What was your study and/or professional background prior to this programme?
My background was rooted in education, beginning my journey as a secondary school English teacher, before working as a research assistant under Taiwan's Ministry of Education. Transitioning into the corporate side, I became a project planning specialist at a consultancy, matching trainers with corporate clients across diverse industries.
These experiences highlighted how people grow and learn across different environments, inspiring me to study international HR to better understand talent development on a global scale.
About the programme
What was it about the degree programme that particularly attracted you?
Coming from a non-business background, I wanted a programme that went beyond traditional HR models. The MSc in International Human Resource Management stood out because of its global perspective - focusing on multinational enterprises, cross-cultural team dynamics, employee mobility, and headquarter-subsidiary relationships.
It gave me a holistic framework for understanding how different economic and cultural systems shape employment mindsets across borders, helping me answer not just what organisations do differently, but why.
What does a typical day look like for you on this programme?
We typically have four to five classes a week. Before each session, lecturers share readings, literary reviews, or real-world case studies to help us prepare. Classes are highly interactive - lecturers combine theory with open discussions, real-scenario problem solving, and role-playing exercises that bring concepts to life.
After class, you’ll usually find me in the main library or working at the hub in the Business School. The coursework includes individual essays and group projects, but assignment guidelines are always provided well in advance with dedicated Q&A sessions. This clarity takes away unnecessary stress, allowing us to focus on deep learning and smooth collaboration.
Student experience
Have you been involved with any industry engagement activities?
I am incredibly grateful to the Student Development Team. They host workshops, guest speaker sessions, and career events almost every week. I’ve attended sessions on overcoming imposter syndrome, communicating with confidence, time management, and negotiation skills.
Through the Edinburgh Award for Global Employability and alumni panels, I gained practical insights into the job market, interview strategies, and working alongside AI.
A major highlight was being selected for the London trek in June. We visited three companies: Janus Henderson Investors, Modulr, and Bank of America, and pitched solutions under tight deadlines. Working alongside talented students from different master's programmes and receiving direct feedback from industry leaders was an empowering experience that truly bridged classroom learning with real-world practice.
Have you travelled to other parts of Scotland or the UK since arriving in Edinburgh?
Yes, I’ve made the most of my free time by exploring different corners of the UK. As a huge fan of theatre and musicals, I’ve taken trips to London and Glasgow to see shows like Les Misérables, Hercules, Mamma Mia!, and Hamilton.
I also love history and nature. I visited Stirling Castle, where historical dramas like Mary & George were filmed, and travelled through Manchester, York, and Liverpool to experience their unique architecture and heritage.
Within Scotland, I’ve taken lovely day trips to coastal towns like Dunbar, Berwick-upon-Tweed, and South Queensferry for puffins, and even went to St Abbs to spot baby seals! Of course, no journey here is complete without a trip to the Scottish Highlands to see the famous Highland cows or taking in the breathtaking lakes and mountains of the Lake District.
What kind of accommodation are you living in and why did you choose that option?
I live in university accommodation alongside both undergraduate and postgraduate students, sharing a flat with housemates from England and Cyprus. My role as a Resident Assistant (RA) with the ResLife team brought me here. In exchange for accommodation support, I help foster a safe and positive living environment for our residential community.
As an RA, I perform duty shifts on rotation, conduct flat visits, and host community-building events twice a month. It has been a deeply rewarding experience - balancing administrative duties with genuine care for residents has helped me build strong conflict-resolution skills and create a warm, welcoming home away from home.
How did you go about making friends and building a community in Edinburgh?
My philosophy is simple: throw yourself out there and be proactive. As an international student, putting yourself in new environments is key to adapting and finding your rhythm. I built my community by joining social events hosted by our student representatives, attending group gym classes, and organising casual weekend day trips with classmates to explore Edinburgh’s castles and scenic coastal paths. Building connections takes a little courage, but the friendships you gain make every effort worthwhile.
Looking ahead
Do you have any tips for people considering applying to the Business School?
Be bold and trust your journey. Even if your background doesn't seem directly aligned with the programme at first glance, your curiosity, transferable skills, and genuine enthusiasm will open doors. The Business School values diverse perspectives - so don't hesitate to take that step!