Tell us about your educational and/or career journey since you graduated from Brunel?
The Brunel MSc program was amazing. The tuition price and housing price were all big draws. The program was CIPS and CILT accredited which was excellent and the physical proximity to London meant you had all the experiences of London, without the grief of TFL (Transport for London) Zones 1 & 2. Proximity to Heathrow Airport meant I had the chance to travel to Europe on the drop of a hat - which I did. And yes, the campus was amazing being on a Tube line and having excellent bus service.
What does a typical day at work involve for you?
Shift work on board a ship in the short sea trade is never two days the same, but just the fact that I am continuously moving is a joy for me. I could not see myself inside an office - I tried a career pivot into an office but found myself back at sea.
What’s been the highlight of your career journey so far?
The ability to travel the world for work, and see things that many can only dream of.
How would you say your Brunel experience has helped you to get where you are today?
Coming to graduate school at age 29 and quitting a full-time job was a challenge mentally, but when I received my degree certificate, I realized that there is absolutely NOTHING that I cannot conquer.
Why did you choose to study at Brunel and why would you recommend Brunel to others?
The fact that the program is only one-year in length and at a master’s level, along with the tuition price, housing price and proximity to Central London, were all selling points. Also, the fact that Supply Chain Management is a key driver of economic development, having a master’s degree as contingency for future employment is not a bad choice.
What is your best memory of studying here?
The people (housemates) at Saltash Hall Staircase A, the ability to travel to Europe (proximity to Heathrow Airport), and my supervisor for the dissertation project. All added up to an excellent experience overall, and fantastic life lesson in valour, tenacity and courage.
If you could give one piece of advice to current Brunel students, what would that be?
The Brunel library is an excellent study resource. London is a beautiful city with lots of fun nightclubs, museums, soccer matches, and new friends (and is easy to be side-tracked, especially at 18, in my case 29). If you want to stay in school and enjoy life, make sure to find a quiet place in the library or on campus and DO YOUR BOOKS (all the problem sets, assignments, etc.) and all that is expected of you. Life will be very enjoyable.
What would be your top tip or key advice for new graduates as they begin their career journey after leaving Brunel?
Nothing in life will work the way that one plans. Many may not land a Graduate Scheme with a company and may have to take a lower level position - i.e. Not land a Barclays Graduate Scheme, but instead start as a teller. Rest assured if you draw on the experience as an undergrad, you can take comfort knowing that as a fresher, you came in a "pup" and left as a "wolf". It will not be your smarts, but rather your work ethic, attitude and grit that will carry you further. Not getting a graduate job merely means you're starting further back on the grid (like in a Formula 1 race), but once the race starts, it's all in YOUR HANDS.
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