In our ‘10 Questions’ series, KBS caught up with Graduate Admissions Manager, Charlotte Lynsdale who recently graduated with an MSc in Marketing.
Describe yourself in 3 words
Determined, Resilient and Confident.
How did you come to realise you wanted to study a Master’s degree?
It was always on my bucket list to undertake a Master’s after achieving my first degree through the OU (Open University) whilst my children were small, so when my personal circumstances changed a couple of years ago, I wanted something to focus my energies into, and the Master’s idea came back into play. It was also at a time when I wanted to develop my career even further and expand my reach and knowledge base to open up new opportunities, so the challenge of studying a Master’s to assist me on that journey was the natural progression route to achieve this goal.
Why did you choose to study Marketing with KBS?
Working at KBS heading up the Graduate Admissions team, it was the obvious choice. In my role, I speak with students both in the UK and overseas about our postgraduate offering, so I know how good the programme is, the opportunities it can create along with the reassurance that my academic colleagues who teach on the programme are experts in their field.
The programme was local, fitted around my work and home life commitments and covered key areas related to my role which I wanted to develop further. Added to this, the programme was underpinned by academic excellence through its professional accreditation and offered by a top UK Business School, so the choice was an easy one to make.
How do you think a Master’s degree will enhance your career/job?
Aside from the invaluable knowledge base and critical understanding and approach which the MSc has given me, it has been the process of being a student and seeing the other side to my job role which for me has been invaluable as I can personally advise applicants in relation to what it’s really like being a student at KBS.
The international make-up of the programme, seeing and studying with so many different nationalities and cultures in group work assignments has made me appreciate and understand further the needs and expectations of all students and to address ways in which we can meet those. Studying at Master’s level also enhances many of your own personal attributes which are so important within the workplace and for me, I would say that my self-confidence, ability to undertake more critical analysis and also reflection were key and of course, perseverance and resilience were up there too!
What advice would you give to those thinking about studying while working full time?
It is possible! You just need to be organised. You will need to find the time to fit it all in and therefore, you will fall into your own routine. Chunk out the study time and look at the modules to be taken in blocks, and not the whole duration as that can become overwhelming, especially when you have other work or home commitments.
Mark key assignment deadlines in your work diary and on your home calendar so you always know what you have coming up, and then you can plan accordingly. The time does go very fast and you will be amazed at how quickly you get to the end of your first year and how far you have come both academically and personally.
What was the hardest part about studying and working?
For me, it was finding the quiet ‘me time’ to study. Add into the mix being a single parent, juggling school runs, home life and working full time it did get interesting at times when I thought I had taken on more than I could manage, but your own motivation and desire to complete something for yourself, ride the waves and you find the time and get through it.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Still enjoying a fulfilling career in education, a sector which I love in whatever form that may take and being that proud mum seeing her own daughter graduate.
What is the most valuable thing you learnt from your degree?
Probably how resilient I am as a person and how determined I can be, and age shouldn’t stop you from achieving your own goals.
Do you have a mentor or role model who has inspired you?
I don’t really have a role model as such, but I am inspired by strong women who have made their mark and followed their own dreams and aspirations and succeeded. It’s often said women can’t have it all and I would challenge that and say with a bit of juggling and perseverance anything is possible. I did always love the quote by Audrey Hepburn who once said ‘Nothing is impossible, the word itself says ‘I’m possible,’ and I live by that.
What is one thing most people don’t know about you?
I’m a good tractor driver! Being brought up on a farm I learnt from a very early age how to drive pickup trucks and a Massey Ferguson 135!
Interested in studying Marketing? Learn more about our MSc Marketing programme
If you would like to be featured in our ’10 Questions’ series, please get in touch with a member of the Marketing team kbsmarketing@kent.ac.uk
Well done Charlotte, it was great to have been on part of the journey with you! I shared 2016/17 with you and absolutely know how much dedication is required. However I think we have a certain superpower at an older than the usual student age to see this through. I cannot tell you how much difference my MSc has made to my life. I have the job of my dreams and I use my knowledge every day. I am sure you are blessed with the same.