Chia-hui Chen, from Taiwain, is a student on our MSc Innovation and Marketing Management course. Here she tells us what she thinks of Strathclyde...
Tell us a bit about your background and what led to you studying at Strathclyde?
I studied international business management in college. During these four years in college, I found marketing quite an exciting course because I am always interested in how to attract customers to purchase the product.
One of the reasons that led me to Strathclyde is because I loved the UK when I was a little child. I like the UK culture, which is full of history. Although I know Scotland weather is not sunny all the time and the food may not be as delicious as my home town; I still choose Strathclyde. It is because of the lifestyle. Compared to England, Scotland’s living expenses are cheaper. Interestingly, people ask me why I choose Glasgow instead of Edinburgh. I say because of the characteristics of Strathclyde and its courses attracted me.
Why did you decide to study at Strathclyde?
The main reason I decided to study at Strathclyde is the course arrangement. Innovation and marketing management is the course that includes business and engineering. Not only I am interested in marketing, but also I am curious about the operation of supply chain and procurement process. I wonder how to reduce the cost and apply what techniques can attract people to buy it. Moreover, Strathclyde is famous for practical courses. Therefore, I choose to study at Strathclyde.
"Lecturers and staffs are kind and willing to help you no matter what your question is"
What has been the highlight of your course?
The highlight of my engineering course has been Management of Innovation. During this course, I learned lots of models about the process of innovation. Apart from that, I learned that innovation is critical to every company, yet the company’s capability is more critical. The company needs to have a performance engine so that it has more money and ability to work and create the ideas.
The highlight of my marketing programme has been International Marketing Research because it is a practical course. We make a questionnaire and have an interview with others. Creating these questions and analysing the answers, helped me get more understanding about the difference between qualitative and quantitative. A year studying at Strathclyde, has not only enhanced my knowledge but also strengthened my skills.
What advice would you give to someone looking to study here?
If you are looking for a place that is located in the city centre and full of varieties of lifestyle, and course work that is full of challenges, the University of Strathclyde is the right place for you.
Strathclyde lies in the city centre of Glasgow, so it is convenient to go anywhere and buy anything you want also with lovely restaurants and bars nearby. Lecturers and staffs are kind and willing to help you no matter what your question is, weird or not. My advice to students is to manage your time well because the course work is quite a lot.
What have been your main challenges?
The main challenge has been completing assignments during the lockdown. During the world pandemic, we were asked to stay at home and stop the face-to-face lectures. We started to use Zoom to finish the rest of the course. I found it hard to concentrate while studying at home and writing assignments took me longer than usual. One of the main challenges during that period was because of anxiety and not knowing whether my writing direction is on the right track or not.
What are your ambitions for the future?
I hope what I learned this year can be applied in the real world and help the company to make more profits and market share.
What specialist knowledge/professional skills have you developed studying your course?
I learned about marketing skills such as BCG matrix and innovation process. Besides, by reading lots of papers, it increases my English reading and writing also broaden my horizon. Studying at the University of Strathclyde change my perspective of seeing things.
What’s the best thing about studying at Strathclyde?
There are lots of assignments to do so you need to work hard. Furthermore, it is located in the city centre so you can play hard and enjoy the varieties of cultures. If you have questions, the staff and lecturers are willing to solve your problems. I will say that studying at Strathclyde will make you feel a bit stressed, but you can grow from this instantly. Also, don't be afraid of asking for help; people are kind and willing to help. Therefore, the best thing is you can learn a lot of knowledge and also enjoy the lifestyle there. It is a comfortable city to live in and study.
How is your course helping to enhance your current career and prepare you for your future career?
My course is helping to enhance my skills and broaden my horizons. Both marketing and engineering courses teach me lots of theories and foundations. I know it seems a bit boring in studying theories, but without it, you cannot succeed in the real world. Every little thing starts with the basics. Through this intensive learning year, I feel I have grown a lot, not only the inner side but also the outer.
