Thinking about studying for your postgraduate degree? Lincoln International Business School postgraduate alumni tells us her experience studying MSc Management and life at Lincoln.
What is your full name?
Alexandra Bentley
What undergraduate degree did you study and where?
I studied BA (Hons) Business and Marketing here at Lincoln. I then studied MSc Management.
Why did you decide to pursue a postgraduate course?
I felt that my time at University wasn’t quite done yet. I decided that I still had a lot to learn if I want to become the type of leader I wanted to be. I spoke to the programme leader whilst I was considering it and after I spoke with him, it concreted my decision.
Why did you choose your master’s course and why Lincoln in particular?
As previously mentioned, I spoke to the programme Leader. He broke the course down for me and explained some of the modules. He told me the many different ways we would be assessed which I thought sounded far more engaging than just essays and exams, and he mentioned a lot about the importance of reflection and that we’d get to choose some of our modules so we could mould our Masters into what we wanted to get out of it. I knew the teaching standard at Lincoln already was great from doing my Undergraduate degree here and I loved the campus and the city, I’d built my life here over the previous 3 years. I also knew that the Business School had built strong international relationships so I’d get to meet people from all over the world, which I did! They’re really not lying when they call it a life-changing education.
Describe the course in five words…
Transformational, life-changing, engaging, diverse and supportive.
Did you take up further study immediately after your first degree? If not, what did you do?
I took it up straight away. I thought that if I left, I probably wouldn’t come back because I would have started building my career. It’s an incredibly competitive market already and my Masters has given me an edge over other candidates.
How did you fund your postgraduate study?
With the loan from the Government and a couple of part-time jobs.
What did the course teach you that your first degree did not?
It taught me the importance of taking a step back and reflecting on how you act. It taught me the type of leader I want to be and opened my eyes to how important critical thinking was.
What did the course involve?
The modules I did were: Leadership, personal impact and negotiations, Organisational Psychology, Finance and Accounting, International Marketing, Gender, power and business, Destination Management, Strategy Making, Research methods and Dissertation.
How does postgraduate life differ to undergraduate?
It demands a lot more of your time and the standard of work that’s expected is higher, in particular, the dissertation. I think being in similar surroundings and having friends here already reduced the stress but I got to meet people on my course that are now my best friends. It’s strange because you get less than a year to know the people on your course (if you’re doing it full-time) but I’d definitely say I’ve made friends for life from all over the world.
What are your career ambitions?
To be honest, I’m not entirely sure yet, and that’s okay. All I know is that I’d like to be in a leadership position in a company that really cares about their employees and their environment. I’d say that’s a pretty good start for a goal!
What do you wish you’d known before embarking on postgraduate study?
Aside from the course, get involved in everything. The Students’ Union put on a lot of great postgraduate events for you to meet even more incredible people. Take part in sports and societies too, although you’re only there for a year, they can really make a difference to your experience at Lincoln.
What tips would you give to others choosing a master’s degree?
Aside from speaking to the programme leader, speak to students who were previously on the course, such as the course rep – they’ll give you their honest opinion on it. You’ll also feel it in your gut if it’s the right choice for you and remember that it’s only for a year.
To find out more about postgraduate study at Lincoln International Business School at University of Lincoln, visit our courses page here.