I believe critical thinking is one of the most useful skills I gained during my studies. The ability to engage with a number of different perspectives using theories, models and frameworks allows me to consider a broad range of opinions, opportunities and risks. This is useful for strategic planning, as well as everyday tasks.
Since graduating, I am undertaking self-led learning in an area which is increasing in popularity, and which is beginning to appear in course modules at places of study around the world. I call this Ethical Economies, and this includes Doughnut Economics, Circular Economy, Wellbeing Economy, and I am also undertaking a Systems Change course with the Synergia Institute, which relates to those complementary and interrelated subjects.
MY TOP TIP FOR STUDENTS IS
Utilise the services offered by Manchester Met. They really do care about their students, even after graduation. Make good use of the careers service, and any work opportunities offered at the university whilst you are studying.
I’M INSPIRED BY
I am inspired by Manchester Met’s dedication to being one of the city’s most ethical, successful and longstanding institutions that never stops reinventing itself to move with the times and to stay relevant in response to a changing world.
WHY I LOVE MANCHESTER MET
I appreciated the support from the university, as a student, and as a member of their staff community through my role at the partnership. I appreciated this even more so, as I was due to have my first child around the time of my dissertation deadline. The support and encouragement from my supervising professor was the reason I was able to successfully complete my masters.