Case studies: Plymouth Business School: Sabrina Simpson

Sabrina is studying for an MSc in Marketing Management and Strategy at Plymouth Business School, having previously graduated in geography in the US. She hopes to work in the UK after her postgraduate studies.

I had always wanted to gain a Masters degree, but work and family intervened. I had the opportunity to return to studying and felt it was exactly the right move to make for my career. I chose the UK as it was relatively close to my family and I felt it was important to be able to study the content in English.

I actually found it easy to live in Plymouth and adjusting to life in the UK. It took me a bit more time to adjust to being back at school again, particularly as the academic system is different in the UK to the US and because it had been a while since I studied.

The International Student Advisory Service at the University of Plymouth was very helpful from the beginning and I appreciated the information they provided. They helped me all the way through from getting my student visa to getting orientated once I arrived.

The MSc is very intensive and we had to hit the ground running from the very first day. Almost every module involves a major project which is generally done in groups. These range from an assessment of the current practice of corporate sponsorship to preparing an analysis of potential global expansion opportunities for a local cider company.

The group projects are very real-world focused. The activities involved in completing the projects and skills practised to deliver results are all used in day-to-day project work. For example, I’ve conducted research into actual business problems and issues, and made presentations for real clients. Having worked in a consultancy before starting this programme, I know that the work we do is what happens in real life.

It has been challenging for me to be a student again after quite a few years out and to remember how to study. I have been made to feel very welcome and have been encouraged by my fellow students as well as the faculty and staff. I have also enjoyed meeting local business owners in Plymouth.

I really enjoy the perspective our international students bring to the course. We have had many interesting and funny discussions in class as well as outside. I think that to be successful in marketing you have to think globally, so it really helps the course to have so many different perspectives.

I’d recommend being ready to work hard, being open to new experiences and listening to the perspectives your fellow students bring to the group. In my course there is a lot of group work, which is great preparation for working life no matter what you choose to do.