The most frequent question I get asked by my friends back at home is “How is the master’s programme? Was it what you hoped it would be?” My answer is always the same: “Yes, it is everything and more!” In retrospect, I remember how daunting this new phase of my life looked exactly a year ago. You might be feeling that exact way right now, which is why I’m writing this article. Hopefully you’ll gain a lot of clarity after reading this.

I come from Nigeria, a country in Africa. Due to the previous internships I had been involved with, both pre- and post-graduation, I was certain I wanted to become a consultant. Consulting for me meant the opportunity to be challenged everyday due to the different projects I would be involved in, and a chance to make a real impact within a business. One year after I finished my undergraduate degree, I still hadn’t started a proper role at a consulting firm even though I had made it through the toughest of interviews. I decided to take a step back and conduct some research on the necessary skills a consultant needs to succeed, and discovered that even though I was building up my soft skills in a lot of the work I was involved in, I lacked the technical skills required. It was then I started my postgraduate study search.

There were some key factors I had on a checklist when considering my postgraduate degree. Firstly, I was very particular about the course content each university I considered had to offer. This was very important to me as it served as a pointer as to whether I was really going to learn what I hoped to. Secondly, I considered location as I wanted a place where, beside from my academics, I would be able to engage in other activities happening in the city. Thirdly, I considered the rankings of the university for the particular course I had chosen. Lastly, I contacted an alumnus from each university I was considering through LinkedIn, to find out first-hand about their experience.

After considering the above factors, I found City, University of London scored the most points for me. The module subjects that made up my course content were exactly what I needed compared to the other courses I had in mind. I went on to contact an alumna in my country and she told me about her positive experience at City, which also justified my decision. Not to mention the fact that City is located right in the centre of London. What more could I be looking for! 

Northampton Square. Photo taken during my first week at City.

On to the application process. I decided to apply directly to City. There are quite a number of agents that can help you with this process, but I wanted to be a part of the whole process from start to finish. So, I decided to do it myself, with Google always to my rescue! I think the most difficult part here was starting with the forms, especially because you’re trying to write the perfect words. I would advise anyone doing it themselves to start writing whatever comes to your mind, and once you’re done with the first draft to send it on to someone you trust for feedback.

As for the visa application, as soon as you have your acceptance letter from City you can start this process. It’s really important you start the process on time and ensure you read the requirements thoroughly on the UK government website, as there are some documents that will be required of you to provide. I was so scared of this particular part of the process, as some people I knew had applied through several agents and I was doing this all by myself for the first time. But hey! I’m here now aren’t I?

Basking in -3 degree weather!

It’s been an amazing seven months so far, it feels like I arrived yesterday. I have so much more to tell you about my experience at City and how I’ve been dealing with the never-ending winter, coming from a country with an average of 73-88 degrees. Stay tuned and kindly let me know in the comments if you have any further questions. You got this!