Victoria is a consultant and entrepreneur originally from South Africa. She graduated from the MA Innovation Management at Central Saint Martins in 2023.
Why did you choose to study MA Innovation Management at Central Saint Martins (CSM)?
My earlier studies had been in another country, many years ago. Having worked in branding, marketing and advertising, and then specialising in strategy consulting, I found my home in innovation management consulting. The Master's at UAL has allowed me to supplement my extensive industry knowledge with academic understanding and rigour, with the hope of one day completing my PhD.
What have you been working on since graduating?
Much of my work since graduating has been to develop the first global auditable standard on Innovation Management Systems. I am the Head of Delegation for the UK to ISO on Innovation Management Systems Standards. ISO 56001 is a real game-changer for industry and economies. It creates a shared language on innovation management and establishes the key principles and organisational frameworks necessary for innovation to flourish in any type of organisation, in any sector.
What was the most interesting project you worked on during your time on the course?
One of the early projects on Service Design allowed me to build on my design thinking skills and work on a project to benefit the homeless in London, which was very rewarding.
What important piece of advice would you give to students thinking of studying this course?
This course challenges what you think innovation management really is. It encourages you to be very aware of the decisions you make along the way, which will inform what type of innovation management you are likely to go into after studying. Innovation Management is vast – from the fuzzy front end or start-up environment to well-known methodologies and effective concept validation and commercialisation. Determining where you will situate yourself within industry will be the result of the personal journey of discovery that you go on through this course. I wouldn’t describe it as easy, or with a clearly defined outcome – you will have to put in the work, but it will be worth it.
What was the highlight of your Central Saint Martins experience?
Being surrounded by – and in – one of the most creative places on earth, on a daily basis. You can feel it in the air; it is incredibly vibrant and optimistic.
What is the most important thing you learnt on the course?
The rigour and requirements needed to produce research of exceptional quality at master's level. It has allowed me to continue publishing research and to keep growing after my course. It’s the best preparation if you are considering a future PhD.
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