Masters graduate — Luke Whaymand

After achieving the BSc Sport and Exercise Science at the University of Bath, Luke decided to undertake the MSc Management at Cranfield School of Management. He's now working as a management consultant for PwC

Why did you decide to pursue this Masters course at Cranfield?

I chose the Masters in management as I intended to pivot from the exercise science world to a corporate career. The Masters was a great opportunity to develop a broad business acumen to support this.

Cranfield School of Management jumped out as the best choice because of its practical focus, so it seemed the best place to transition from a student to a working professional.

What was the application process like?

Very straightforward - I submitted an application form and a CV, and received the offer, which was conditional on me achieving a certain grade in my BSc.

How did you fund your Masters?

I took out a Masters loan from the UK government, worked as a labourer during the university holidays, and received some financial support from my parents.

What did the course teach you that your first degree did not?

The content was entirely new to me. Having studied an exercise science degree, I'd never touched on economics, accounting and finance, strategic management, people management etc.

In that sense, the course gave me exactly what I wanted, which was literacy and competence across the key areas of business, broad enough to prepare me for whatever career I chose to pursue, yet focused enough to go beyond the superficial and explore subjects in meaningful, interesting detail.

The practical emphasis at Cranfield also gave me tangible business experience, which made the transition into work appear seamless.

Tell us a bit about the course and how it was assessed.

The course was split into modules that cover the breadth of the business and management discipline. Most modules were delivered at Cranfield, apart from a few, which we studied in Valencia and Granada in Spain. We got to study management consulting and cross-cultural management while getting to enjoy a new culture.

For the last few months of the course, I undertook a three-month internship, giving me the opportunity to gain significant work experience and put into practice what I had learned.

The modules were assessed through both individual and group assignments, perhaps with a slight bias towards the latter. These assignments ranged from the more academic, such as writing reports, through to the practical, such as giving group presentations. The course is assessed in a way that mirrors most jobs, going beyond the desk-based, report-type assessments that most BSc students will be accustomed to.

How did postgraduate life differ to that of an undergraduate?

It was fairly similar, and a natural transition. I found it equally as important to organise my own time and studies as I did during my Bachelors.

What have you done since you graduated?

After the Masters, I joined PwC as a management consultant on their graduate scheme. I have done most of my work in the health sector, supporting various healthcare organisations in solving important problems and delivering patient-centric care.

What tips would you give to others choosing a Masters degree?

• Choose your Masters carefully. Base the decision on how well it satisfies your academic interests, and the personal and professional development opportunities it offers. Fewer companies seem to be stipulating a Masters degree as a requirement, and having the qualification does not automatically make you a stronger candidate. Therefore, picking a degree according to those criteria will help you to ensure you are investing in yourself, your interests, and your future, rather than taking on extra study purely to get a job.
• Do your research early and comprehensively if you plan to study overseas. A Masters abroad can be a great choice, but make sure you are aware of the fees and visa requirements etc. to ensure it is feasible for you.
• Look for jobs early - preferably in the first few months of your Masters. Many graduate schemes and jobs open and close their applications very early in the year, much earlier than you might expect, so be sure to prioritise this so you don't miss out on securing a job for after you graduate.
• Be aware that you get out what you put in. A Masters is a significant financial decision, an investment in yourself and your future, and for most, the last 'protected' year in which to focus on yourself, your development, and your learning before taking on the responsibility of a full-time job. Make the most of the opportunity.

Find out more

• Consider the role of a management consultant.
• Discover the range of management courses.
• Explore studying abroad.
• Read more about the MSc Management at Cranfield School of Management.