What was your study and/or professional background prior to this programme?
Before joining the University of Edinburgh Business School to pursue a Master’s degree in Marketing, I studied International Hospitality Management at EHL Hospitality Business School in Switzerland.
I gained professional experience during my undergraduate studies through two six-month internships, both in the hospitality industry. One was in Germany in the Rooms Division department and the second in the United States as a Front Office Management Intern.
Through these experiences, I realised the importance of understanding guests, which is why I decided to join this programme. For me, the ability to understand customers’ perspectives and to anticipate their needs is now a key advantage in business.
About the programme
How many people are on your programme and what is the diversity mix like?
In my programme, there are approximately 70 students, all from different backgrounds. Around 20 nationalities are represented in our cohort, which is very enriching as we are exposed to different cultures, languages, and customs.
I personally tried to learn Mandarin during my first few months in Edinburgh, but it was really challenging. So my friends also tried to learn some French. There are also differences in age as some students returned to university after a number of years of professional experience.
This diversity represents a unique opportunity to learn from others, as we all have different professional and personal backgrounds, therefore bringing various perspectives to discussions.
What courses have you enjoyed the most so far and why?
I personally really enjoyed the Consumer Behaviour course, because it built on my existing knowledge of customer experience. I could link the theories to situations I had experienced in the past, which was really interesting to me. The course helped me better understand the decision-making process behind a purchase.
In addition, I developed a real fascination with storytelling in marketing which I find totally brilliant and captivating. I liked studying destination marketing and how storytelling was built around specific locations, such as Lapland, and its impacts.
The Marketing of Service course was also really insightful, as it connected with courses I had studied during my undergraduate studies. We learnt how to map a service blueprint to identify potential areas of improvement or innovation.
What industry engagement activities have you been involved in?
I have taken part in various career development activities. The Business School organised guest speaker sessions for us to gain insights from industry professionals and develop a better understanding of current topics, such as the rise of AI.
We also had the opportunity to participate in the Edinburgh Award in Global Employability, which involved improving three skills to foster both professional and personal growth.
I was also selected for the London Trek, during which we visited three companies (Havas Group, Santander, and Moody’s Corporation) and attended an alumni panel. This experience was particularly valuable, as we got to experience the companies’ working environments and to interact with professionals.
Student experience
Have you travelled to other parts of Scotland or the UK since arriving in Edinburgh?
My family came to visit during the Easter break, and we went on a road trip through the Highlands. I think the main challenge was driving on the left-hand side of the road! The landscapes were amazing. I especially enjoyed visiting the Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle.
What kind of accommodation are you living in and why did you choose that option?
I live in private accommodation that I share with two PhD students. I found this room through a Facebook group. The main reason I chose this option was because it was less expensive than university-owned accommodation, and I liked the idea of being able to choose who I would live with.
Overall, it has been a really positive experience. The landlord is very responsive in case of issues and we have a great flat-sharing atmosphere. I live only five minutes away from the Business School, which makes it very convenient. There are also multiple supermarkets nearby and everything is within walking distance, which is a significant advantage to me.
How did you go about making friends and building a community in Edinburgh?
Making friends in Edinburgh was actually easier than expected. During Welcome Week, a lot of activities are organised to help students connect with one another. I met one of my closest friends during the campus tours. Infact, she was the first person I spoke to after landing in Edinburgh! Even though we were not studying the same subjects, we scheduled a weekly coffee catch-up.
An activity called All Aboard was also organised by the Business School and it is still one of my best memories of my journey in Scotland so far. We were divided into groups, bringing together students from various programmes, and we were given missions to complete across the city. Our route was to Cramond Island.
Some of my friends in my cohort have even spent time with me in Switzerland to discover my country and meet my family.
Looking ahead
What are you hoping to do after you graduate from this programme?
As my studies come to a close, I am already nostalgic about my time here in Edinburgh. I really love the city and all the memories I have created with the people I have met along the way.
After graduating, I am hoping to find a job in Switzerland in the travel, hospitality or event industry, which will enable me to combine the knowledge I have gained throughout both my undergraduate and postgraduate studies.