Adhitya Durai Rajan Natarajan

Why I chose to study Advanced Engineering Management

At the time of my enrolment, I was working in an engineering consultancy in various capacities, including Project Control Specialist and briefly as Acting Project Manager.

My experience in this environment exposed me to both technical and managerial challenges, which motivated me to pursue a programme that would enhance my leadership and decision-making skills. The MSc Advanced Engineering Management programme at UoB Dubai was the ideal choice as it strikes a balance between technical and managerial aspects, offering modules shared with construction management.

Compared to an MBA, this programme felt more tailored to my career aspirations, providing a focused yet comprehensive approach to engineering and project management

My Birmingham Dubai experience

The faculty-student relationship was very friendly, making the learning environment engaging and supportive. I didn’t participate in many extracurricular activities, but I was involved in the regularly organised seminars, talks, and events that were insightful and beneficial.

The quality of teaching, academic support, and access to resources was excellent, and allowed me to effectively balance my studies with my professional responsibilities.

Birmingham Dubai’s impact 

The programme brought relevance to the best industry practices, or rather, the best engineering practices. The curriculum was based on the faculty's research rather than just a traditional taught module, making the learning process more engaging and result oriented. This research-driven approach enhanced the practicality of the coursework, allowing for a deeper understanding of real-world applications and innovative problem-solving strategies.

My journey from Birmingham Dubai

Before joining the programme, I had experience in schedule risk management as part of my role in project controls and chairing risk workshops as part of my role in project management. However, the academic knowledge and research-driven approach of the MSc Advanced Engineering Management programme provided me with a deeper understanding of risk management principles, frameworks, and strategic applications.

This enhanced knowledge played a crucial role in securing my current position in risk management. The programme’s focus on analytical decision-making, uncertainty management, and industry best practices has allowed me to approach risks more systematically and effectively, adding value to my role and career.

Advice for students

For those considering the MSc Advanced Engineering Management programme, I would highly recommend it as a career-focused alternative to an MBA, especially for engineers looking to transition into leadership roles. The programme provides a structured yet flexible learning experience that enhances both technical and managerial competencies.

My advice is to actively engage in class discussions, leverage networking opportunities, and apply the knowledge gained to your professional environment. Also, participate in talks arranged by professional institutions such as CIOB, APM, ICE, etc., as these provide valuable industry insights and networking opportunities. The more you invest in the learning process, the more you will benefit in your career growth.