Dr Connie Wilson

For Dr Connie Wilson, embarking on a Doctorate in Business Administration at Bournemouth University marked the beginning of a transformative journey—one that would blend academic curiosity, technological innovation and a passion for creating change in the engineering world. As part of the first doctoral cohort at BU, Connie was drawn to a programme that offered both academic depth and the flexibility she needed to continue her career at BAE Systems. Having previously studied at the University, including earning her Law degree, she already knew the supportive environment, excellent facilities and convenient location would help her thrive while balancing part‑time study and full‑time professional responsibilities.

Connie’s research interests grew from a deep fascination with innovation, problem‑solving and emerging technologies. She set out to investigate knowledge management within a large defence organisation—grounding her doctoral work firmly in the real world. Determined not only to understand the academic theory but also to solve tangible workplace issues, she conducted 30 interviews and transcribed each one herself. Although challenging, this process generated rich insights that shaped her second action‑research cycle and strengthened the practical value of her work.

Her curiosity soon expanded into the domain of intelligent software systems. In a bold step, Connie wrote to Microsoft in the United States to explore how developing “agentic” technology might support her research. To her surprise, they replied—followed by phone calls and even an offer to collaborate in the UK. Using Microsoft’s early‑stage agent environment, she built a demonstration application that engaged her user community and showcased the potential of intelligent agents in solving organisational challenges. It was a remarkable achievement and a testament to her initiative, technical ambition and commitment to innovation.

Reflecting on her time at BU, Connie describes the programme as demanding but incredibly rewarding. The doctoral-level modules offered scope for deep thinking, and the diverse perspectives within her student cohort enriched every discussion. Although she was the only one working with cutting‑edge technology, she valued the shared learning environment. She emphasises how critical it is for doctoral candidates to craft a research proposal that truly inspires them—because on a journey defined by independence and self‑motivation, passion is what carries you through. Throughout, her supervisors challenged her thinking while providing unwavering support.

During her studies, Connie’s career accelerated rapidly. Rising from graduate to team leader and then to project manager of a major deliverable system with seven teams and 43 staff, she took on significant responsibility. As one of very few women in engineering at the time—often the only female in an office of 50 engineers—she became determined to spark change. She began her STEM Ambassador work, advocating for girls and women in engineering and working with schools, parents and communities to shift perceptions.

Today, Connie continues to inspire. From mentoring through the IET to supporting organisations like STEM Learning, the Smallpeice Trust and the Women’s Engineering Society, she remains committed to fostering the next generation of STEM talent. Her message to future students is clear: never stop learning. Join professional bodies, stay curious, engage with new technologies and give back through volunteering. In doing so, she believes, you not only enrich others—you grow in confidence, capability and purpose.