Can you please tell me a little bit about yourself?
Hello my name is Verena and I am 26 years old. I was born and raised in Munich, Germany. I would describe myself as being a very sociable and friendly person. Also, I am very curious, ambitious and hardworking. Whilst at the Westminster Business School I studied a MA in Marketing Communications.
How did you decide to study at Westminster Business School?
I was always dreaming to do my Masters Degree in the heart of London. For me, studying in this environment means not only just the chance for educating myself to a higher level but also for experiencing a melting pod of different nations and ethnics, combined with inspiring businesses from around the world. Through its internationality and central location, the Westminster Business School fulfilled these criteria perfectly for me. But my final decision to study here was impacted by the reputation of the MA Marketing Communications course itself.
Why did you choose to study the MA in Marketing Communications ?
During my undergraduate degree, I studied Media Management. I have always been most interested in my Business and Marketing courses and after graduating I desired to focus more on this field in my postgraduate studies. The MA Marketing Communications was the perfect response to my wish: a very multi-faceted course with a broad scope covering theoretical and strategic models as well as their practical application.
What are the main challenges of this course?
During the whole year, we were working on a variety of very interesting and involving projects. The main challenge was definitely to develop an efficient time management in order to handle them simultaneously at the same time with preparing for the exams. Since most of the projects were group assignments, another challenge was to create consistent projects in a group of different individuals, talents and opinions. In the end, this was also a chance to develop your own team role and learn how to adapt to different characters.
Everyone is talking about employability skills what do you think is the best way to increase your employability skills during your academic studies?
For me, employability skills are what makes you unique and stand out the competition. Therefore, their development must fit to an individual, their interests and career aspirations. However, internships and work experience are extremely important and the time during academic studies perfect to undertake this. Apart from hard skills, I think employers are increasingly looking for extensive soft skills like the ability to motivate a team or voluntary work.
As a fellow student what would you recommend other students during their time at Westminster Business School?
I think besides giving your best to achieve the expectations you have on your own, it is extremely important to take some time to reflect and find out about yourself. The Westminster Business School provides a multiplicity of opportunities to experiment with your interests and try new things. This can be in a professional view through their internships network or in a personal view through various student organisations. • We all know that student life is hard work! How do you manage to balance your studies with all the extra-curricular activities? I personally work best under pressure. During my studies I definitely learned how to schedule my tasks and manage my time efficiently. Through working together with people with very different schedules, I learned how to increase my work efficiency and to prioritize. Thus, I was able to live my social life and follow my hobbies besides studying and working.
What keeps you occupied outside of work and studies?
In my free time I love to do sports, especially tennis, running and Pilates. I also enjoy spending time with my friends by going out, doing cultural things like museums, exhibitions or markets or go to the cinema. And although it is a big part of my studies, I still enjoy reading books and magazines as well as experiencing new media and trends in my spare time.
What are the main lessons you have learnt by being involved during your studies?
I have never been working together with that many different characters before and learned so much of my fellow students. Having profound experience of coping with various professional and cultural backgrounds is something I will definitely benefit from in my future – in career terms and privately.
Overall, the time at the WBS is something I would not want to miss again. I am now standing at the end of my course and, when I look back, I am able to say that I made friends from all around the world, which is something that makes me incredibly happy.
What is the best piece of advice given to you by a teacher?
The best advice a teacher once gave me is, funny enough, not to take studies too serious. What she meant is, to indeed take it serious but also to allow yourself time for being a student. She also said that to her, the secret to success is knowing yourself, your strengths and how to use them.
What does the future hold for you after graduation? What are your plans?
After my graduation I am planning to go travelling for some months in Australia and Asia. Thereafter, I want to return to Germany and start my professional career. I am hoping to get a job in the marketing department of an international corporate firm operating in the technology industry. In a long-term view I am aiming at a leading position in strategic brand management.
Latest posts by Westminster Business School Blog (see all)
- Team Atlas Makes It To The Semi-Finals Of The Universities Business Challenge – The World’s Leading Event For Employability And Enterprise Skills - December 18, 2015
- #LoveFestive Photo Competition – What Does Festive Mean To You? - December 1, 2015
- Business Economics Course Attends Institute Of Fiscal Studies Conference - November 30, 2015