AN INTERVIEW WITH MBA ALUMNA ERIKA GOUVEIA • 65
An Interview with MBA Alumna ERIKA GOUVEIA Originally from Rio de Janeiro, MBA alumna Erika Gouveia completed her MBA at Durham University Business School in 2017 and is currently the Energy and Green Finance Programme Manager at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, located in Brazil. Erika helps apply the British government’s prosperity fund for energy and green finance in Brazil. What made you decide to pursue a Durham MBA? “The MBA was important to further my career in terms of seniority and to broaden the scope of potential work. And in my case, to help me specifically explore the whole energy sector, not just oil and gas.” Why did you choose Durham as the institution to attend? “I chose Durham University Business School after doing a vast amount of research. I found that the Durham MBA had an excellent reputation, great value and a programme design which suited many of my interests - for example, international business trips, leadership classes and many optional routes. In addition, my choice was also driven by the excellence and reputation of Durham’s Energy Institute.” Tell us about the scholarship you received? “I was awarded two scholarships: the Chevening scholarship, which is awarded by the UK Government to future international leaders, offering them the chance to study in the UK, and a Durham University Business School scholarship. Both of these were offered after my professional experience and personal profile (leadership skills, career desires and teamwork competences) were evaluated.” What was an unexpected part of your experience at Durham? The most unexpected and the best experience was to learn on a course with such diversity. The Durham MBA attracts people from so many different backgrounds, both in terms of industry sector and cultural origins. Despite the fact that I had already worked in an international company
(Shell), with many diverse people across the globe, I was surprised at how much I learned by being in the same class every day, with more than 50 people from different backgrounds, discussing a huge variety of topics - from finance to leadership, strategy to international business.” What skills do you think you have gained from the Durham MBA? “I believe the most important skills taught by the Durham MBA are: patience, the ability to put yourself in others shoes, leadership and strategic and management skills which can be applied in any type of business.” What drove you to a career in green energy after completing the Durham MBA? “The reason I like the energy sector so much is because it brings together both technology and people. I believe the energy sector is in a real transition period at the moment, and I want to be part of this transformation by contributing my skills, to achieve a smooth and sustainable energy era for the future. I want this to be my legacy to the world.” How has the Durham MBA helped your career? “My career has really upgraded after achieving my MBA from Durham University Business School, mainly because of the leadership and strategic skills, and the values that I developed during the course. It has certainly enhanced my CV and has exposed me to a wider and more global market of opportunities. I now have friends all around the world and my network has expanded massively.”
