Edward Sayer

Ed Sayer graduated with an MBA in 2020 and is now the Conservation Director for the Frankfurt Zoological Society in Zambia. 

His MBA studies, particularly in Leadership, Strategic HR, and Project Management, have been key to his success.

Tell us about your career path since graduation.

I was already working in conservation before I did the MBA, but following my graduation, I have become the Conservation Director for Zambia, and really relied upon some of the core subjects from my MBA at Kent, such as Leadership, Strategic HR and Project Management.

What does a typical work day look like for you?

Up at 4am, clear emails and then do an aerial surveillance flight 6am to 7am. Then in office from 8am, a lot of admin work but also engagement with local communities and traditional leadership, close association with Government departments, constant work with donors looking to secure funding, and then the actual conservation and checking on the teams monitoring the black rhinos!

Can you share a professional highlight from your career so far?

Securing a landscape of 22,000 km²(approximately the size of Wales), with people and wildlife coexisting across that landscape.

How did your time at Kent help you achieve your current career?

Relying upon some of the core subjects form the MBA, such as Leadership, Strategic HR and Project Management.

What advice would you give to our current/prospective students who are looking to get into the same line of work?

Perseverance, offering to help, and then, don’t give up!

Do you have a favourite memory from your time at Kent?

Really enjoyed the team work and staying in touch with the core team.

Is there anything you would do differently if you could repeat your time at Kent?

No

Are you still in touch with other Kent alumni or academics?

Yes

What are your future ambitions?

More of the same!