Avinash Ramesh Udupa

MSc Management & Information Systems: Change and Development.

Why did you choose to study at The University of Manchester?

The main reason I chose to study at The University of Manchester is that it is highly ranked amongst the rest of universities in the world.

The length of the course was also important as it meant I could complete a degree quickly and continue with work.

The course also gave me the skills to work with professions higher up in organisations with the help of specific modules such as organisational change management.

Why did you choose your particular course?

I come from a similar hybrid manager background focusing on both technical as well as managerial responsibilities. This fits very well with the focus of the course being a 'socio-technical' approach to information systems.

Has your qualification helped you in your career?

The MSc has helped me to bridge the underlying ideologies of a Socio-technical approach to dealing with systems. I started my career on these thoughts and the degree has helped me reinforce the foundations with structures of high importance across different IT industries

On a day-to-day basis, I now bring extensive expertise in fields of team management, risk mitigation and effective planning to the team. My contribution towards the work is not just increased but has been more streamlined with the help of the degree

Where then any specific modules or lecturers who particularly inspired you?

I enjoyed all my classes with my professors as I was always motivated to contribute in the classroom to benefit not just myself but also my course mates who did not come from the same background as I did

I particularly enjoyed classes of Dr Jaco Renken as they were very entertaining, informative and brought a good balance of theoretical vs practical activities

What is your best memory from your time at Manchester?

My time at Manchester was wonderful. I made some friends for life from here who are still good mates of mine. The course had a fair amount of classes to attend, however, the company, professors and campus infrastructure made it so smooth. The modules were well balanced but could be more challenging in my opinion. The dissertation was the hardest aspect of the course as it required extensive research and mental readiness. The highlight of the course was the trip to South Africa! We made new connections with our professors and friends, all the while staying focused on the purpose of the trip and aiming to fulfil the necessary credits on the modules.

Do you have any tips or advice for current or prospective students?

Be prepared to change your life completely. Manchester will become home to you wherever you come from! It is a beautiful city with an outstanding university and courses! M&IS will be challenging but will help you build skills that you cannot build on your own such as researching, articulating and being critical of everything that you do. You have to unlearn first to then learn.