Tell us a little bit about your background...
I am from Anambra State in Nigeria, but I grew up in Lagos State, Nigeria. I completed my bachelor’s degree in mass communication where I majored in Public Relations and Advertising. During this time, I was quite fascinated about the Advertising Industry, particularity content creation. This interest made me study a diploma course in Advertising after I graduated. After this academic experience, I started working in the Marketing and Advertising industry as a copy and content creator, afterwards I had a career progression and began working as a Marketing and Communication Manager.
What informed your decision to progress into further study?
Being in the Marketing and Advertising field made me realize that I needed to have a stronger foothold in the communication industry so I can have a competitive edge in the job market. Hence, one of the reasons that inspired my pursuit of a master’s degree. While deciding which subject to study for my masters, I was quite conflicted as to which field I should major in. This conflict came as a result of the anxiety I experienced while working in the Advertising industry, particularly while creating and managing social media content. I have always felt the inner urge to detach from social media or to at least limit my screen time – but how would this be possible when my job needed me to be aware of trends (particularity the ones on social media). Despite this inner conflict, I still loved other aspects of my job, especially that which involved communicating with stakeholders.
What drew you to the MLitt Media & Communication programme at Strathclyde?
I came across the MLitt Media and Communication course at the University of Strathclyde and I really loved the teaching method as well as the modules. I was particularly interested in the opportunity to develop my strategic communication skills, and also to be educated on the various media and communication theories and how they can be implemented in the real world. The practicality of the classes was also a big plus for me, and this degree would enable me to focus on the different ways and techniques one can adopt in communicating with stakeholders.
What did you enjoy most about your course?
To be honest, I enjoyed every bit of my programme. From my interactions with my lecturers, Dr. Petya, Dr. Higgins, Dr. Esperanza Miyake, and Dr. Chamil Rathnayake who were always welcoming, to the very interactive seminars we had after every classes. There is always something new to learn, and I really enjoyed sharing my perspective to different topics and listening to the perspective from my course mates. Another thing I loved about my programme is how we were able to connect our topics to the real-world using case studies.
What were some of the main challenges of studying a Postgraduate degree?
I would say meeting deadlines, being able to balance studies with my part time job, as well as searching for a graduate job… and still trying to have a little social life.
Tell us about the support from your supervisor and the wider Strathclyde team...
I got lots of support from my course leaders, especially while working on my dissertation and research papers. I got great constructive feedback which really helped me academically. Aside the academic support, I got a lot of support from the career service team who were a great help to me as I struggled to settle in the UK career wise.
What would be your advice for prospective students considering applying for this course next year?
Three words: Go For It! Honestly, you will not regret studying at the University of Strathclyde. You will have literally every support you would need to excel at your fingertips. Especially as an international student, it might be difficult settling in, but with the support you’d receive from the University, it would not be that difficult.
What are your ambitions for the future and how do you think your time at Strathclyde will help you achieve your goals?
My experience studying at the University of Strathclyde and working as a student ambassador at the University has inspired me to pursue a career in the Higher Education sector. Close to the time of my graduation, I got a full-time job working with the Marketing and Admissions team at the University. Afterwards, I progressed to a much higher role. My goal right now is to expand my skillset which would enable me to excel in this field and keep climbing up the ladder in the higher education sector. I do not think this fulfilling career path would have been possible if I had not been motivated by my role as a student ambassador and also a student at the University of Strathclyde.
