PGDip student — Mark Asher

Mark studied International Business at Nottingham Trent University. He's currently working as a freelance copywriter and content strategist while studying for a postgraduate diploma (PGDip) in Data Analytics at the London School of Economics (LSE)

Why did you decide on a PGDip instead of a Masters?

My goal is to shift careers, and I wanted the course to help with that directly. With the PGDip focusing on gaining specific skills, building a portfolio and landing a role afterwards, I knew it was the right choice for me.

On top of that, the course also includes career coaching and completing a legitimate data analysis project for an employer.

It's also shorter than a Masters, and I can work full-time alongside it. As I'm a freelancer and can set my working hours, it's worked out great.

What was the application process like?

I spoke with a course representative who answered my questions and explained how the programme worked and the next steps. They agreed I was a great candidate, and I agreed it was a great opportunity, so I sent them:

• a copy of my CV (highlighting past work with data)
• an academic transcript of my undergraduate studies
• a personal statement of why I wanted to join the course.

How does studying for your PGDip differ from undergraduate study? 

It's very different. It's much more practical than my undergraduate degree as I'm developing the skills I'll use daily in my future career and applying them to projects. There are no big exams or essays.

Tell us a bit about your course and what it involves.

There are four terms, each with a project to complete using the skills learned. The final term uses everything I've learned to complete a real-world employer project.

Each week, there's a new stack of material to go through. Then, I apply what I learn through practical activities, peer review assessments, and overarching big projects, which include a written report and presentation. It's around 15-20 hours of work weekly.

For example, the first term was learning advanced Excel, SQL and data visualisation with Tableau. I actively used those skills to uncover insight from a fictional supermarket’s dataset, then presented what I found and justified my decisions. 

What do you enjoy most about the course?

I like how hands-on it is, with the projects solidifying what I learn. The course is well-structured and directly makes me a much stronger candidate for future roles.

What are the challenges?

It's completely online. I'm used to this with my work, but it makes the course not feel as 'real' as being an undergraduate or Masters student walking through campus would. That said, I often study in the school's library.

How are you funding your PGDip?

I'm funding the course solely through my savings.

What are the top three skills you've developed through your PGDip?

• Python.
• Business/data analytics fundamentals.
• Structured thinking and decision-making.

How will the course help your career?

Primarily, the PGDip gives me the proven technical skills to get my foot in the door, something I'd realistically struggle to develop on my own.

The course has also helped me develop the right mindset for navigating a career in the industry and has amplified my existing transferable skills and strengths. For example, completing a data analysis project would've seemed impossible before the course. But now I'm confident with taking raw data, processing it, developing genuine insight, and arguing for it.

What are your career ambitions?

I'd like to merge my existing skills with those gained through the course to build a career in data analysis/management consulting. 

What advice would you give to others considering a postgraduate diploma or certificate?

Have a plan. Know exactly what you want from the course and use it to your advantage otherwise, you won't get the most out of it.

A PGDip isn't a way to determine if you like something or to develop an interest. It's a tool to help take you from point A to point B.

Find out more

• Search for a postgraduate diploma or certificate.
• Learn more about PGDips and PGCerts.
• Discover more about online learning.
• Get advice on writing personal statements for postgraduate applications.