MSc Mindfulness Studies 2014
From Aberdeen to Mindfulness Champion
Your Time at Aberdeen
Why did you choose to study at Aberdeen?
Aberdeen is one of the leading providers of Masters programmes in Mindfulness.
Why did you choose your particular course?
I have a special interest in personal development, growth and healing, and learning more about the Buddhist teachings of Mindfulness was a natural choice.
What did you most enjoy about your time at Aberdeen? Did you have any particularly memorable student experiences?
I taught a few Mindfulness courses and guided meditation groups, which were some of the highlights of my time there.
If talking to a group of prospective students, what advice would you give them to help them make the most of their time at the University of Aberdeen?
Submerge yourself in the University community - it's wonderful!
Your Time After Aberdeen
What was the title of your first job after graduating from Aberdeen?
Director of Mindful Mountains, which is still my company now.
What does your role involve?
I founded and set up Mindful Mountains Ltd. so my first roles were all encompassing. After dealing with the governance, setting up the company, the web site was quite a big task. Trying to describe the products and services and expressing my principles/vision in words and pictures took a while. More latterly my role is delivering the services and gaining customers - teaching, coaching, leading and organising.
Please briefly describe the journey from your first job after graduating to where you are now.
After graduating I set up my own company so the past six years has been a huge learning curve in operating a business, marketing and sales. In my coaching and teaching, the depth of what I deliver and my capacity to create learning environments and contexts has grown.
Was your degree at Aberdeen essential for getting to where you are now? If so, in what way?
The degree itself, not really. Anyone can set up a company and promote its products if they have a mind to. However, because I deliver the products and services, I teach, coach and lead, and my own skills and credibility come into play. Through the MSc I gained a huge amount of knowledge and insight and a formal qualification which helps with the credibility. Also the MSc helped me to have more confidence about myself and professional capacity as a teacher and coach.
One Top Tip
Choose what you have energy for and give energy to what you choose.