Student stories: progressing to postgraduate

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Megan at the Business Conference

Megan Turnock completed her BA in International Business with the Management School before progressing to the MSc Sports Business and Management last year. Here, Megan shares her Progress to Postgraduate experience and encourages final-year students to follow in her footsteps after graduation.

Having already been part of the Management School and University of Liverpool for three years as an undergraduate, I fell in love with the city and university. I welcomed the opportunity to spend another year here by progressing to postgraduate study at the University of Liverpool. With a campus at the heart of such a vibrant city, I wasn’t ready to leave!

The chance to continue my academic journey at a Russell Group University and triple-accredited Management School was an opportunity I knew would allow me to develop so much personally and professionally. Studying such a broad subject at the undergraduate level also provided the perfect opportunity to focus my knowledge on my chosen industry.

The scholarships offered by the Management School were also an important factor in my decision. I am extremely grateful and proud to have been selected as a recipient of the Dean’s 20th Anniversary Scholarship which enabled me to continue my studies at the Management School.

The transition from undergraduate to postgraduate has been easier than I expected; there has been a huge amount of support provided, with early modules providing additional support sessions for unfamiliar assignments.

The lecturers on the course are also always open to provide additional support. I have had many conversations beyond teaching that have allowed me to excel in my assignments.

Megan at the business conference (Aintree)

What I have enjoyed most about my course though is the people I have met.

I am fortunate to learn from leading academics who have a range of knowledge and insights that have prepared me for the reality of the sports industry. Their guidance has been extremely valuable as I try to decide what my next steps are following the completion of my course.

I have also been fortunate to hear from a variety of guest speakers from many different areas of the sports industry who have shared their personal journeys and insights, which has been extremely valuable.

I am also lucky to study as part of a great cohort. Many have become great friends and we have been able to support each other through the challenges of postgraduate study.

In addition, I have been part of so many brilliant extra-curricular activities that have made the past year so enjoyable.

I was fortunate to be selected to compete as part of a team in the SportsPro Media Sustainability Hackathon. This saw us compete with teams for Sports Business Programmes across the world to develop sustainable solutions to key issues within the sports industry. This project allowed me to apply my academic learnings to real-world problems and develop a deeper understanding of the sports industry.

Megan at the e-sports tournament

Field trips to sports facilities, such as Manchester City Football Club's Etihad Stadium, have also contributed to a greater understanding of my academic teachings.

Every five weeks, we have an Enhancement Week that offers a range of career-based activities. A key part of this has been a mock assessment centre, conducted at Anfield Stadium, that allowed us to practice for various stages of the recruitment process. This was a valuable experience that has prepared me for what to expect as I search for my next steps. 

A recent trip to Tranmere Rovers FC for an MSc vs FIMBA football match also provided the perfect opportunity to bring the courses together for a fun afternoon of friendly rivalry.

Overall, postgraduate study has improved my career prospects, in the sense that it has allowed me to build a range of skills that I can transfer into the workplace. Combining my wide range of academic knowledge with the practical skills I have developed has enabled me to identify my strengths and the area in which I wish to pursue my future career – marketing and events management.

Many of my assignments have prepared me for what would be expected in a professional environment. From writing reports to delivering group presentations, I feel that the completion of these assignments and valuable feedback from my lecturers has equipped me with the skills I need to succeed in a professional environment.

My advice to current undergraduate students considering postgraduate study would be to utilise the Management School website to research all of the courses available and the scholarships they may be eligible for.

Postgraduate study has offered me a range of opportunities, both academic and extra-curricular, that I would never have experienced otherwise. It has expanded my options for my future, and I am excited for what’s next.

I am so glad I decided to complete my postgraduate study and sad that it is coming to an end.

Final year Liverpool students can apply for one of our 22 innovative and career-focused Management School MSc courses in as little as 5 minutes, with scholarships and discounts available for progressing students. 

Find out more and apply now: liverpool.ac.uk/postgraduate-taught/progress-to-postgraduate