Nandhini Balan

Nandhini Balan

"As an international student, I consider it a privilege and a fantastic opportunity to study at a triple-accredited Russell Group university. This is one of the main reasons I chose the University of Liverpool Management School, and it has never let me down. Additionally, I did my research before selecting the university regarding the professors teaching my course, and I was impressed by their expertise."

What course are you currently studying?

I am currently studying MSc Business Analytics and Big Data.

Why did you choose to study a master’s at the University of Liverpool Management School?

As an international student, I consider it a privilege and a fantastic opportunity to study at a triple-accredited Russell Group university. This is one of the main reasons I chose the University of Liverpool Management School, and it has never let me down. Additionally, I did my research before selecting the university regarding the professors teaching my course, and I was impressed by their expertise.

What’s the best thing about studying your programme?

The Master of Business Analytics and Big data at the University of Liverpool Management school is co-designed with industry partners and paved a pathway to educate me with a larger perspective of the subject matter. The course ensures cutting-edge teaching that is closely linked to excellent research and a strong emphasis on responsible innovation that leads to rewarding employment opportunities. Futuristically, I see potential career growth with a challenging work environment in a better corporate network and acquaintances.

How do the facilities in the University and the Management School help you with your studies?

The campus libraries have greatly aided my postgraduate studies. More than 2.5 million items are available in the Sydney Jones and Harold Cohen libraries combined, and we also have access to 68,000 e-journals and 700,000 e-books. I can also easily use the library electronically from home. The libraries’ KnowHow workshops also assisted me in learning a lot of information about my industry. Additionally, Canvas offers study guides and taped lectures that are helpful when getting ready for exams.

The Management School continually engages postgraduate students in various activities, such as giving them the chance to participate in business challenges where they can collaborate with industry experts to address real business problems. I am a part of one such business challenge called “We Can Work It Out”, and it has been a fantastic learning experience for me.

What kind of support do you get from academic staff and tutors?

We are free to contact the professors with questions or concerns, they are very understanding and approachable. Every professor also offers set office hours during which we can speak with them face-to-face to ask questions about the course or receive career advice. Additionally, each student gets access to an academic counsellor who may be contacted for any support.

Have you accessed any of the support services available to you, such as the School’s postgraduate careers team? If so, how did you find the service?

The University provides various support services such as a postgraduate careers team, mental well-being, disabled students forum, financial advice, visa & immigration, etc. Being an international student, I have contacted the visa and immigration team a few times, and each time they were able to convey and offer the right advice. In addition, I am frequently engaged with the career studio for potential career guidance and visited all the career fairs where you can network with recruiters.

What do you enjoy most about the whole experience (thinking about any trips, social and extracurricular activities, or guest speakers) and what value has that added?

Overall, my time at university has been quite engaging. A few companies have given guest lectures that give students information about the market trends and how to improve our abilities for better career opportunities.

I had the chance to collaborate with the Student and Staff Liaison Committee and participate in significant departmental decisions after being chosen as the MSc Business Analytics and Big data course representative. Additionally, it allowed me to work with the Management School on marketing promotions. Also, I serve as a student advocate at the university, which has given me a chance to mentor other students and deliver guest lectures to promote higher education, all of which have helped me develop my public speaking abilities. I play a significant role in several guild societies, which facilitate social activities and amusement outside of the classroom at the University.

How do you believe undertaking master’s study will help your career prospects?

As a software engineer, I set out on my career path with the goal of joining the group of decision-makers who shape the direction of enterprises throughout the globe. Postgraduate study would enable me to get the necessary technical expertise and competence to give me an advantage.

What advice would you give to anybody considering master’s study?

If you are certain that you are acting in your best interests, go for it. You would be equipped to take advantage of new prospects if you had a master’s degree. Your career will benefit from it when you advance to management roles at higher levels, where you’ll likely have greater security with specialized knowledge to advance in your field.

Back to: Management School