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Tom Henderson graduated from our Digital Technologies & Policy MPA. He now works as a Strategy Advisor (Cyber Physical Infrastructure) at CBRE.
The main factor behind my decision to join UCL STEaPP was the department's focus on bringing different problem solving skills together to challenge and improve conventional decision-making. STEaPP has an unparalleled focus on driving collaboration across disciplinary boundaries, and the prospect of learning from engineers, technologists, and social scientists - all in one place - was hugely appealing to me.
What was your favourite aspect of your course?
Studying the MPA in Digital Technologies & Policy equipped me with valuable, practical lessons and analytical skills that have helped me throughout my career. I also loved the emphasis on using real-world examples and cutting-edge research to bring the lessons to life.
What did you enjoy most about studying in London?
Studying in London meant that we were able to go on interesting, relevant field trips and engage with thought leaders from around the world. The most memorable trips were to the London Olympic Park - where we learnt about sustainable approaches to infrastructure development - and to Bletchley park, where we gained an insight into modern cryptography and computing.
Please provide your current job title and the name of your organisation.
Strategy Advisor (Cyber Physical Infrastructure) at CBRE.
Please provide a brief summary of your role and the skills that you use
My role involves working with global clients to design, implement and optimise sustainable digital transformation programmes. My emphasis has been on clients in asset intensive sectors (infrastructure, real-estate, and technology), where there is an urgent need for radically new modes of decision-making and critical thinking. I have used numerous analytical tools for understanding system behaviour, exploring alternatives, setting direction and understanding uncertainty and risk in my career so far.
How has your degree at STEaPP shaped your experiences since leaving UCL?
Studying at STEaPP provided me with an analytical backbone which has equipped me with the tools and confidence to engage with complex problems in the real world. As an example, I was able to apply the lessons learned from my STEaPP term project on data trusts to a real-world project focused on the development of a cross-sector information management framework for the UK's infrastructure sector. Similarly, I have worked with clients in quantum computing, digital infrastructure, and cybersecurity where the things I learnt during my MPA helped me to rapidly understand key issues and potential solutions.
What advice would you give to current or prospective students?
Be open to learning from people from all walks of life, challenge your own preconceptions about how a problem can be solved, and follow what you enjoy!