Henley Alumni Stories - stories from our community
Grace Wilson, Henley Business School graduate, shares with us her story and experience at Henley.
My experience studying for a Master’s in Digital Innovation at Henley Business School was genuinely transformative, both professionally and personally. The programme introduced me to a broad yet connected range of disciplines, including business informatics, systems thinking, digital innovation, digital leadership and digital marketing. Together, these modules reshaped the way I think about technology, strategy and how real commercial value is created.
One of the most impactful elements of the course was learning how emerging technologies such as AI, IoT and Big Data are used across different industries to drive innovation and improve processes. Rather than focusing purely on technology, the programme encouraged us to think strategically about its application and impact. This approach gave me a completely new way of thinking and helped me develop a future-focused mindset that I continue to use in my career today.
Henley strongly encouraged critical thinking, creativity and collaboration. Through group projects, case studies and discussions, I became more confident in challenging ideas, sharing my perspective and approaching complex problems from different angles. Learning alongside people from diverse professional backgrounds awas incredibly enriching, and being taught by experts who were passionate about their fields made the learning experience both engaging and inspiring.
Beyond the academic side, my time at Henley was also shaped by the relationships I built and the opportunities to get involved in the wider community. Working closely with course mates allowed me to form lasting friendships while developing valuable teamwork and communication skills. I also embraced the extracurricular opportunities on offer, taking part in a learn-to-row programme with the rowing society and even giving ultimate frisbee a go. These experiences helped me step outside my comfort zone and feel truly part of the Henley community.
After completing my Master’s, I applied what I had learned during a graduate internship at Warner Bros. Discovery, where I worked within the advertising department across various areas including Audience Insights Data, Paid Social Media, and Advertising Operations. I am now working in Data Audience at Mail Metro Media, supporting brands including the Daily Mail, Metro, iNews and New Scientist. In my current role, I use data strategically to understand audiences, inform decision-making and support commercial growth and innovation within the business.
Looking back, Henley Business School played a key role in shaping both my career and confidence. The Master’s in Digital Innovation provided me with not only valuable knowledge and skills, but also a mindset and network that continue to influence how I work and think today.