Arvinder Kaur

Why did you decide to do a postgraduate course? 

I strongly believe that it's never too late to expand one's knowledge or learn new things. During my five-and-a-half-year career in HR, I always made sure to keep up to date with various training courses. However, as the business dynamics kept changing, I felt the need for an outside experience, which could be either work or study. Eventually, I decided to pursue a Global MBA programme in order to gain a deeper understanding of the international business environment before venturing into work experience outside my home country.

What was the best thing about your course lecturers?

One of the best things about our lecturers is their willingness to offer additional support to students who require it. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Solent University and was grateful to receive all the assistance that I needed from each of my respective lecturers. In addition, during my learning experience, I found my teachers to be very knowledgeable in their respective subjects. I really appreciate the format of the lectures, which combined both traditional lectures and interactive seminars. The seminars provided me with an opportunity to express myself more freely and gain additional insights into the subjects being taught.

How did your postgraduate course differ from your undergraduate studies?

During my studies in my home country, I specialised in HR and Marketing. However, the Global MBA programme introduced me to new and interesting subjects such as business skills for leadership, continuing personal and professional development, international business issues and practices... And I feel like I have gained a much deeper understanding of these topics and learned at a whole new level.

Did you have any concerns about studying a postgraduate course?  

As an international student, I felt nervous about building my network with classmates and other students at the University. With time and the support of our lecturers, I was able to overcome my communication challenges. During seminars, we were put into groups which provided a great opportunity to express myself more. As a result, I now have much better communication skills, which was a struggle for me previously. I have also come to appreciate the teaching style in the UK, which is more practical than in my home country. 

How has the University supported you throughout your studies?

I would like to express my gratitude to the University for going above and beyond to support its staff and students. I truly appreciated when the Solent team hosted various events for its members, including activities that promoted mental health and social well-being, networking opportunities, guest lectures, and even providing food assistance to international students. I hope that the Solent team continues to achieve even greater success in the future.

What’s the most important thing you learned?

During my time at Solent University, I have developed a crucial skill: critical thinking. The University constantly encourages students to think critically, challenge assumptions, and analyse information from diverse perspectives. We were encouraged to apply critical thinking throughout the course when working on assessments. This skill is not only useful in academic settings but also in real-world scenarios.

The Global MBA programme has enabled me to cultivate other skills such as effective communication, teamwork, time management, and networking. These skills are crucial for success in any job or business and I am confident that the skills I have acquired during my studies will prove valuable in my future endeavours.

I also had the opportunity to attend various events, such as "Time to Shine", where I was able to network with alumni and industry professionals. Additionally, I participated in the Law and Business Student Conference, where I presented my project proposal, which was a significant achievement for me during my time at the University.

Do you have any advice for anyone thinking of studying a postgraduate course?

You should go for it as it offers an excellent opportunity to learn and grow. By being open to new ideas and perspectives, engaging in critical thinking, and dedicating yourself to the course, you can gain in-depth knowledge and valuable skills. Remember that your efforts, connections, and experiences during your studies can have a lasting impact on your future career and personal development. So, embrace this opportunity to learn, grow, and reach your full potential.