Online Programmes

My online learning experience as a MSc Strategic Marketing (online, part-time) student

Rebecca Pike — Mon, 22 Apr 2024 15:04:03 +0000

My online learning experience as a MSc Strategic Marketing (online, part-time) student Rebecca Pike Mon, 22/04/2024 - 15:04

Studying online with Imperial Business School eliminates geographical barriers, providing access to a high-quality and supportive educational experience, whilst giving you the flexibility to work anytime and from anywhere around the globe.

Katarina Milović, a MSc Strategic Marketing (online, part-time) student, highlights how online learning has been instrumental in balancing her studies with other commitments, provided opportunities to connect with peers on a global level, and empowered her to pursue her career goals.

Online learning has not only made university an incredibly rewarding and enjoyable experience but has also propelled me towards personal growth and self-discovery in ways I hadn't imagined possible.

About me

I'm driven by the passion to create positive change through social entrepreneurship and marketing. From spearheading the development of a government communications service in Serbia, to embarking on the journey of co-founding two non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and nurturing my own startup venture, I thrive on the challenge of bringing innovative ideas to life and making a difference in the world.

Why I chose to study online with Imperial Business School

My decision to enrol on MSc Strategic Marketing (online, part-time) at Imperial Business School stemmed from a unique blend of factors tailored to my portfolio career objectives:

Flexibility

Opting for an online programme provides me with the flexibility necessary to seize diverse opportunities. I’m currently immersed in the BOLD Fellowship of Entrepreneurship and Economic Development in New York, US, where I'm co-founding an initiative aimed at empowering aspiring female entrepreneurs and leaders, while refining my startup idea through an intense 12-week programme.

Networking

The programme's remarkable online nature makes it ideally suited for individuals at various stages of their careers, and I've had the privilege of connecting with professionals from diverse backgrounds.

Dynamic marketing principals

Imperial’s MSc Strategic Marketing (online, part-time) is tailored to provide a comprehensive understanding of marketing principles and strategies, preparing us to navigate the complexities of today's business landscape with confidence. My fascination with human behaviour and my desire to pursue a business-focused path post-bachelor's makes the programme the perfect blend of psychology and business for me.

Opting for an online programme at such a prestigious university has been instrumental in my personal and professional development journey. The opportunity to learn from esteemed faculty and collaborate with ambitious peers has enriched my experience.

Managing full-time work and part-time online study

Navigating the demands of full-time work alongside part-time online study certainly presents its challenges, especially when faced with significant transitions such as changing jobs and managing multiple projects across various locations. However, I've found that the key to overcoming these hurdles lies in recognising that I don't have to tackle them alone.

The programme’s cohort serves as an exceptional support system, fostering a sense of camaraderie and friendship despite the geographical distances between us. I'm deeply grateful for the bonds formed within this community, as they have enriched my learning experience and provided unwavering support along my journey.

The Programmes team has exceptional dedication to student success. They consistently prioritise our needs, offering additional tutorials for challenging subjects and arranging extra career workshops on campus, which is especially beneficial for ��ý based in London.

Katarina Milović attending Web Summit 2023

My highlights from the programme so far

One rewarding moment that stands out is the privilege of representing Imperial Business School at the Web Summit in Portugal as a Women in Tech participant. During this renowned tech conference, we had the opportunity to immerse ourselves in the latest innovations, attend insightful talks and panel discussions, and network with industry leaders and fellow attendees from around the globe. Additionally, attendees were invited to participate in the Startup Guide Summit, providing further insights into entrepreneurship and innovation.

Another rewarding highlight was our strategic market management assignment which provided an opportunity to unleash our creativity. Collaborating closely, my team developed a new product and formulated a comprehensive launch strategy, drawing upon insights gleaned from our coursework. It was immensely gratifying to see our ideas come to fruition and to witness the impact of our strategic decisions.

There are also plenty of social and professional events, such as the Winter Party, where I got the opportunity to meet up with ��ý from my online cohort in January.

MSc Strategic Marketing (online, part-time) cohort

Learning through our bespoke virtual environment, The Hub

The flexibility offered by The Hub allows me to learn at my own pace. Unlike traditional classrooms with fixed schedules, I can access course materials and lectures at a time that suits me best. This flexibility has been invaluable, especially when balancing my studies with other commitments.

Secondly, The Hub's interactive activities have significantly enhanced my engagement with course content. Through features like online discussions, quizzes, and multimedia resources, I'm able to actively participate in my learning process. This interactive approach not only deepens my understanding of the material but also fosters a sense of collaboration and community with my peers.

What I find particularly beneficial about The Hub is the opportunity to see diverse examples from my peers, showcasing the multitude of ways in which theory can be applied in different contexts.

The benefit of weekly online sessions

The interactive nature of these sessions allows for real-time discussion and the opportunity to delve deeper into course material. Furthermore, professors often provide additional examples and practical applications that help solidify my understanding of the content. These sessions serve as invaluable resources for reinforcing learning and ensuring clarity, enhancing my overall educational experience.

How I stay motivated when learning online

Staying motivated and focused during intensive study periods, particularly when juggling multiple deadlines, is a challenge that I approach with a combination of strategies tailored to my strengths and the nature of my programme.

My motivation stems from a genuine passion for my studies, coupled with clear goals, a reliance on my peers for support, and the community-driven nature of my programme. By staying connected to my purpose and leveraging the resources available to me, I am able to navigate intensive study periods with focus and determination.

Reflecting on my online journey so far

Online learning has been truly transformative for me. Initially, I embarked on this programme with a sense of uncertainty about my future steps. However, the supportive network provided by Imperial Business School, ranging from fellow ��ý to the dedicated Careers and Programmes teams, has been invaluable in helping me navigate through this uncertainty. The knowledge and skills I've acquired have empowered me to confidently pursue my career goals, particularly in the development of my current startup venture.

1 May 2024

Student blog

Online Programmes

Part-time Programme

Find out more about MSc Strategic Marketing (online, part-time)

Choosing Imperial's MSc Business Analytics (online, part-time)

Helen Richardson — Mon, 22 Jan 2024 15:02:10 +0000

Choosing Imperial's MSc Business Analytics (online, part-time) Helen Richardson Mon, 22/01/2024 - 15:02

My name is Milton Caluya, and I’m currently studying MSc Business Analytics (online, part-time) at Imperial Business School. I’m originally from the Philippines, currently based in Singapore, and work as the APAC Commercial Excellence Data Analyst for Envu, an environmental science company.

I moved to Singapore initially with the goal of working and pursuing postgraduate studies. However, I eventually opted to concentrate solely on my career. It wasn't until late 2021 that the idea of returning to school re-entered my mind.

Why I chose Imperial Business School

After researching analytics programmes at various institutions, Imperial’s MSc Business Analytics (online, part-time) stood out, and it was the only school I applied to. Yes, you read that right!

I created a simple scoring model to assist me in selecting a programme. However, it is not as advanced as the knowledge I will gain from my Business School modules. The core factors that contributed to my decision were the following:

Intersection of business and technology - it was important to me to find a Business Analytics programme that focused not only on tools and technology, but also offers a mix of business, and maths.
Online learning - I preferred an online programme as my wife and I both work in Singapore and relocating was not an option.
Flexibility - I needed to be able studying at my own pace and not have to attend all live classes. I didn’t want to undertake a programme that would majorly affect my personal commitments. Also, my work sometimes requires me to work extra hours.
Recognising work experience - I wanted to find a school that looks at my whole application, considering my work experience along with my admission tests and undergraduate studies.

The Business School's programme met all my requirements and was the perfect fit for me. Receiving the acceptance email felt like an old dream coming back to life, only bigger and better than before.

Milton Caluya with his classmates during Induction Week

My programme so far

We completed our first term in December. We studied two core modules: Maths and Statistics Foundations for Analytics, and Data Structure and Algorithms.

During the middle of the term, I struggled to manage my time because of personal commitments and a heavy workload. If you don't plan ahead, the pace of the class can become overwhelming because you study a new lesson every week.

Thankfully, our learning platform, The Hub, has a timetable that allows us to see all module content and deadlines. This allowed me to make adjustments and catch up on lessons.

Despite challenges, I am enjoying the programme so far. The approach to studying probability, statistics, and linear algebra has been very eye-opening and increased my appreciation for these fields. It makes me chuckle when I think back to my undergraduate programme when I would question when I would use statistics in my career. In the end, I got a job at a statistical software company.

What makes the programme even more enjoyable is that my cohort is extremely supportive. We only met in September, but it feels like we've known each other for a long time.

I also learned more optimal Python coding methods from our professors. Being able to apply them immediately at work allows me to retain the knowledge better.

What makes the programme even more enjoyable is that my cohort is extremely supportive. We only met in September, but it feels like we've known each other for a long time. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone in-person again during our on-campus elective in June (it’s party... I mean study time!).

The second term has now started, and I’m excited about what’s ahead. I'm sure it will be a challenging yet rewarding learning experience.

Discover MSc Business Analytics (online, part-time)

22 January 2024

Student blog

Online Programmes

Building networks while studying an online Master’s programme

Rohit Ravi — Tue, 08 Mar 2022 15:35:47 +0000

Building networks while studying an online Master’s programme Rohit Ravi Tue, 08/03/2022 - 15:35

Imperial Business School is no stranger to bringing together the best minds in both academia and industry to tackle some of the world’s biggest problems and drive innovation. While many are familiar with the value brought forward by the confluence of theory and its application to business, the factor that completes the trinity is often overlooked - networking.

I’m Rohit Ravi and I am currently pursuing MSc Business Analytics (online, part-time) while working in the asset management sector. Through this blog, I hope to share why building a network while studying online is invaluable to unlocking opportunities, and my personal experiences and tips to network effectively.

Take advantage of London

I must admit that studying in London has made me spoiled for choice at the seemingly endless number of opportunities and people that I could reach out to. I have attended events local to the Business School such as the ‘Spotlight on Energy Careers’ panel that brought together Imperial alumni and guest speakers from some of the UK’s biggest energy players to discuss trends within the energy market including ESG, climate finance and renewables. Events like this are great opportunities to tune into a smaller, more specialised crowd and make connections over topics that you are passionate about.

Similarly, London gives you the chance to go big! Don’t shy away from large-scale events like CogX, which can offer up chances to discover new pursuits and engage with those who have different backgrounds and experiences from you. Although the opportunities to network are limitless, that very fact can make the process overwhelming! I would recommend taking someone along with you and doing a little bit of research on the companies or individuals you intend to speak with to make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Follow up with your connections on LinkedIn

The value of LinkedIn cannot be understated. Think network effects – more meaningful connections lead to more opportunities. Remember to follow up with individuals that you found engaging, team members you worked with or even people who you bumped into and left a mark on you.

I find that cross-posting machine learning/AI content on LinkedIn is an effective way to engage with my network by sparking discourse. I would also recommend joining LinkedIn communities and following pages that post articles relevant to your interests. Some pages that I particularly enjoy engaging with are the Stanford Institute for Human-Centred Artificial Intelligence, MIT Technology Review and Visual Capitalist.

Networking does not always come naturally!

If you’re anything like me, the prospect of walking up to someone or organising a virtual catch-up does not come naturally to you and is rather daunting. I recently attended the ‘Networking Masterclass’ virtually hosted by Will Kentish and Imperial Business School and discovered that networking is no more than a skill, which means it can be learned and mastered! I’d like to share three tips that have helped me network effectively:

Pick up the phone and talk to people. While it’s convenient to shoot someone an e-mail or text, there’s nothing like an ‘old-fashioned’ conversation over the phone. Share your mutual interests and don’t be afraid to shy away from work topics – we’re all human at the end of the day!
Try to engage in meaningful small talk. Instead of asking yes/no questions (did you have a good weekend?) ask more open questions (what was a highlight from your weekend?). It often leads to a more natural conversation and allows you to learn more from the person you’re talking to.
Who do you know who…? is a great question to ask to expand your network. Don’t be afraid to ask a connection to recommend another connection when looking for an opportunity.

It’s important to remember that these are the tips and opportunities that worked best for me and may not necessarily reflect your networking journey! I am fortunate to have met some incredible people, landed a dream internship, and engraved some unforgettable experiences in my mind by stepping out of my shell.

If you walk away from this blog post with just one message let it be this – take the leap, it’s always worth it!

8 March 2022

Student blog

Online Programmes