Cerys, from Scotland, is studying our MSc in Project Management & Innovation after studying the BSc Product Design & Innovation at Strathclyde. Here, Cerys tells us about her journey at Strathclyde...
What were you doing before the MSc? What made you take the programme? Why did you choose Strathclyde?
Before studying my MSc Project Management & Innovation, I studied BSc Product Design & Innovation at Strathclyde. I was never interested in anything related to business subjects, or thought I had a good understanding to be able to study it, but during my undergraduate studies I was taught a range of different subjects from physics to designing to business related topics. I found that I really enjoyed those classes and decided to further study in a business role. Strathclyde Business School was well-known for its business degrees, and I decided why not continue with the University I know and have a great relationship with.
How does the course fit into your longer aspirations for study/career in the future?
I never thought I’d see myself as a businesswoman of any kind, but the course allowed me to really develop and explore different skillsets and ideas. I came to realise that I really loved working with clients, with my team, and with large assignments. It changed my perspective on what kind of careers I could go down and how they could fit with my love for designing, but also my surprisingly good skills for management. Instead of limiting myself to what I know, I now look further beyond that and have been working towards a career that I believe I can now achieve.
What is it like to be a student at Strathclyde and in the city of Glasgow?
Glasgow is an amazing city to be in. Not only are there lots of activities to do, food to eat, and places to see, but the people are friendly too. There is plenty of transportation links around the city, and lots of places where you can sit and study. I especially recommend iCafe in Merchant City or any of your local Tinderbox. Being a student at Strathclyde, and being in the middle of Glasgow, is great for your motivation to study. And you can go get a pint after all your hard work. The University of Strathclyde has its own perks, of course. The student union is another great place to study and has loads of options to grab a bite to eat, not to mention the free activities they put on sometimes. The library has loads of resources you can use, and the many buildings of Strathclyde offer private spaces for practising presentations, meetings with your teams, or just a quiet space to chill and take a breather. I’m proud of being a Strathclyde student and future graduate.
What advice would you give to prospective students?
Someone told me this and now I’m trying to share it with as many people as I can: even if you don’t feel like doing the work that day, just do a little bit, read a chapter, write a sentence, plan your assignment, email your lecturer, talk to someone and get a different perspective. A little thing a day goes a long way, even if you don’t think it’s enough. It’s massively helped me with my final project and I cannot thank the person enough for her advice. It sounds simple but it really makes a difference and I cannot recommend it enough. A little advice from myself: don’t stop yourself at what you know and challenge yourself to what you don’t know. I didn’t know anything about business and thought I would struggle but ended up loving it. Try new things and don’t let yourself down.
