Ricky McGowan

Meet Ricky McGowan, whose journey from a council estate in Newham to shaping national standards in statistics and data science is a powerful story of resilience and ambition

From Newham to professional leadership

From growing up in a single-parent household on a council estate in Newham to shaping national standards in statistics and data science, Ricky McGowan’s journey is a powerful testament to resilience and determination. Working two jobs from the age of 16, he did not take the traditional academic route; instead, he built over 15 years of experience in professional bodies. At 34, and with the support of his employer, he returned to education, an opportunity he once thought impossible. 'This is something that didn't seem possible for someone like me. I will be forever grateful to those involved in making this happen and effectively setting me up for the next stage of my career.'

Since completing his MBA at Herts in 2025, Ricky has gone on to make a significant impact. He is now Head of Alumni Strategy & Delivery at the Chartered Association of Business Schools, where he works closely with alumni who have graduated from the Help to Grow: Management programme. Delivered in partnership with the UK Government, the Chartered Association of Business Schools, and participating business schools, the scheme supports senior leaders of small and medium-sized enterprises across the UK.

In this role, Ricky leads the development and delivery of a strategic, high-impact alumni offer designed to support continued learning well beyond programme completion. His work focuses on creating meaningful opportunities for professional development, peer networking, and knowledge exchange, ensuring alumni can apply new insights directly within their organisations.

How Herts shaped his journey

Returning to education after many years in the workforce, Ricky found the MBA aligned perfectly with his developing responsibilities. 'The entire experience gave me confidence in my abilities, skills, and knowledge. My course became of great value, as I was able to put into practice what I was learning in a live environment very quickly.' Having access to his organisation’s senior leadership helped him apply theory directly to real-world challenges. 'Having access to our Senior Management Team also meant I had access to information, which helped me take on information more quickly.'

He chose Herts due to its strong reputation among professional bodies. 'I have always had great experiences working with Herts and know many great lecturers there. When I saw this course offered at Herts and that it was online, it was an obvious choice.' Despite studying remotely, the sense of community was strong. He says, 'I was able to meet people, and I have definitely made friends for life in this course.' The MBA also provided the strategic understanding he needed to progress. 'I liked the level it was aimed at and the spread of modular learning available, which was the exact mix of knowledge I was missing before moving into a more senior role.'

Future ambitions and advice

With his career continuing to grow, Ricky has ambitious plans for the years ahead. 'I plan to use the skills and knowledge I have gained to further my career, adding value at SMT level. Working towards being a director and, in time, possibly a CEO.' Beyond his professional work, he enjoys photography, particularly shooting his wife’s rugby team in Ruislip. He also runs the international football podcast 'Meanwhile in Andorra’, and sits on advisory panels across various learned societies.

His advice for current students is clear: ‘Embrace the learning process and take responsibility for widening your knowledge. Employers of graduates love to see individuals who take responsibility for their continued professional development. This will advantage you and your career in the long run.'