Gary Wroe (MBA, 2005) Managing Director of Hockley Mint tells us why he is passionate about sharing his experiences with current students.
Gary started working in the casting shop of Hockley Mint as an assistant at the age of 17, gaining experience and climbing the company ladder to become Group Managing Director in 2006. He formalised and develop this on the job knowledge with an Executive MBA with Birmingham Business School in 2005.
Gary has been volunteering at the University of Birmingham for the past 12 months where he has shared his experience of studying for his MBA. He has spoken at a number of events this year, including giving a talk to around 30 full-time students in the final year of their MBA studies and taking part in an MBA Open Day, answering questions from potential students about the course and what he thinks of the city.
In recognition of the time he has given to the Business School, Gary was recently named University Volunteer of the Month - a scheme to recognise those individuals who go the extra mile by generously sharing their time, skills and experience to help and progress students.
He said: “As you progress through life, reflecting on what you have done and achieved can be sometimes over looked. When I started my career, I was given an opportunity to join the British Jewellers’ Association youth training scheme, which set me on the journey through the world of jewellery. Twenty eight years later I became Chairman of that association as a way of saying thank you for the support and guidance it offered me. It is the same scenario with the University of Birmingham – it’s about completing the circle – to give back what you have learnt and help others to achieve the potential they can.
“The University of Birmingham is such a great place that has committed and dedicated staff that really want to make a difference to the students. I enjoy talking to people and if I can give any advice as to studying now or in the future, then I will. I enjoy giving back and staying connected to the University and my advice for anyone else thinking about volunteering is to give it a try – it is very rewarding.”
Would you like to advise and support our current students by sharing your expertise? Take a look at some of the ways you can get involved or contact us on bbsalumni@contacts.bham.ac.uk to find out more.
Our executive MBA is flexible and practical, designed to fit in with your existing career commitments. You can complete the course in a minimum of two-and-a-half-years and a maximum of four-and-a-half years.