Why did you choose to study this Masters course at Alliance MBS?
Before coming to the UK for my postgraduate studies, I completed my bachelors degree in pharmacy. By the end of my undergraduate course, I decided to change my career and to continue my postgraduate studies at Alliance MBS, in order to combine my knowledge in pharmaceuticals with managerial skills. MSc Management was perfect for my career plan as it introduces you to the business world without needing to have previous knowledge on the subject.
What are your career plans after graduation?
My primary goal after the end of my postgraduate degree is to enter the pharmaceutical industry and achieve a position related to consultancy, sales, marketing and management. My ambition is to be able to use all the knowledge that I have gained from pharmaceuticals and apply it in a totally different field as a manager or consultant in a pharmaceutical company.
What is the best thing about studying at Alliance MBS?
Apart from the excellent academic knowledge Alliance MBS offers, it also gives students many opportunities for career searching and professional development through the very organized Postgraduate Careers Service. In addition, the clubs and societies introduce students to the business world by organising presentations of successful managers and leaders. The members also attend seminars where they discuss business problems, strategy and marketing plans, which help in applying their knowledge in action.
How much time do you spend in classes and in private study?
Each unit consists of a 2-hour lecture and a 1-hour seminar per week. Four modules are included in each semester, so the time spent in classes per week is 12 hours. A 30-minute preparation before each seminar is necessary in order to respond to the tasks requested. Private study depends on the productivity of each student and the amount of assignments for each week. Weekly study is needed, especially for students who seek a distinction. The average time I spend per module is approximately 2 to 3 hours per week.
How would you describe your student experience so far?
Studying at The University of Manchester is a very good experience, as it combines a high academic level with a good quality of life. The University is one of the best not only in the UK but also worldwide, so it has offered me the chance to meet some of the best academics. In addition, it is a good opportunity for me to make new friends from all over the world and meet new cultures.
What’s the best thing about living in Manchester?
The lifestyle in Manchester is ideal for students as it provides a wide range of activities. What I personally like is that the city is not too big so you can go anywhere on foot, especially if you live close to the centre. However, it is big enough to keep your interest for a long time. Additionally there are various options for having fun, from theatres and music halls to restaurants and bars. Finally, Manchester airport is connected to some of the biggest airports in Europe, so it is the perfect opportunity to travel around Europe with very low costs while studying.
What advice would you give to those considering studying at Alliance MBS?
I would definitely recommend studying at Alliance MBS as The University of Manchester is very prestigious which will boost your CV and will provide you with solid and in-depth knowledge on business subjects. I would strongly advise you to join several clubs and societies in order to meet more people and develop new skills. Generally, I would suggest getting out of your comfort zone in order to improve your personal characteristics and live the experience more vividly.
You should also try to make friends from different nationalities instead of communicating with people from the same group. Finally, having accommodation in the city centre would be preferable to achieve a balance between studying and having fun.
What was your experience of the Brathay residential session?
Attending the trip to Brathay was an unforgettable experience. The whole class travelled to the Lake District where accommodation, food and drink were provided for free. The class was divided in several groups and we took part in activities which promoted teamwork and collective thinking.
The landscape was breath-taking as all of the activities took place near the lake and the forest. The activities were fascinating and included rowing, climbing, free falling from a tree and some games. The majority of the students had not participated to such activities before so they got out of their comfort zone, which was the goal of the trip. The excursion helped us to know each other better and exchange ideas. Apart from having fun it taught us how to work together and make decisions collectively.