I am a postgraduate student studying the 2 year program, Security and Terrorism in the School of Politics and International Relations. Before that, I studied Political Science at the Philipps University of Marburg in Germany, one of the partner universities of the University of Kent.
I am a freelance consultant currently working with RESULT Research Consult, a feminist consulting organisation that works with Germany-based NGOs doing sustainable development programs. So, I conduct interviews, transcribe and code them, give feedback to my colleagues, assist in writing and proof reading of documents and reports. Besides that, I am the PG Network Chair, so I organise events for our PG community, represent PG interests at the Senate, Ethics Committee and Kent Union Parliament. If I am not working for either of these, I talk to my girlfriend in Germany, meet with other students, go bouldering, read non-academic articles, think about what I want to do in the future etc.
The University has a unique international profile and lively student community. I always wanted to study in the UK and the University of Kent and the PolIR school in particular offers amazing programmes in international relations and related topics. Doing a Master's in Security and Terrorism offers me good opportunities for my future career, a great network with quality staff and engaged students.
I am surprised by all the offers on career planning, student support, the mental health department, the work of Kent Union. There are so many options for PGs to get advice and support from different institutions and the staff are so helpful and understanding!
There is a Student Support and Wellbeing team, they have been really supportive when it comes to mental health issues and stress management. Then there is the Graduate and Researcher College (GRC) who offer a variety of training and workshops that help me to acquire important skills for a future career. I recently completed the Global Skills Award and the courses and lectures offered by the GRC are very fascinating and insightful. Then there are the different research centres from the school of PolIR which offer lecture series where students can engage with experts with diverse research interests. Kent Union (KU) does a great job at supporting students and representing them at the institutional level. KU staff members are always helpful! The Career and Employability Service sends many emails regarding training and supervision for a future career. I took part in their employability points scheme, but have not used any of them. I am planning on doing so in the next few months.
The GRC staff seems really supportive and helpful as well. I only participated in the Global Skills Award, but I want to reach out to them to discuss future career options. Together with the PG network, we launched a very successful coffee break meeting for PG students. That was a great event to network and socialise.
On the one hand, I can dig deeper into international relations and related fields like international law. On the other hand, the programme and student support prepares me for the future. I have a better understanding of my skills, what they are good for, what jobs I can and might want to do. This was not that clear to me before my studies.
I think the greatest "gift" I got is self-awareness of who I am, what I want to do, what I enjoy to do and also what I don't want to do. While this seems pretty vague realising these things is very helpful.
While I think that my studies gave me great insights into the academic debates around certain topics, it is the soft skills like organising events, managing groups, openness and open mindedness that are the factors that will support my career aspirations. To me, it seems that most job offers refer to soft skills and interests of applicants and do not really care about my knowledge on peacekeeping for instance. I would not have acquired these skills if I had not run as network chair for two years, participated in the Global Skills Award, and attended conferences and events offered by the University.
My name is Lola Oshinlaja, I am a postgraduate student studying for an MSc., Human Resources Management at Kent Business School, Canterbury. Prior to graduate school, I earned a first degree in Economics and completed an MBA at the Paris Graduate School of Management. I also have over 16 years work experience spanning Human Resources Management, the Retail Operations and Sales/Relationship Management in the Banking industry. I have always had this insatiable desire to acquire knowledge because I believe it will give me the edge to deliver excellently in my job as well as attain my desired career goals.
When I’m not studying, I’m cooking, watching a movie or spending time with my children.
I chose the University of Kent because of its great reputation for academic excellence and its top employability ranking. Also, I think this programme will not only help me remain relevant in my field, but also have me much better equipped to manage human issues and changes at work.
The lecturers have displayed a great depth of expertise, passion and interest. They also provide needed support to ensure we excel in our programmes. Also, I appreciate the fact that employability programmes are organised regularly to help students prepare adequately to explore employment opportunities. The curriculum is robust as it reflects current trends brought on by the pandemic.
I have received a lot of support. The Student Learning Advisory Services provides Online Bitesize skills development sessions. The Career Services team’s efforts at organising employability programmes have helped to broaden my horizon and sharpen my skills. I am particularly appreciative of the CV review service, interview guides/tips. And opportunities to engage with prospective employers.
I have found resources provided by the Graduate and Research College (GRC) of great help in further development of my research skills. I find it quite helpful that postgraduate students can take on practical research opportunities by filling Research Assistant or Research Associate roles during the programme.
The postgraduate study is a deeper and more intensive level of study that requires in-depth research into a particular field. It's shorter in duration compared to an undergraduate study and therefore requires higher levels of appreciation for, and assimilation of the subject matter.
The benefits are numerous but I will just mention a few especially the skill development sessions that has helped in preparing us for the labour market as well as social gathering to aid networking and relaxing after tedious learning sessions.
This programme will give me the opportunity to equip myself with the relevant skills that will be needed in the face of the new normal and business realities which has evolved and become borderless. Also, my leadership skills will be further developed and capability to give strategic support to the business and also contributing to the decision making process. In line with my aspiration and personal goal to take my position as a woman at the C-suite level, self development cannot be undermined and this programme will help in fulfilment of this desired aspiration in my career growth and development.
I am currently considering two paths: either to integrate into academia and complete a career shift to teaching and research or continue pursuing a career in the world of business.
