Sponsored by EDHEC Business School

As the world of business becomes more globalized, the need for young talent with extensive specialized skillsets and knowledge heightens. This means an increasing amount of leading universities and business schools are having to develop innovative master’s programs to meet such demands, including the new contemporary double master’s degree offered at EDHEC Business School.

It’s never too early to start thinking about the next step after graduation. Some of you may already be toying with the idea of pursuing further higher education options, or it may not have even crossed your mind until now.

MBAs and other specialized business master’s degree programs can be a worthwhile investment for yourself, your career and your future – as long as it’s something you’re genuinely considering. Intrigued? You should be. Read on to discover seven reasons why a double master’s degree may be an ideal path to explore.

It’s a good way to overlap your areas of interest

Narrowing down your interests to just one master’s degree isn’t easy, especially as it can be difficult knowing which one is right for you. Fortunately, a double master’s degree allows you to satisfy your intellectual curiosity for more than just one field of interest.

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) is the watermark of business education worldwide, strengthening your general management acumen as well as your communication and leadership skills. While a specialized business master’s degree aims to meet the market demands of a specific business field gap. Although they’re both very different degrees, they complement each other well.

You’ll gain a better insight into different industries

A double master’s degree can offer a much more comprehensive outlook into the world of business. Even though you may have only studied business, or management of finance at undergraduate level, a double master’s degree brings everything together so you’re able to understand how the various elements of business, management and finance link and collaborate.

It can enhance your career opportunities and earning potential

These are perhaps two of the most obvious reasons why so many contemplate the idea of pursuing a postgraduate degree. With the current graduate job market as competitive as it is, a double master’s qualification can be the springboard you need to help boost your chances of landing a more senior or managerial job role much earlier on in your career.

But don’t forget, knowledge and experience go hand in hand; the power of work experience is highly valued by employers as well. For example, the two-year double-degree MSc and Global MBA program launching at EDHEC Business School this coming September requires students to take up a summer internship or consultancy project during their studies. This is so students can put theory into practice in order to gain valuable insights into the world of work, as well as build and maintain professional network connections… which leads us nicely onto our next reason…

Widen your network connections

Firstly, it’s important you understand the value of networking, and not just the practice of it; you need to network like you really mean it.

The business landscape is evolving at a rapid pace, and so it’s important you’re able to build and maintain valuable contacts. It’s not just about introducing yourself to a course colleague as you wait for the lecture to begin, but about engaging in conversation, asking questions, and being generous with your answers.

The world of education is a bustling hub, full of people from all walks of life, and is one of the easiest places where professional networking connections can be made – you never know who you may meet, so use it to your advantage.

You can tailor your education to fit your career goals

It’s good to consider your motivations for pursuing postgraduate study – the career you have in mind may require further study – especially when it comes to business, finance or management.

This is why many master’s programs allow you to customize your academic curriculum to help plan a career path that’s right for you. EDHEC Business School’s double-degree MSc and Global MBA program even goes as far as allowing you to choose between which field of expertise to study, and not just certain electives.

After completing the MBA in the first year, you’ll have the choice to study either an MSc in Business Management, or MSc in Financial Economics in your second year.

It showcases a strong work ethos

For your own sense of personal achievement and for prospective employers, if anything else, studying a postgraduate degree demonstrates your desire, commitment and motivation to learn, which takes us onto our final reason…

You can make yourself a more desirable hire

Employers are drawn to candidates who show a desire to want to learn more. And as previously mentioned, being able to demonstrate a solid work ethic is more than just a desirable trait, it’s critical when it comes to proving your commitment and enthusiasm to anything you do in a professional setting.

Postgraduate study demonstrates your hunger for success, and is a good way help your CV stand out and get yourself noticed among the fiercely over-crowded graduate pool.

Sponsored by Queen’s University Belfast

As exam season and assignment deadlines rear their ugly heads again, it can be very tempting to bury your head in the ground and forget they even exist. However, this isn’t something we’d recommend doing!

So, we’ve teamed up with Queen’s University Belfast to bring you some top tips to combat the stress that comes with the demands of university. And remember, it’s important to take some time out for yourself along the way.

Make a study plan (and stick to it!)

Failing to plan is planning to fail, as the old cliché goes. Drawing up to-do lists may seem overwhelming at first but prioritizing each item on the list should make managing your workload a lot easier.

It also pays to be realistic. Allow yourself enough time to achieve what you set out to do. Marathon study sessions don’t work, and you won’t thank yourself for it, so remember to take as many breaks as you feel are necessary throughout the day (but not too many).

Use your university’s facilities

From private study rooms, to renting laptops and subject-specific enquiry points, universities are really pushing the boundaries when it comes to the facilities and services they provide for their students.

For example, Queen’s University Belfast’s award winning McClay Library has recently had over £50 million invested in it, so students can experience a 21^st century academic learning hub.

If you study languages at the university, or simply want to polish up on your language skills, you have access to their exclusive Language Centre, while The Graduate School at the university offers postgraduate students an exciting and exclusive study space that can be used for silent study, group study and innovating education workshops, thanks to its professional network links with local businesses and community sectors.

Treat yourself to new stationery

Treating yourself to some new stationery can also help with motivation. Go crazy with flashcards, overload on highlighters, keep your folders organized, write down notes, use post-its, and quiz yourself – anything to keep up the study momentum.

Create a study group with your classmates

Unless you really struggle to study with others, your fellow students can be a great source of help. Planning days and times when you can all study together is more likely to mean that you keep to the schedule and get the work done.

You’ll all have your own study styles which can be a great advantage, as it’s more than likely some of you will know things the others don’t, and vice versa. 

Eliminate all possible distractions

Studying at home can be difficult if your housemates are crashing around outside your bedroom, or you find yourself scrolling through social media every five minutes. Even the classic trick of having the TV on as background noise can end up with you staring at it for two hours rather than at your notes.

In the case of loud housemates, it could be a good idea to let them know you’re going to be spending the next few hours studying, so you’d appreciate it if they could keep noise levels down to a minimum – *cue Ross from Friends doing his volume hands*.

For anything else, clearing your desk, opening a window, letting natural light fill the room, and having a nice set up of your notes, laptop and stationery around you can be just what you need to get motivated.

For those who really struggle to study at home, many universities have dedicated silent study spaces and modern facilities for students to take advantage of. Queen’s University Belfast students can study in the CS Lewis Reading Room which offers a tranquil study space with glass-engraved inscriptions lining the walls from the Belfast-born author’s world-renowned Chronicles of Narnia to help keep students motivated.

Ask for help

It’s ok to ask for help – whether it’s from your lecturer, class colleagues, friends and family. If it’s specific to your course, then speaking with your lecturer would be a good first port of call. If it’s something that’s more personal, your tutor or university’s wellbeing service are always on hand to answer any questions or worries you may have.

Just remember, as stressful as university can be, you’re never on your own, and there’s always somebody who can help.

Stay active and stock up on healthy snacks

And finally, remembering to stay physically and mentally healthy is also key. Brain food isn’t just an Instagram fad, as research has proven certain meals and snacks can help you while you’re studying.

It’ll also do you some good to get outside for a walk or a run each day to refresh yourself and clear your mind.

Brisbane has a bit of a reputation for being just another city in the east coast of Australia that isn’t worth exploring. I mean, why would you stop at yet another high-rise destination when you could be lounging on the beach? Well, don’t let that perception fool you. In reality, Brisbane offers a heck of a lot to its visitors if you simply take the time to look around. From amazing eats, beautiful parks and walkways, a variety of entertainment, a ton of museums and galleries, and a vibe that’s worth stopping over for. Read on to find out more about what you should explore on a brief trip to Brisbane.

Morning: riverside strolls and avo toast

If you’re feeling adventurous, start your morning off right with some exercise along one of the many walking routes in the city! The Brisbane River Loop in South Bank is a terrific option, with views of the skyline along the river and native bushland. There are also free fitness classes held in South Bank, depending on the time of year.

Once you are finished your morning workout, head to one of the many brunch spots the city has to offer for a well-deserved flat white and avocado toast (when in Rome). Some spots worth mentioning include Sourced Grocer for a relaxed feel, Nodo for some waffles and donuts, and Sassafras for a traditional Aussie breakfast spread. Get your camera ready, because these are some seriously Instagramable meals.

Itching for some koala cuddling after breakfast? Head to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, the oldest and largest koala sanctuary in the world!

Afternoon: culture, beach, and free concerts

Spend the afternoon exploring all that this bustling city has to offer, starting with a little bit of culture at Queensland’s GOMA—Brisbane’s Gallery of Modern Art. And the best part is…entry is completely free! There are so many amazing galleries and museums in the city, you could spend hours and not break out your wallet once. 

If it’s a hot day out (and let’s face it, in Australia, it almost always is), head to Streets Beach, the beach-style lagoon that overlooks the city skyline. It’s a popular tourist spot simply because there’s a little slice of paradise right in the middle of the downtown core! Another great option is to hop on the CityHopper ferry, which takes you from one side of the city to the other, completely free of charge. You cover more ground quicker and get a top-deck river cruise without paying a penny.

After a day of exploring, head to one of Brisbane’s free outdoor concerts, which are frequently held in the major parks on weekends. You can pack a picnic and some drinks and enjoy some amazing entertainment without paying for a concert ticket.

Night: a sunset picnic and rooftop drinks

An absolute must do when you are in Brisbane is to spend dusk over at Kangaroo Point (ha, very fitting), where you can grill your own barbeque whilst witnessing the sunset over the high rise buildings. It's truly something special to see the sun light up the city, resulting in the outlines off the skyscrapers beaming off the river surface.

After the sun sets, the night is young! Head to one of the city’s many rooftop bars where you can witness the bright lights of the city at night—truly a perfect way to finish your 24 hours in Brisbane.  

Want more content like this? Register for free site membership to get regular updates and your own personal content feed.

Going to university in the UK tends to come with a very hefty price tag – currently £9,250 per year for undergraduate home/EU students – and with living costs on the rise, many students find themselves left with substantial student loans to pay back once they’ve obtained their degree and are in employment, while others may find themselves re-evaluating their decision to take an academic route altogether.

Though a degree can be extremely beneficial, providing graduate jobseekers with a full range of career opportunities, it certainly isn’t the only pathway to a successful career – read on for a variety of alternatives to university.   

1. Apprenticeships

Generally, apprenticeships may last anywhere between one and five years, and usually combine both professional and academic training. Different types of UK apprenticeships are available across a wide range of roles, mainly in sectors like engineering and manufacturing, accounting and banking, marketing and even the media, and typically offer several benefits:

• You may be awarded a formal qualification (equivalent to an NVQ level 4, HND or a foundation degree, in the case of a higher apprenticeship) once successfully completed
• You’ll gain a significant level of professional experience in your chosen field
• You’ll receive a salary – more information about the minimum wage for an apprentice can be found here.
• They’re debt-free.

Entry requirements for apprenticeships in the UK will vary depending on your chosen field of work and study.

According to a new article on Yahoo Finance, tech company Amazon will soon launch a further 1,000 new fully-funded UK apprenticeships – of which more than 90 will involve undergraduate and master’s-degree level programs in fields such as software development engineering, management, and automation. The programs will last from 13 months to four years, and will provide a combination of both in-work and in-classroom training.   

What’s more, pay will range from a starting salary of £9.50/£10.50 per hour to up to £30,000 a year, and will include other benefits such as private medical insurance and company discounts.

Applications for Amazon’s apprenticeship programs will open on 4 March 2019.           

2. Foundation degree or HND

The main purpose of a foundation degree is to provide the student with a strong basis and skillset needed to enter the workforce. It’s considered to be a level 5 qualification, and is usually offered by universities and colleges that share a partnership. When studied on a part-time basis, foundation degrees can take up to three or four years to complete, while full time degrees last two years.

Though Foundation degrees aren’t free, they cost much less than a bachelor’s degree, and are around £2,600 per year for full-time study. Costs for part-time study are typically lower, and vary depending on the course. 

Once completed, there are a number of career and study options available to choose from.   

The HND (Higher National Diploma) on the other hand, is a vocational qualification which is usually studied at a full-time basis for two years (or three years part-time), and is preparation for careers in specific industries such as design, engineering, computer science, business, health and social care, and hospitality – although it’s important to note that this is only limited to certain roles in the aforementioned fields, and if you wish to apply for a graduate scheme or graduate-level job, you’ll need a full degree, and could choose to ‘top up’ your HND by studying for an extra year.

3. Securing an entry-level job

An entry-level job doesn’t require the applicant to hold any formal qualifications, and is a well-suited alternative for school and college leavers. For some of these jobs, you won’t even be required to hold prior work experience, and you can expect to receive relevant professional training throughout the course of your job.

Entry-level jobs can be found for specific roles in a variety of fields, including accountancy, marketing and teaching assistant positions, and IT roles in web development or business analysis. They’re typically open on a permanent, full-time basis, though some may be on a temporary contract or part-time hours.

Different types of entry-level jobs include apprenticeships (see point #1), traineeships, and various school leaver programs designed by employers.

4. Self-employment & setting up your own business

Business-savvy individuals may be able to devise a well-thought-out plan to work from home, earn money, and potentially set up their own successful business. Of course, everybody is born with a special skill (or several), but being able to make money out of those skills may require a separate set of strengths (dedication, commitment, independent ability to think and solve problems), knowledge and possibly a good network of like-minded or already well-established business individuals.

Even though income from self-employment can be irregular and the pressure to succeed alone will undoubtedly arise, becoming your own boss is bound to be rewarding once you begin to see the fruit of your labor – flexible working hours, the potential for a higher salary and independence, to name just a few benefits.

5. When in doubt, take a gap year

The pressure to go to university may seem a little high once you’ve left school, but it’s much wiser to try not to give into that pressure and take your time before deciding on what you’ll do next. Don’t feel like you need to be in a rush to go to university, as it’s crucial you take the time out to rediscover yourself and weigh out the various and plentiful options you have in front of you.

Whether you want to travel the world and explore the array of cultures out there, learn a new language, get a job to earn some money and gain some valuable work experience, or simply take the time out to rest and take care of your health and wellbeing – giving yourself a break and enough time to grow and learn new things will only serve you well. University is expensive, and you do not want to end up regretting your decision once you’re already enrolled.

Want more content like this? Register for free site membership to get regular updates and your own personal content feed.

Sponsored by LUMSA University

The management and marketing landscape is evolving at a dramatic rate. Although management and marketing encompass virtually every aspect of a business, those with a more creative flair may favor the roles that come with marketing, such as promoting, advertising and selling a brand, product or service.

By contrast, those who have an analytical mindset may prefer specializing in the management side of things, ensuring organizations are run well behind the scenes, and that everything is in place, or as it should be.

If you’ve got a creative flair or an analytical mindset (or both!), check out the following careers which may be ideal for you. 

Management careers

The number of professionals hired across various management roles is expected to increase by eight percent between 2016 and 2026, according to the US Bureau of Labor. This should come as no surprise as the field of management is a critical element of any organization and business.

So, whether you’re interested in healthcare, marketing, finance, innovation and sustainability, job security is usually stable.

You’ll need to a have comprehensive knowledge of the many areas of business, from strategizing business decisions, to managing projects, assessing budgets and being able to manage and motivate your team.

You should also be able to tackle complex situations, analyze the consumer market, ensure the business is run like a well-oiled machine, and maintain positive employee relations, while making sure targets are met.

Sustainability management is still a relatively new concept. However, interest in this area of management is booming as current world affairs push for innovative and sustainable solutions, as well as the fact it’s becoming one of the biggest money-making opportunities in the world.

Students who major in Entrepreneurship and Innovation for Sustainability as part of the Master’s in Management and Finance at LUMSA University graduate equipped with the knowledge and technical skills necessary to take on these socio-economic challenges.

The Master’s in Management and Finance at LUMSA University also offers students the choice to major in Banking and Finance for Innovation, allowing them to gain a well-rounded understanding of how the world of finance can collaborate effectively and efficiently with rapidly transforming digital platforms. And as the world becomes more digitally enhanced, the need for those with the skillset to match such demand heightens. Therefore, a career in management consultancy can be a good match.

It demands enthusiasm, an inquisitive mindset and the ability to problem solve quickly, as management consultants offer an organization help in achieving their business goals by improving their overall performance by analyzing their current market trends and data results to eliminate potential risks.

Marketing careers

The US Bureau of Labor also reports that jobs within the marketing sector are set to rise faster than average by ten percent between 2016 and 2026.

Thanks to advertising, promotions and marketing campaigns all playing a fundamental role in consumer-facing organizations, marketing careers are extremely popular – yet notoriously difficult to get into if you don’t have the right experience.

Fortunately, the Master’s in Marketing and Digital Communication at LUMSA University teaches students the fundamental practices of marketing and communication, such as understanding how to develop, produce and implement effective strategies across digital platforms, as well as traditional media platforms such as print publications.

Marketing is a diverse sector, with roles available in everything from digital marketing and website design, to international marketing and even mobile marketing. Whichever takes your interest, you’ll need to be an innovative thinker and have the ability to stay one step ahead.

Mix this with solid digital skills and the power to persuade and you’ll stand in good stead for a career in marketing.

Management and marketing careers

Elements of management and marketing inevitably overlap, meaning they both offer promising career paths with an assortment of unlimited choices within the public, private and not-for-profit sectors.

For example, a project manager can work across a vast range of fields, from marketing, to technology, to finance, and healthcare. Project managers work to get the job done on time and within budget, ensuring project objectives are successfully met. You should also be comfortable with taking initiative, delegating tasks, and keeping team morale high.

Taking into consideration how the world of management and marketing is dramatically evolving, a career as a social media manager ensures you work at the forefront of technological developments in the sector, and is a suitable role regardless of whether you studied management or marketing. Being aware of the evolution of the consumer and digital landscape is a vital skill that can make you a very admirable hire for potential employers.

A career as a brand manager means getting the best of both worlds with management and marketing. Communication skills are crucial, as is your ability to crunch numbers and understand key data trends. You’ll collaborate with internal departments across the organization in order to identify and assess current market values, competitors, consumer targets and future opportunities.