Graduate Spotlight – Einar Örn Hreinsson
“The moment I submitted my final MBA dissertation was pretty memorable, especially since, at the start of the final semester, it felt like ‘mission impossible’! But by taking one step at a time and focusing on the task at hand, I ended up enjoying the whole process.”
In our blog this week, we meet Einar, who enrolled on UHI Perth's MBA (Executive) course while he was travelling across Asia and looking for a flexible way to continue his education. Having completed his studies this year, he shares his experiences of studying online, the lessons he learned along the way, and how his MBA is helping him prepare for future opportunities. 👇
Can you introduce yourself?
My name is Einar Örn Hreinsson. I am from Iceland, born in the east of the country, but my home is in a small town in the north called Sauðárkrókur. Actually, for the last three years, I have been travelling around Asia, which made the option of studying online at UHI a perfect choice for me.
What course did you study at UHI Perth, and in what year did you complete your studies?
I completed my MBA Business Administration (Executive) in the spring of 2026.
How did you hear about UHI Perth?
I read an interview in an Icelandic online newspaper in which the University of Akureyri, UHI's partner organisation, was promoting the MBA programme at UHI. Only a few days later, I had been accepted as a student. So, it was quite a spontaneous decision!
What is your favourite thing about the course?
First of all, I liked the fact that it was possible to study full-time online. Otherwise, it would not have been possible for me. Secondly, this is a demanding course, and you have to put a lot of work into keeping up with the pace. I liked that challenge, and most of the modules were really interesting. I also think the course is very practical, and much of what you learn can be applied to various aspects of your life, not just business. Finally, I have to mention the lecturers and other staff, who were really supportive and professional throughout my studies.
Has there been any standout/memorable moments from your course?
I would say the moment I submitted my final MBA dissertation was pretty memorable, especially since, at the start of the final semester, it felt like ‘mission impossible’! But by taking one step at a time and focusing on the task at hand, I ended up enjoying the whole process.
What knowledge, skills and experience have you gained from your course that will help you when you leave UHI Perth?
I think one of the most valuable things I gained was a broader understanding of how businesses and organisations work. The course covers many different aspects of management, from finance and strategy to leadership and organisational behaviour, and I found it interesting to see how these different areas are connected. Although at times I found it difficult to wrap my head around certain concepts and develop a deeper understanding, I can always turn to an interesting business book or an academic paper to satisfy my curiosity and continue learning. The course also encouraged me to think more critically, question my assumptions and look at problems from different perspectives. I think these skills are useful well-beyond the business world.
The final research project was particularly valuable. My dissertation explored how people develop and apply AI literacy in practice, and the research process taught me a great deal about conducting qualitative research and the various stages involved - from designing the study and collecting data - to analysing and interpreting the findings. It also gave me the opportunity to hear first-hand how people from different backgrounds understand and apply AI in their everyday work and lives. Hopefully, all of this will prove useful, whatever the future has in store for me.
What did you think about the styles of teaching, and the support you received from staff?
I thought the combination of live online sessions, recorded lectures, independent study and discussions worked quite well. It gives you a lot of flexibility, but at the same time, you have to take responsibility for your own learning. It is up to you to participate and be active, and the lecturers always encouraged students to ask questions. The available resources were also excellent. You could access digital books and search academic journal databases, and whenever I had an issue with the online platform, the helpdesk dealt with it really quickly. Overall, I was impressed with how smoothly the online learning environment at UHI worked.
Where would you like to go with your career in the future?
Creating my own business is my goal. I am particularly interested in the possibilities that artificial intelligence and data analysis offer, and I would like to build something around those areas. Of course, having an idea and turning it into a successful business are two very different things, but I will do my best.
Did you enjoy studying at UHI Perth? Any highlights?
I can say that I am really thrilled to have completed the course. It is a little bit like running a marathon. Not every part of the journey is enjoyable, but overcoming the difficult stretches and reaching the finish line makes the whole experience worthwhile. Studying full-time online is a great option, but it is also demanding and requires a disciplined approach. I guess the biggest highlight was proving to myself that I could successfully complete the course.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about studying at UHI Perth?
I would recommend taking your studies seriously from the very beginning. You have to put in the work to get the results. It may take a little time to get used to the online setup, but once you feel comfortable with it, I would encourage you to participate in the discussions, both during live sessions and in the online forums. And perhaps most importantly, try to enjoy the learning process rather than focusing only on the final degree.
