Robert Edenborough BSc Psychology, 1973

Freelance business psychologist

Work hard, but not so hard as to disrupt family life. Network widely.

Q: What jobs did you embark upon following graduation?

My first job after finishing university was as a Psychologist in the MOD. I currently work as a Freelance business psychologist. My favourite job since graduating was as Managing director for Selection Research Limited. I had a large measure of control of the company and scope to develop my staff. I learnt advanced content analysis and a modicum of commercial skills.

Q: What have been the turning points in your career?

Completing my doctorate- my Southampton degree, leaving the Civil Service for the world of commerce, joining Selection Research and setting up my own business. I am most proud of providing useful assessments on thousands of candidates.

Q: What advice would you give to new Southampton graduates?

Work hard, but not so hard as to disrupt family life. Network widely.

Q: Why did you decide to do your course?

The topic- human approximations of ideal, Bayesian, statistical models, intrigued me. A PhD seemed like a good thing to have.

Q: How did your education at Southampton prepare you for your chosen career?

It grounded me well in research, which was the key part of the first 12 years of my career and has always had some relevance since.

Q: What advice would you give to prospective students looking at the University of Southampton?

Consider those areas in which it is actually or almost uniquely specialised. I would reccomend Southampton as it is a very forward-looking institution. I am still actively involved with Southampton and the alumni community through annual charitable giving to the university.

Q: What are your future career plans?

I plan to work proactively for another three years, when I shall be 70, and then working in reaction to any interesting demands that come along.