Management Science: making the most of your Masters

Dominic Organ is currently studying the MSc Business Analysis and Consulting programme in the Department of Management Science. Here, he gives his tips and insights into doing a Masters.

When I was deciding what to write about in this blog, I thought about all the advice I was given both when I started my undergraduates and this masters. Much like anything there were relevant and irrelevant parts in relation to my experiences but a couple of things we were told early on proved very useful and I’d like to share them here:

Don't go it alone: On the first day we were allocated into groups to help the class mix. I was incredibly lucky as the five people I met on that day remained my friends throughout the semester. We all made an effort to get to know each other, exchanged numbers and even if we didn't see each other every day the group chat stopped us from feeling isolated when things got tough. There is actually a lot of 'group think' in approaching classes and problems and as I move into my third period of university learning I can tell you that people who try and make it through without friends always struggle. There was an abundance of group work, which at times is incredibly rewarding and at times very challenging. It’s your responsibility to recognise how best to get yourself and those around you over the finish-line.

Leave your ego at the door: This was said to us as preparation for becoming consultants but it applied to my time on this course as-well. Plenty of people came in with lots of experience and ideas of how to approach problems, nobody came in overqualified or ahead of the game. Everything I learned was new to me, even if it was in terms of theories or approaches to things I thought I already had a grasp of. My undergraduate studies got me here, but were not specific to the course and I had to remember that just because I was older didn’t mean I knew what was best.

The squeaky wheel: If you are unhappy about something, say so. This might be to a group member, a classmate or your student representative or lecturer. Don’t try and push through something that you feel could be better. The department was very receptive to whatever changes were possible to get the best out of you.

This course was a lot of hard work and graft, there is an enormous amount of reading you have to do, but it isn’t just about that. It’s about understanding. As I am approaching the end of my second semester I can reflect on lecturers I did and didn’t like, classes that I enjoyed but the one thing I recognise above all else is the change in my understanding. 

I have a grade I hope to get, and I’ve gone through some sleepless nights to get myself there but regardless of the grade, if I left without 'understanding' it would have all been for nothing. 

Remember, it’s a Masters - a lot is expected but you will get out what you put in.

About Dominic Organ

Dominic Organ is a student on the MSc in Business Analysis and Consulting programme 2017-18.