Q&A with Nick Cox
Nick studied the Educational Leadership (International) MBA at IOE, graduating in 2021 and is currently the Deputy Head (Academic) of Rendcomb College in Gloucestershire.
What attracted you to IOE and your course?
The outstanding reputation of IOE and my desire to develop business acumen.
What were the most interesting things you did, saw or got involved with while at IOE?
The dissertation created opportunities for networking and professional learning far deeper than I had expected. I gained a great deal from talking to a variety of leaders in schools and of national organisations. I was very well supported throughout my dissertation by a generous and knowledgeable supervisor.
Tell us about your current role…
Leading teaching and learning in an independent school. I am part of the leadership team responsible for marketing and strategy which are areas the MBA has helped me to develop my expertise in.
What are your future ambitions?
I see myself either as a Headteacher or perhaps in another senior educational role. The MBA has given me the confidence and professional knowledge to be successful in a variety of educational leadership roles.
What advice would you give to a student looking to get into a career in your sector?
You need to be creative, have stamina, and network extensively with other schools and organisations in the business of education.
What have you done in your current or a previous role that has been most fulfilling to you? Who helped you, what did you learn from it, and what made it so worthwhile?
I have really enjoyed volunteering my professional knowledge as a school governor and school inspector. The MBA has enhanced my ability to discharge these duties effectively.
Who or what has had the greatest influence on your career?
The professional networks I have been a part of.
How do you approach professional development and/or networking? Has your approach changed at all over the course of your career?
I used to use TES and local school groups as sources of CPD and networking. Twitter has become very influential in being able to quickly assess and access high quality networking and CPD opportunities. While completing the MBA, I met many interesting educational leaders from the UK and internationally who widened my network and professional knowledge.
Last updated 11 August 2022.
