Andrew Whelan’s job is to make sure companies can keep up with the pace of change
As a digital marketing transformation manager at consultancy firm Accenture, it is Andrew Whelan’s job to make sure companies can keep up with the pace of change.Blockchain technology, marketplace lending, and Apple Pay are just some of the innovations that cross his desk.
Such transformative ideas are in abundance in London, where he is based and where he studied for an MBA at Cass Business School. London’s mixture of Fortune 500 firms and fledgling start-ups are what drew the American from Los Angeles.
After obtaining a bachelor’s degree in communication studies at UCLA, Andrew joined the music industry, before becoming a business development consultant for a US bank. After that came roles in the real estate and non-profit sectors.
Since graduating from the MBA in 2013, he has also co-founded UrbanEmber, a heat-mapping mobile app start-up.
When and why did you decide to get an MBA?
After my undergraduate degree I found myself constantly balancing a desire for the structure and scale of large corporations, versus the agility, freedom and creativity of smaller start-ups. My experience of being CEO of a national non-profit while balancing a corporate finance career showed me the benefits of each path, but also helped me see opportunities for growth.
An MBA seemed to fill all the gaps, and set me on a path toward the career I wanted.
Why London?
It seemed like an enriching opportunity to move to a new, international hub for business and innovation, rather than stay in my comfort zone of Los Angeles.
London’s clear global leadership in many established industries such as banking, private equity, and venture capital could be enough for many MBAs. But what’s even more exciting now is its extraordinary recent growth in emerging areas such as fintech and cross-industry start-up innovation.
I would argue that Cass’ program is strategically and geographically the best-placed MBA in London, due to its deep connections with both the established businesses of the City of London as well as the new avant-garde start-ups of the "Silicon Roundabout" in Shoreditch. An MBA literally couldn’t ask for a better position in London.
Altogether, the balance of culture, industry and innovation placed London as the clear number-one destination for my MBA.
What has Cass Business School done for your career?
Cass Business School primarily unlocked a network of people and career opportunities for me in London and far beyond.
The dynamic courses, international strategy consulting project and opportunity to study for three weeks at the partner campus in Dubai made the MBA feel much more like I was building the future I wanted rather than doing an academic exercise.
Applying for and then winning a number of opportunities at Cass, such as the Cass Entrepreneur Scholarship, the CitySpark start-up competitions and earning a place in the London City Incubator also allowed me to gain demonstrable career experience that helped me to distinguish myself from peers at other schools.
What are your top tips for getting hired by Accenture?
Accenture Interactive requires candidates to have a very strong balance of personal and technical skills and a real passion for their area of expertise. AI provides end-to-end marketing experience — from creative design, to customer experience, to digital production, to e-commerce development — so a candidate should have a clear idea of where they fit in that ecosystem.
Why should companies consider digital transformations?
The fundamental reason I see for embracing digital transformation is the opportunity to unlock and provide universally better customer experiences, not just adding technology or mobile apps to keep up with competitors.
Digital transformation is a mind-set that allows companies to learn from customers, and offer them precisely what they want in a more cost-effective and scalable manner. The combination of better analytics, mobility and ultimately experience design is invaluable and undeniably adds value.
It is nearly impossible to think of an industry that isn’t already being transformed by digital and any companies that don’t adapt to this change will be left far behind.
Furthermore, digital customer experience is no longer defined by direct competitors. If a bank, for example, thinks they can keep up with digital transformation by following their competitors, they will be quickly disrupted and soon replaced by innovations such as Apple Pay, crowdfunding sites and blockchain technology, and innovators such as TransferWise, to mention a few that I’ve already switched to as a consumer.
How can companies make use of big data?
Big data can be applied to nearly all business decisions today, however it requires the right tools to access it, the right people to understand it and the right questions from leadership to make it valuable. Without some level of capability in all three areas, companies won’t be able to unlock the potential of big data.
So my advice is to start with a clear and actionable question and a view of what you want big data to do for you, then scale up the technological and management capabilities to answer those questions. Then once the value gained by applying big data intelligently is clear, a company should consider incrementally investing further.
Student Reviews
Best Journalism school in Europe
When I first stepped onto the campus of City, University of London, I knew I was in for a ride - and not just on the Tube! With its vibrant energy and an impressive repertoire of programs, City U became my home away from home.
The Journalism program was kind of a big deal. Rumour was that we were the best in Europe!
The lecturers were not just experts in their field; they’re practically journalistic royalty. They were invested, passionate, and had a knack for turning the most flat press release into a riveting news story. With their guidance, I’ve learned to navigate the chaotic world of media like a pro.
The campus was a melting pot of every culture, being that we had such a diverse international crowd.
Being in the heart of London, I had the world at my fingertips - there was always a new corner to explore, a hidden gem of a cafe to discover, or a street performer!
City, University of London wasn't just a university; it was a chapter in my life story that I’ll never forget.
Learning environment
The teacher-learner ration is manageable, giving each learner a chance to gain personal attention. It is also easier following up on the progress of a student, as the numbers per class is not large. the conducive environment for learning includes clean classes, standard desks, world class instructional facilities and the opportunity to engage lecturers even after their sessions. The team spirit at City is above board, with learners getting chance to learn both from instructors and colleagues. This is the university of choice; the place to be.
Classes
I liked that each class had a manageable number of learners, making the professor-learner ratio favor knowledge acquisition. I also liked that study schedules were manageable, and not overwhelming. The focus on talents and gifts even within the learning environment makes it possible for learners to achieve the best of their potential, and this has worked to the advantage of those that have schooled at City, University of London
Classes
The diversity at City University facilitates interactions and is a direction toward the unity of the world. The classes are well built to match the number and needs of all students regardless of the elements of diversity that set people apart. The use of technology in delivery makes learning even more interesting and achievable. At City University there is no distinction pegged on the issues that make people unique.
professors
The team of lecturers at the Uiversity are well experienced. Their level of insight and the methodologies of delivery works for the interes of the leaeners. My learning experience was largely boosted by the level of knowledge of the professors at the institution, and their passion to transfer the same to learners. I appreciate every class I attended because of the level of insight I was able to gather
The best university I’ve been to
The campus and the people I've met have made it a wonderful experience. I was reared in a small town with a graduating class of only 88 individuals, so moving to City University was a huge adjustment for me. My dorm has more residents than my whole high school combined! I enjoy the atmosphere here, and everyone is so friendly. Outstanding academic options and a stunning campus. Really great from beginning to end. The educators genuinely love what they do, and the students are ready to learn. On or around college, there is always something to do with friends, and the social scene is particularly warm.
Bayes Business School
As a student at City university attending Bayes Business School I would totally recommend choosing this university as the experience is exceptional with great social networking opportunities . Professors are significantly helpful, delivering with excellence and professionalism. Everyone is happy to help and make you feel welcomed in such an esteem university as City, offering exceptional development and guidance through out the course.
Economics and Politics
Incredibly amazing university, the way they polish students and help them boost their morale and think intellectually is worthwhile. Many universities have international partnerships to allow exchanges between their students. The most obvious subjects for these opportunities would be those that involve languages, and the study of people and places.
Clinical biology
I really like it it’s perfect for me with not too many people and not too few either. All the modules are amazing. I love the toy bar. I love all the societies that I’ma part of. Especially the colour Bollywood society
Unlocking My Potential at City University London
My time at City University London was truly transformative. The university's vibrant community and diverse extracurricular activities allowed me to forge lifelong friendships and professional connections that extend beyond the classroom. I was impressed by the university's commitment to academic rigor, character development, and personal growth, which created an ideal environment for me to reach my full potential. The research-driven and industry-relevant curriculum provided me with a solid foundation in international business, while the dedicated faculty and staff offered invaluable guidance and support. I feel grateful for the well-rounded education and holistic experience that City University London offered, preparing me for success in my career and beyond.
Rather interesting
The academics are tough, but in a good way. The professors are experts in their fields, so you know you’re learning from the best. They push you to think for yourself and really dive deep into the subjects. But it’s not all about hitting the books; London itself is like an extension of the campus. You’ve got museums, galleries, and just the general buzz of the city to keep you inspired.
Urban campus life
At the University of London, I have experienced dynamic and diverse academic environment where I was challenged by rigorous coursework. You will have the flexibility to choose from the wide range of courses, participate in numerous extra-curricular activities and take advantage of the many opportunities
