Alumni profile: Joseph Karedan, MBA 2011

— 07.07.16

by Jody Dalton

Interviewed May 2014

Joseph Karedan, Group Testing Manager at Bridon International Ltd, MBA 2011

Joseph graduated from the Sheffield MBA Programme in 2011 and is now a Group Testing Manager at Bridon International Ltd. He is an experienced project manager having worked in operational roles in the oil and gas sectors. We caught up with Joseph to find out about what he’s been up to since graduating.

Tell us a little bit about your current role

I currently manage operations of Bridon International’s new product testing centre - the Bridon Technology Centre or BTC, based in Doncaster, UK. At the BTC we focus on rope technology development, testing and verification, and we have a unique range of purpose built equipment to carry out analysis that hasn’t been possible before. We deliver rope technologies to a range of markets including Oil & Gas, Mining, and Construction and Fishing sectors. I also previously worked as the project manager for this facility.

What attracted you to study at Sheffield University Management School?

Deciding where to study is a really difficult and important decision, and you have to think about a lot of things such as cost, location as well as the programme and what the university has to offer you. For me one of the main attractions was the city’s cultural diversity and more importantly the research-led teaching approach and of course location (I love Sheffield!)

How would you sum up your time at Sheffield?

The Sheffield MBA programme put me through a mincing machine and redefined my perspective on the world!

“The Sheffield MBA definitely gave me credibility in the job market. Not only from the skills and knowledge that I developed, but also from the confidence I gained to be able to interact with people and the ability to sell myself when required.”

Joseph Karedan MBA 2011

And what do you remember most about Sheffield?

Coffee!! Assignments, fast-food and football in cold weather.

What would you say are the highlights of your career so far?

Immediately following the MBA I secured a place as a Project Manager and went on to successfully manage and complete a £4.6m Technology Centre for Bridon International Ltd. This opportunity came about following my dissertation project that I managed to secure at Bridon through the Management School, as part of the MBA programme. I consider this as a step change in my career as it cemented my confidence as a manager above all, and I’m very proud of this achievement.

Would you say the Sheffield MBA helped you with your career?

Of course, yes! It did. The MBA definitely gave me credibility in the job market. Not only from the skills and knowledge that I developed, but also from the confidence I gained to be able to interact with people and the ability to sell myself when required. What are your plans for the future? I plan on staying in the management field and will hopefully move my way up the ladder the more experience I gain. I’m also planning on getting certified in project management to add to my skills set.

As a former student, do you think it is important to stay in touch with the Management School and University?

Yes, certainly. I can see many benefits in staying in touch, an important one being a means to get up-to date information from practicing managers.

And finally, what do you like to do in your spare time?

I try to keep as up-to-date as possible in the field of management and economy by scanning papers and magazines and such.

What is your favourite TV programme?

At the minute it’s The Sherlock Holmes series.

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