Hey there! I am Bhumika, and I am excited to share with you why I chose the University of Exeter to pursue my MSc Marketing. It has been quite a journey, and I hope my experience might help some of you who are considering a similar path.
A Change of Heart
First, let me take you back a bit. I am originally from India, where I completed my Bachelors degree in law at Mumbai University. Fresh out of college, I landed a job at a multinational corporation. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed my time there, but as I progressed in my career, I realised something was missing.
While law is undoubtedly a fantastic career option, I found myself craving something more dynamic. During my time at the company, I had the opportunity to work with various teams, and I found myself particularly drawn to the corporate communications and marketing department. Their work fascinated me, and I could feel a spark igniting within me.
Taking the Leap
It was not an easy decision, but I knew I had to follow my heart. I took a deep breath, quit my job in law, and dove headfirst into the world of marketing. I started by taking on various short-term internships in the field. It was during this time that I realised I needed to solidify my knowledge and skills. That’s when the idea of pursuing a Masters degree in marketing took root.
Why the UK?
As I researched my options, the UK stood out as the perfect destination for my studies. I wanted a 12-month Masters programme and knew I wanted to aim high, so I set my sights on the prestigious Russell Group universities, known for their exceptional reputation and research prowess.
The University of Exeter
As an international student, pursuing a Masters degree is a significant investment, so I conducted thorough research. After careful consideration, the University of Exeter emerged as the clear choice for me. Allow me to explain why I decided to choose this university for my Masters degree:
- Industry Recognition: The MSc Marketing programme at Exeter is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM). This was a big deal for me, as it meant the curriculum meets high professional standards and is relevant to current industry needs. Plus, it’s a great boost for my future job prospects!
- Comprehensive Curriculum: As someone new to the marketing field, I wanted a programme that would give me a solid foundation. Exeter’s programme covers all the essentials – marketing strategy, consumer behaviour, marketing research, and branding. It’s exactly what I need to understand how marketing functions in both organisations and society.
- World-Class Reputation: I was blown away when I learned that Exeter’s Business School is triple-accredited (AMBA, AACSB, EQUIS) and was named the UK Business School of the Year by the Times Higher Education Awards 2022. Knowing that I will be learning from leading academics and benefiting from world-leading research is incredibly exciting.
4. Career Prospects: The practical focus of the programme, combined with options to specialise in areas like digital marketing or brand design, really appealed to me. I feel confident that this degree will open doors to diverse marketing roles worldwide and equip me with the skills I need to innovate and lead in my future career.
5. Campus Life: When I was moving from a big city like Mumbai, I wanted to live in a campus town because I had never experienced that during my undergraduate programme. I knew I could always live in a major city like London, but I wanted to enjoy the peace and quiet of a smaller city. Even though Exeter is small, I was surprised to find that there are plenty of different things to do. The beautiful green campus was another reason why I chose to move to the Streatham campus.
6. Alumni: When I spoke to the past graduates of the course via LinkedIn or other platforms, everyone had fantastic things to say. They specifically talked about the Careers team at the University that helped them in their job hunt process and gathered skills that were relevant to their field of interest.
Reflecting on My Choice
After a year at Exeter, I can confidently say that I made the right choice. The experience has been transformative, both professionally and personally. The knowledge I have gained, the friendships I have formed, and the opportunities I have encountered have all contributed to an incredible journey.
To anyone out there considering a similar path – whether it’s changing careers, pursuing further education, or moving to a new country – I encourage you to follow your passion. It might seem daunting at first, but with the right mindset and the right institution backing you up, the sky’s the limit! Remember, your career is not just about what you do but about who you become in the process. My journey from law to marketing, from Mumbai to Exeter, has been about growth, discovery, and embracing new challenges. So, take that leap of faith. You might just find, as I did, that the view from the other side is absolutely worth it!
