Hello hello! My name’s Nathan and I’m 22 years old. I’m currently studying a master’s degree in International Business with a modern language (French in this case) at Strathclyde University, and I’ve just finished 3rd year. International Business is the study of how businesses buy and sell products globally. Lots of businesses do this, Nike, Apple, Google etc., - you name it, we study it. I want to tell you all about my experience with higher education and my “journey” up to this point. I’ll be sharing some insights and tips I’ve picked up and try to give you a real taste of university life.
So, how did I get here? Well the journey starts in high school, picking my Highers. I studied French, Music and Modern Studies, Maths and English. Highers were difficult, especially modern studies because I’m a slow writer which isn’t useful when you have essays to write in your exams. With the help of my teacher and studying at home I got there, finished S5 with 2 A’s and 3 B’s, which was enough to study International Business with French at university. I really was caught between Strathclyde or Glasgow for very similar degrees. Tip #1 – Take the opportunity to ask questions about your degree, especially if you’ve been able to attend an open day. These are days when you can visit the university and get lots of good information on degrees and accommodation options, so you know a little before having to make the choice of where to study. Ask about the “teaching style” of your degree, do they focus on group work or textbooks or practical learning? Asking them if your degree focuses on working in labs or at computers, or even if it involves getting experience working in a business (as mine does) can be a really good way to know if the degree is a good fit for your skills and personality.
Now I had been studying Mandarin in high school too and I was offered a scholarship to study Mandarin in China after finishing school. So when I was applying to university I applied for deferred entry (taking a year out and then starting uni). You may want to take a year out yourself – some do it to try something new, to work first or simply to give them some space and time before continuing their education.
Okay, so I’d spent a great year in China and now I returned ready to start uni. But I was bricking it! I hadn’t studied French in two years, I worried that I’d fall behind compared to other pupils that had studied Advanced Higher French. So, tip #2 – remind yourself that you are good enough and equipped enough to be wherever you are - at university, college, or an apprenticeship. I spent too much time saying I wasn’t good enough to be at uni because I struggled in my first year. With new experiences, new flatmates, new ways to learn, it was a little overwhelming at times. But remember, I’m still here and you are good enough to be wherever you are!
Now say you are at uni, college or a job or an apprentice and want to make the most of it. Tip #3 – Be social! This is easier said than done I know, but here’s some ideas. If at uni or college pledge to join one society, just one, to make some friends and learn something new. At uni, I play drums and sing in the jazz band here and I’ve been president of the bodyweight training society, all things I carried over from playing in concert band and loving PE at school. If you are working or at an apprenticeship, take the time to make friends with your colleagues – they are key to loving whatever you do!