August 22, 2024, by Jackie Thompson

Two years ago I never thought I could have pursued further study

By Isobel Evans, MSc Marketing Student (2023-2024) and BA American Studies with History Graduate (2020-2023)

Two years ago if someone had asked me about pursuing further study, I would have laughed. At that time, I had just finished my second year at Nottingham, studying for an undergraduate degree in American Studies with history.

Navigating university life during Covid was exhausting, especially being almost four hours away from home. I could count the number of friends I had made on one hand. As a result, my confidence plummeted and my mental health declined. It was tough feeling as though everyone else was living a university experience I had worked towards for years.

The turning point

The turning point in my university experience came when I joined NUDance. Dancing introduced me to a circle of friends that shared the same passion as I did.

In my third year, I decided to run for committee alongside two good friends. This decision proved to be one of the best I ever made. I moved in with an amazing group of friends, and my university experience drastically improved. I grew closer to people in the dance society, met some amazing colleagues in my job at the Students’ Union, and finally pursued a career path I had always wanted to try – marketing.

Publicity Secretary

As NUDance’s Publicity Secretary, I had the opportunity to create social media content, design and distribute merchandise, and secure sponsorships for the society.

This role allowed me to develop marketing skills, and it was extremely satisfying to see the outcome of my efforts. The people I had met in my third year finally made Nottingham feel like home. For that very reason, I wanted to study for one more year to properly complete my university journey as I wished it had begun.

Master’s degree

During this time, a friend from the dance committee told me about the MSc Marketing course. She had transitioned from a BA undergraduate degree to an MSc and assured me that it was manageable. I knew it would be difficult, but I was not expecting the jump to be quite as significant as it was.

I’ve had to learn that a master’s degree demands a completely different learning and writing style to undergraduate study which has been challenging to adjust to.

Career goals

However, specialising in an area directly aligned with my career goals has been incredibly rewarding.

I’ve felt inspired knowing that what I’ve been learning will transfer into my working life. The knowledge that I have gained through the MSc Marketing course has provided me with the extra confidence I needed to be able to step into a marketing-related interview or workplace.

The Careers team have also been incredible. I gained a job as a social media assistant for Nottingham University Business School’s Postgraduate Careers Team. As well as gaining marketing experience in this position, their team have been fantastic at offering me personalised careers support. I highly recommend anyone pursuing a master’s course to utilise the Careers team throughout your studies.

Invest in experiences and connect with others

My biggest advice to anyone undertaking a master’s is to invest in experiences and connections with those around you. If you’re passionate about your field and want to deepen your knowledge, you will inevitably work hard at what you do.

While studying is crucial, the people I’ve met and the experiences I’ve gained this year are what have truly prepared me for life post-graduation. I am incredibly grateful to have studied marketing at Nottingham and feel fortunate to be leaving with newfound confidence, friends, and memories that will last a lifetime.

Check out our website for key information and advice for postgraduate taught students. For master’s students in the Business School, contact the Postgraduate Careers Team.

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