After completing a marketing degree and a year working as a Product Marketing Admin for the Vietnamese branch of Aviva plc, Le Ngoc Long decided to join Strathclyde as a postgraduate student. Here he tells us about his experience on the MSc in Innovation & Marketing Management...
What made you take the programme and why chose Strathclyde?
I am inspired by Emilie Wapnick who invented the term “Multipotentiality” to describe people who are the jack of all trades, “master of all”. Specialisation has always been a crucial factor leading to a successful career. However, specialisation in only one area can’t assure that anymore. In this ever changing world, mastering in multiple fields no longer shows an uncertain and immature attitude; still, it provides more opportunities and helps people stand out from the crowd. Therefore, after a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing Management, I wanted to push myself further by acquiring more practical and updated knowledge from a top university in the UK. I also wanted to learn a new major that would give me more insight into technology and innovation, which cannot be separated from products or services.
The uniqueness of this course, with a combination of marketing and innovation, was the main driver for me to choose Strathclyde. A highly reputed university located in the cultural and creative capital of the UK made me an offer that took me no time to accept.
What has been your experience of the classes to date?
Everything from the lecturers, to the class content and facilities exceeded my expectations and gave me a fantastic journey here. I had the pleasure to study with many lecturers from both the Department of Marketing and Department of Design, Manufacturing & Engineering Management. Through having various teaching styles, they are all professional and supportive with exciting ways to deliver practical and up-to-date content to students.
My presentation skills, which I thought I had mastered from my undergraduate program, have been lifted to a whole new level where I learned how to make presenting even more engaging to audiences. I am also developing new skills, including networking, self-managing, and interview conducting. The Andersonian Library has been very helpful with a wide range of books for soft skills apart from an enormous collection of academic ones.
During challenging situations like strikes and the pandemic, the University has proved that they care and will do the best things for their students.
I am delighted with the way the University of Strathclyde has been handling everything to ensure a perfect experience for students.
Where do you see the course in fitting into your longer aspirations for study/career in the future?
My long-term goal is to establish my own business, and I understand that only having knowledge of marketing is not enough. The crucial role of marketing in any company is undeniable, but the world is now full of red oceans where an enormous number of businesses have already been built, and they are fighting intensively for the market share and profit. Understanding innovation and technological aspects of products and services is the key to open a blue ocean where my business will be more likely to survive and grow.
What advice would you give to prospective students?
To make the most out of this amazing journey, I recommend that you set clear goals about what you want to learn and achieve, then plan to get it. One year flies much faster than you would image, so proper time and task management are essential for you to have a healthy life and achieve the planned outcome. The University staff and lecturers are amazing, and they are always there to help you through thick and thin. Don’t hesitate to seek help or advice from them!
Apart from studying, I want to remind you that Glasgow is a wonderful city so don’t forget to enjoy the social life in it. The weather here is not as bad as you might read somewhere on the Internet and I find it enjoyable. An umbrella won’t survive long, so get yourself some waterproof jacket, which will be the best. The public transportation is convenient no matter where you live. A lot of attractions and annual events around the city are waiting for you to discover with your new friends.
You made the right choice of choosing the University of Strathclyde! I wish you all the best on your upcoming memorable journey!
