Why study business? | with the University of Essex Online - Future You: achieve your career goals

Episode Transcript
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(00:00):
Hello and welcome back to Future You.
The podcast brought to youby graduate careers experts prospects.
I'm your host, Emily Slade, andin this episode, I speak to Luke Johnson
from the University of Essex onlineabout some postgraduate business programs.
We'll be covering the Master'sin Business and Management,
the MSC Masters with financeand the MSC Business

(00:20):
and Managementwith Business Analytics.
Hi my name's Luke Johnsonand I am the program coordinator
for businessat the University of Essex online.
I am an ex studentat the University of Essex.
Online master's in project management.
So I can really empathize with anystudents thinking about studying with us.

(00:40):
And yeah, some of the organizationnow for over
six years.
Wow. Amazing.
So, what business programsare you here to talk about today?
So I've got quite a few programs.
So luckily I'm not here to talk aboutall of them because we'll be here.
We'll be here all day.
But I'm here to talk about the the MBM,the master's in business and Management,
the MSC Masters, with finance

(01:03):
and the MSC Businessand management with Business analytics.
I'll go into a bit more detailabout each of those programs now.
So I'll start with the the MBA,the Masters in Business and Management.
Now management for the
some people, for a lot of peoplemight sound a little formal.

(01:24):
Maybe maybe it's it's dry.
But this program, I'd like to thinkis is anything
but it's it's packed with real worldrelevance.
Focus is on adaptability and is designed
to prepare people to succeed in a fast
paced, ever changing world of business.

(01:47):
Modern business.
The program is for anyone who seesleadership as part of their future,
whether that's building a career,
launching a start up business,or just wanting to
to stand out in their organizationthat they're already working for.
it's not about sitting backand memorizing textbooks and theory.

(02:09):
It's more about developing, tools.
On your confidenceand the different perspectives
you need to, to make things happenin the business world.
What make this program excitingis the balance
between the big picture of businessthinking and practical skills

(02:30):
and, getting that,like I say, those real world experiences.
So you'll dive into strategy,
entrepreneurship, leadership, marketing
and the all important worldof supply chain and operations.
But at the same time is doing that.
You're developingthat everyday capability of problem

(02:51):
solving and communication, collaboration and decision making.
It's very much the idea of learnit today, use it tomorrow.
So even if you're studying
at a full masters,which can take two, 3 or 4 years with us,
you can still apply the learningwhilst you're studying with us.

(03:11):
And hopefully we will touch onhow we help you
with applying that learningwith the different assessment methods.
Later on.
So by the end of that program,you'll not only be more knowledgeable,
you'll also be more confidentin putting your ideas into action
and inspiring others to do the same.

(03:33):
So the MBM is a practical,
dare I say, a lot more funthan it sounds on paper?
Then we've got the MSC Business Finance.
It's more about sharpening.
One of the most important toolsin the business toolkit

(03:54):
really is about understandinghow money drives business success.
So this program is designed for peoplewho want to get more
under the skinof how organizations work financially.
Because, I mean, let's be honest, really,no matter how
inspiring your business strategylooks like,

(04:15):
if the numbers don't add
up, it won't get very far, rarely will it.
So what I've really like about this courseis that it doesn't treat finance
as something separate or intimidating,
than what to what the business program is.
Instead, it kind of weaves those financialunderstandings right into the

(04:38):
the bigger picture,the management and the strategy.
So you'll be exploring economicsin the business content.
You'll learn, in the business context.
So you'll learn how to create strategiesthat actually form
smart financial decisionmaking and see how finance
connects with everythingfrom leadership to marketing.

(05:02):
The HR, you'll cover
financial reporting, project management,corporate responsibility.
So like I was saying,it's not just about managing money.
It's about making good,sustainable decisions as well.
The real the real advantage I find withthis program is you'll you'll come out,
I like to say, speaking two languages,

(05:24):
the language of leadershipand the language of finance.
That combinationof having the ability to do that
can be incredibly valuablefor someone's future.
Who does this?
Because you're not just part of kindof the boardroom conversation.
You're helping to lead it as well.
And then the last programthat I'm here to talk about today

(05:45):
is the MSC Business and Managementwith Business Analytics,
which really feels like the future where
we're living in a world todaywith overflowing amounts of data.
And the big question is,how do you make sense of it all?
This program is designed to put you right
in the forefront of that challenge.

(06:07):
it's not just about being a data scientisthidden behind a computer.
It's not just about managementin the old fashioned sense, either.
It's about
bringing those two worlds togethervery similar to what I was talking about
in the finance, program,taking the principles of analytics
and applying them to real worldbusiness problems.
You'll learn, of course, how to collect,analyze, visualize data,

(06:32):
but more importantly,how to use those insights to
make smarter strategy decisions.
The modules take you from statisticsfor business
through to data management, modeling and,
data visualization, to applying

(06:53):
analytically directional approachto managerial context.
So like I was saying aboutthe other programs, it's about
developing the confidenceto not only kind of crunch the numbers,
but how to communicate what those numbersmean.
We really doplace a big importance on that, because

(07:14):
being that personlike or saying in the boardroom,
in this scenario, we always want someoneto give someone the data, say,
here's the data, here's the information.
We want someone to be able to collectthat data, understand it
and decide how to act on it.
That's the real game changer.
So yeah, whetherwhether you'll be drawn to the MBM

(07:34):
for its broad,dynamic approach to management, the
the MSC in Business and Finance forits more deep dive into financial decision
making or the business analytics program
for its more cutting edge,data driven focus.
Each program gives you the knowledgeand the practical skills

(07:55):
to to thrive in a real worldwhere business never stands still.
Yeah.
Incredible.
So how will the students study online?
Well, first of all, it's importantto say that
when when you study online to those,you'll gain
a recognized qualificationfrom the University of Essex,
which, we are proud to sayis ranked in the top 40 of the UK

(08:18):
universities, that a qualificationwith real value on recognition.
So, it's somethingwe're especially proud of.
Something else we're proud of is thatthe classroom experience we've created.
So, so all of the modules are taughtby experienced academics
and practitioners, which means you don'tjust get the theory, let go
saying you get that vital real worldperspective as well.

(08:42):
Because our programs are builtwith employability in mind,
you will be developing skillsthat prepare you for careers,
not only in your chosen field,but also in related sectors as well.
Plus, there's flexibilityin many of our programs.
You'll have the chance to tailoryour studies with optional modules to
to match specific interests to your needs.

(09:04):
At the University of Essex online,everything is delivered
through our interactive learning platform,
which is available globally 24 seven.
So whether you are
an early riser or a night owl like meor fitting study around your work
or family life, the course really doesadapt to your needs.

(09:28):
Support is also really at the heart ofof what we do.
Tutors respond to emails within 24 hoursduring the week and
4 to 8 hours at weekends.
So if you hit a challengewhile you're studying,
you won't just be stuck waiting for help.
You'll also have the chanceto play quantum meetings
with your tutors regularly.
In addition to the live seminars, a Q&Asession that are built into each module.

(09:53):
And like I've said, it is one of our,best USP is our programs are 100% online,
part time, meaning that you'llnever be required to set foot on campus.
Saying that, though,
we would love to see some of youif you were successful enough to graduate.
There's a we have a fantastic, celebrationdown on campus for the graduation day.

(10:14):
So it's great. It's a meet.
A lot of names and pictures to faces.
Then we go heart to. It's a fantastic day.
Yeah.
Brilliant.
So let's talknow about the learning, teaching
and assessment methods.
Yes. So,
programs are designed to give studentslike a say I keep.
I keep saying this, but it is reallyimportant to to not only get students

(10:37):
the knowledge, but the confidence onhow to apply that knowledge
in real world context.
So learning takes placethrough a blend of prerecorded lectures.
We call them lecture casts.
And that kind of bite sizedlearning resources, which we have our own,
learning technologists,
we call them that help develop themwith the subject matter experts.

(10:58):
We have those we have our live seminars,we call, Q&A sessions,
along with all the additional resourcesis and readings, alongside independent
study depending on the assignmentor group work tasks.
It's a real mix, which means studentscan engage on kind of key theories while
also developing the ability to question,

(11:21):
analyze, and apply learning critically.
When it comes to assessment,we use we kind of deliberately use
a diverse range of methodsto to enhance our own experiences.
So you'll see the traditional academic
pieces such as reports and essaysin some of our modules.

(11:41):
These, of course, are neededbecause it allows our students
to demonstrate their researchskills, structure, arguments, effectively
and so kind of in-depthunderstanding of certain areas.
But that's kind of justjust one piece of the assessment puzzle.
We've got discussion forumswhich bring a more interactive, element
and community element to each cohort.

(12:04):
It encourages kind of critical thinkingand giving you
the chance to hear different perspectivesfrom different walks of life.
We've got reflective journals which helpstudents kind of take a step back
and chart their personal, professional,kind of academic growth over time.
While they're studying with us.
We've got group and posterpresentations and,

(12:27):
a lot of group work,which gives give students
the space to develop thosea essential team working and communication
skills, that they're just so essentialin the business world.
As well as thatwill do a lot of peer reviews,
which provides the opportunityfor the cohort to provide
feedback and, to that peers.

(12:48):
Again, that kind of mirrors
the real world process that wethat we have in the business world.
And then, of course,we've got a lot of case study analysis,
a lot of real world examples,which kind of bring everything together,
letting our studentsapply their directly to, to real world
challenges, by combiningall those different assessment methods.
But it kind of helps us measurewhere each student is overall.

(13:12):
It helps us build their confidencein their professional skills,
what they'll really needto thrive in a future career,
just before your next question,
Emily, have have you come across thingslike reflective journals
or group projects in your own studiesor in previous podcasts
Yeah.
No, no.
You really took me by surprisewhen you said that.

(13:33):
Do you want to talk about ita bit more? Because.
Yeah, I've personally in my, like,personal life, I understand
the concept of reflective journalism,but not through an assessment method
or a teaching or learning method.
Well, we'd like to combine the two.
Really we dolike to combine the two a lot where, so
if youif you do come on one of our programs

(13:53):
and you continue to be successful,you'll see the two combined a lot.
Because reflection and group work,we find a really important
because it goes beyondjust the the learning theory.
It reflection kind of helps you understand
your own strengths areas
where to improvehow how you're developing.

(14:14):
Personally and professionally.
And then group work, on the other hand,kind of helps you build that teamwork,
communication,that problem solving skills
kind of liveand you're actively doing that.
All they're all things that we findemployers
are looking for in, in the real world.
So, what is a business departmentwithin at the University of Essex.

(14:37):
We have regularwe call them an employer advisory boards,
basically meetings where we're meetingwith heads of industry.
Kind of asking them what are youlooking for from our graduates?
What are the things you need?
And these are all thingsthat they're asking for.
They're asking for the, the of the abilityto to understand their own strengths

(14:57):
and where to improve and how to build upteam working and communication skills.
So together, those two things,those two assessment methods combined
together, really help turn the knowledgethat they've received throughout a module,
throughout a unit into practical skillsthat they can use for their career.

(15:19):
Yeah.
Completely.
It sounds brilliant and leans into,as you mentioned before, the aspect
of community where if you're workingpart time online, distant learning
to have group work,in that sense, as a place
to meet and talk topeople is also really helpful.
Exactly.
Kelly. Yeah. That's thatthat's exactly right.
It can be, it can be seen,you know, was quite a lonely experience

(15:42):
studying online, especially if you're,you know, if you're, in another country
and you're in a UK institutionand things like that.
So having that kind of that group work,it's a great it's a great way
to, to network.It's a great way to kind of
almost have that on campus experience
without having you at the same time.
Yeah.

(16:03):
Yeah, definitely.
That lends nicely into, What?
Career paths,waiting for these students. Go.
So, on
the master's in business management,the MBM, graduates can have you.
They'll have broadleadership and management skills.
So career paths are extremely versatile.

(16:25):
You know, typical rolesI've included business some, business
managers, operationsmanagers, project or program managers.
I've got few entrepreneurs and start upfounders and businesses,
management consultants, businessanalysts, strategic planners.
So there's a real range there.

(16:47):
you know, it'll equipstudents to, to work across a,
a range of different sectors
and, provides a real strong foundationin senior management positions.
So even if you're in an organizationand looking to progress a program
like this is perfect data to build up youryour arsenal, so to speak, to,

(17:07):
to to build those tools to, to progressfurther within the organization
with thethe business, with finance program.
Like I said, you're
you're combining that management knowledgewith the financial expertise.
So, graduates who go on to be financial
analysts,we've got corporate finance managers,

(17:28):
investment, analysts, managementconsultants.
Again, with more kind of a financefocus, business development roles
within financial oversight.
So it's it's ideal, this programfor anyone looking to to bridge the gap
between management and finance or pursueleadership roles in the financial sector.
So if they're already working in finance,
this will help themkind of build that further.

(17:51):
As they progress.
Then we got the, the businessand management business ethics.
So graduates from this program are trainedto use data to inform decisions.
As I was saying.
So making them highly sought afterin today's data driven business world.
You know, we've got businessanalyst, data analysts, data driven,
strategy consultants, supplychain analysts, marketing analysts.

(18:16):
You know, it's it's people when youwhen I was that when you go on to a
a jobs website nowadays it'sall those titles that you're looking for.
the people that would complete
this program are absolutely perfectfor all those roles.
So yeah, it's suited for careerswhere turning data
into kind of actionableinsight is center to to to the success.

(18:37):
Yeah.
So I could say it's,it's, it's can be very varied.
And our alumni students have gone onmost of them just to progress further
in their chosen career or organizationthat they're, that they're in.
Fantastic.
That's brilliant.
So when we talk about these individuals,who are we looking for?
Who would suit and go into these courses?

(19:00):
I mean, to take to take on a
master's degree, it's it'sa, you know, it's
it's extremely exciting.
But we need people who are ambitious,
curious and readyto take the next step in their career.
That that's who we're looking for.
You don't really needto have decades of experience,
but you should have a a real interestin, in leadership and business

(19:24):
and the areas that, which your program
kind of focuses on that doesn'tjust go to the three programs I'm talking.
That goes for most of the programs that weoffer at the University of Essex online.
We we listened to a call motivated,
open to new ideasand willing to challenge themselves.
Let's collaborate with others and applythe learning to real world contacts.

(19:49):
You can kind of see
the programs we developedare all revolving around those ideals.
essentially,we're looking for people who want to grow
both professionally and personally
and make the most of the opportunitiesthese kind of programs offer to them.
I should also mention that we have arounda 5050 split
of international students and UK studentsat the University of Essex,
as we have an extremely diverse cohort.

(20:11):
And because we're 100% online, it reallydoesn't matter where in the world you are.
As long as you have access toto the internet.
Many of our students,already and work undertaking our programs
to kind of progress furtherin their career.
it's a great opportunity as wellto, to come and network
with your tutors, with your peers.

(20:34):
So I really do
recommend it if you're just lookingto progress further in your career.
Another question.
Sorry, I'm.
All I've got for you is, with anyof your kind of previous guests again.
did you talk to you about kindof your personal learning experiences?
So, so finding that finding that. Right.
Study, work and lifebalance can be, can be really tricky.

(20:55):
Okay.
So have you come across any strategiesor examples that really help
students managethe those three effectively?
Yeah.
It's a good question.
We've.
We've briefly touched on itbefore in previous episodes,
but not in any great detail.
More so that universities will offer
a help, adviceand support for both mentally and

(21:17):
physically that's available to studentsif they're struggling.
But no actionable sort of advice.
So did you have any?
It's just so it's so importantwhen you're kind of thinking about
undertaking something like this,kind of any online program really,
or even a program, you know, you know,not your later years, but if you're,

(21:39):
if you're working finding that right studywork life balance will be the key of
how much you enjoy the program andhow much you enjoy the undertaking of it.
especially when it's onlinelearning as well.
So the great thing about our programsis it's flexibility.
So like I said,everything is 100% online and part time.
So you can find ways to

(22:02):
to fit things around your workand your personal commitments.
As long as we say around 15,I would say 10 to 15 hours a week,
it would be on the high side of thingswhen you first start, because you just
kind of finding your feet, learning how,
how to be a,how to work in an academic way.
Again, it can take a little bit longer.

(22:23):
So, we've just again, I mean, we'vegot a lot of resources for our students.
So we've got our tutorswith the quick response times.
Like I said, the the 1 to 1 sessions,we've got, the dedicated student
study skills team that can help develop
personal timetables for students,that kind of helps them

(22:44):
look good, look through everythingthat they've got going on in their lives
to fit in their studies, in their timeeffective led to stay on track
with their learnings and still have space,but for work, family and personal life.
So yeah, before you start any kindof program, anyone who's listening this,
listening to this, I would just reallyconsider how you're going to do that,

(23:06):
find a way to do it in your timetable,and really focus on sticking to it.
Because by doing that, you will enjoyand you will get so much more of your,
your learning, journey
you would if you didn't, if you just camein kind of unknowingly what to expect?
If you had that plan in placefrom the start, it would really
benefit your learning.

(23:27):
Of. Yeah, absolutely.
It's about being structuredand organized, isn't it?
And almost calendar blocking yourtimetable to within an inch of its life.
Yeah.
Yeah.
like I said, I've studied online as well,and it is a constant battle.
Things come up in life and things change.
You know, you can
have children or you can get marriedor you can find work elsewhere.

(23:48):
I mean, the good thing is, with ourprograms, you can you can take breaks.
That's what.
That's what I did, you know?
So if you know you've got something bigpersonally going on or work commitments
around a certain period of time every yearis, you know, a lot more intense.
You can you can book that out.
You can speak to the student supportteam and say, okay, I know between
such and such monthand this month, I can't I can't study.

(24:10):
So they can say it does mean like yourstudies will last a little bit longer,
but for me it means you'll enjoy studiesa lot more and get more from it.
Yeah, definitely.
Brilliant.
So do you offer any shorter programs?
Yeah.
So we offer, over 15 short programs now.
It is constantly changing, butthey're part the part time online courses.

(24:31):
Again,each typically lasting around 13 weeks.
I won't go through them all,but they cover a range of focus topics
like leadership, marketing, datamanagement, supply chain management,
financial decision making.
So these courses are a great wayto to boost your CV quickly.
Gain.
Dana CPD accredited qualification as well,which is great and even even progress

(24:56):
on to the PG cert, the PG tip on the fullmasters degree later on.
I would suggestif you're kind of aiming that are in
about whetherto to undertake a full masters or you're,
you know, you just want to kind of
build your confidence upbefore you're doing doing that.
Taking one of these short coursesis, is a really good first step.
Or if you're kind of happywith the qualifications you've already got

(25:18):
and you want to kind of understandthe data world a little bit more
of the finance world,just to kind of have that string to bow
that that perfect fallfor those kind of individuals.
If any of that sounds interesting to you,it's all already the programs.
I'd encourage just getting in touchwith a member of our admissions team.

(25:39):
They can kind of answer any questions
that you got and guide youthrough the options that you have,
and hopefully guide you to youryour next learning and career journey.
Yeah.
Fantastic. That's all brilliant.
Thank you so much for your time today.
Thank you very much, Emily.
Thanks again to Luke for their time.
For more information on the courses,you can check out the show notes below.
If you want to get in touchwith the admissions

(26:00):
team, you can also do soin the episode description.
If you enjoyed the episode, do feel freeto leave us a review on Apple or Spotify.
Thank you, as always for listening andgood luck on your journey to future. You.

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