Rosie
PgDip Strategy & Innovation
Born and raised in Jordan, Oxford was a distant ringing name that felt like a far-flung dream. But I applied anyway, and when I got admitted, I decided to make this year at Oxford count. I work in the challenging payments sector in Jordan, and realising how strenuous drawing the strategy of such an erratic environment is, I decided to learn more about strategy-making.
Studying Strategy at Saïd presented different ways to innovate and highlighted the importance of non-market aspects in making strategy work. What I enjoy the most about my degree are the case studies. It’s enlightening to see how companies succeeded or failed in their strategies and why. Although few women hold strategy positions in Jordan, it is quite refreshing to see that my global cohort consisted of a handful of passionate strategy-focused women.
Apart from work and academics, my non-academic life at the Hall involves being a member of Teddy Hall’s women’s rowing team. Although the rainy, cold rowing mornings did not taste well at first, I developed a particular liking for the sport.
I quickly realised that our team’s success stems from all eight rowers acting unanimously and so I understood that it is not a question of “if you fail”; it is more like “when you miss a stroke what will you do?”. I am enjoying this unique experience that became accessible to me because I am at Teddy Hall. The Hall’s members allowed me to explore and experience options that wouldn’t have been possible otherwise.
What do you think when you hear ‘Women of the Hall’?
I think of the women in my rowing team. Their patience, determination and inclusive appetite are truly inspiring. In fact, I can still hear their post competition chants “Teddy, Teddy, Teddy, Hall, Hall, Hall”. Always uplifting!