Ciaran Mongan graduated from Kent Business School with a BSc Marketing with First Class Honours. Ciaran, from an Irish Traveller family living in London, shares his story.
Why did you choose Kent Business School?
“I chose Kent Business School and the University of Kent for a few reasons. I visited the campus and fell in love with it instantly. I got an immediate sense of comfort walking around, and it felt like somewhere I could see myself spending the next 3 years. I stayed on campus for my first year at Kent and had a wonderful time making friends and adjusting to university life.
How was studying Marketing?
I had a passion for advertising before university so the marketing degree was perfect. Every module I studied piqued my interest and included content that helped to grow my skills in the many aspects of marketing and business. I completed a consulting project with Enterprise Mobility, as well as working on case studies. I developed many skills which I will use in my future career and it helped me to become a more confident student and person.”
How was Canterbury?
“One of the things I loved most was Canterbury itself. It was the perfect location for a student, not too far from London or from the coast, with a city centre small enough to walk everywhere. There was always something to do. It’s also where I developed my hobby of collecting vinyl records. Music has always been a passion, and having so many record stores in the area helped me to grow my collection. Canterbury’s history was fascinating, and I enjoyed walking around the landmarks like the Cathedral and Westgate Towers.”
What was a typical week like?
“A typical week for me was very structured. I have never been someone that likes to stray away from a plan and schedule. Monday through to Friday – my mornings and afternoons revolved around my university schedule is, with study or group work sessions in the library.
After my lectures and seminars, I would usually head home to prepare for the next day, then spent the rest of the day socialising with friends or pursuing my hobbies like video games and vinyl collecting. Kent Business School does a great job in distributing individual and group work, which helped me to improve my independent working skills, but I was also working in groups with lots of amazing colleagues and students. It was a great way for me to make friends in my course.
Is there anything that stands out to you about your learning experience?
The University has a great support system for students. The lecturers were always available to answer any questions I had regarding my course or any individual pieces of work. It made the academic aspect of my studies a lot less stressful knowing that any answers or clarity I needed on work was one email or conversation away.
How well were you supported at Kent?
I had outstanding experiences with Kent’s Student Wellbeing team.
Anxiety and depression have been a constant challenge for me throughout my life, and despite having a great experience at Kent, my anxiety and depression did cause me some difficult times in my academic and personal life.The Student Wellbeing team were a great resource for me during these times, from the therapy sessions on offer for students to their termly check-in emails, I always felt that when I needed someone to go to, they would be there, and that made those anxiety-filled times a little bit easier to handle.
How did gaining your degree make you feel?
“Being a part of a culture like mine also came with its challenges. It doesn’t view education as a priority which meant that I didn’t have anyone to relate to on campus. It didn’t change my pride in my identity, and a big inspiration for me coming to university was to show those younger members of my family that this is possible. I am a part of a very small group of Irish Travellers to graduate from a university, and I hope that as time goes on, that group becomes larger and more motivated for academic success.”
How do you feel about the last 3 years?
I had a wonderful experience during my 3 years in Canterbury at the University of Kent. I wish the university and all its students continued success in the future.
Looking back, I am incredibly proud of my achievements, academically and personally. Graduating with First Class Honours meant the world to me, as someone who wasn’t always the most academically inclined, it was my time at Kent that helped me discover what I was passionate about in regards to my future. My time at Kent gave more than a degree, but great relationships, and a city I’ll always appreciate.”
Ciaran studied BSc Marketing. Find out more about the course here.