MBA is not just a professional course that can provide you with a distinguished career progression, it is also a course that motivates you to learn more every single day.

Morning walk to the Business School at Riddel Hall

Riddel Hall is the Business school where most of the management classes take place. It is about a 15 minute walk from the Queen's main campus and 20 minutes from where I live. As I am staying in Queen's Accommodation in Mount Charles (one of the most affordable accommodations), my walk to Riddel Hall starts at 9.10am for classes that start at 9.30am.

^{Autumnal scenes in Belfast}

What are classes on an MBA course like?

The classes are more of a discussion of the real-world strategic insights that the MBA cohort and the experienced lecturers share within the class. The cohort is a mix of Asians, Irish, Africans, Chinese, and British people - all of them experts in their field.

They bring a huge range of knowledge to the table for all of us to assimilate. I love the sessions when the part-time students join as well, as they make a great contribution to the modules and the discussions.

Do you have classes every day?

Classes are usually 3 days a week and you get time to refresh and rejuvenate.

Is it all classroom based or do you get real-world business experience too? 

Each semester has 4 modules, 2 lectures a day, and a few crazy industrial trips. In say 'crazy' in terms of exposure, experience, and knowledge transfer. We recently covered two big multinational corporations and interacted with the Global Head of those companies. The experience was amazing.

^{In safety gear for a factory visit}

The lectures have a lot of case studies, presentations, and skill development sessions. In fact, one day a week (Thursday) is completely dedicated to the students to interact with the best minds across industries in order to develop their skills in different domains; Negotiation, Leadership, Public Speaking, and many others.

Why did you choose Queen’s for your MBA? 

Queen's, a highly regarded name (and part of the Russell Group) was my first motivation, but it is much more than that. The student support, the learning and development, the expert talk sessions, the societies, the parties, the infrastructure, the events, the volunteering opportunities, the networking, and of course the cookies and the coffee, Queen's is so much more than a degree, it's a really worthwhile experience to have.

What valuable experience are you gaining at Queen's? 

I am a class representative which makes me more accountable both to the students and the management board. The best part is I learn a lot in every negotiation that we have between the management board and my friends. I can tell you now - leadership is not an easy game.

^{One Elmwood Student Centre and Students' Union}

What do you get up to after class? 

After the lectures, we head back home at 4.30pm and I reach my place by 6.30 or 7.30pm. I can't miss visiting the Students' Union and enjoying a cup of coffee - which is where I spend my 2-3 hours.

The Students' Union is an amazing place to relax, chat and chill. P.S. I love those window facing sofas on the second floor (which are never empty, haha).

Is that you finished studying for the evening then?

I go home, rest, cook, eat and rush back to the McClay library for my assignments. It's where I spend most of my time between the books and the silent surroundings. The library has become my second home as I head back home often late, as late as 2.30 or 3.30am.

Grab any book, book a study room and you will find how satisfying that is!

^{McClay library}

Do you have any advice for students considering coming to Queen's?

Queen's Business School is well respected, affordable, and provides immense growth opportunities.

The beauty of Belfast will blow your mind. The value of education and opportunities is worth the money you pay. Trust me, if you have the will, Queen's will help you get your way.

The professors are experienced and have good networks. In fact, I am to this date connected with many industry experts through the support of the lecturers and the university.

^{The Lanyon Building at Queen's}

I love my experience here and I can bet you too will. This will always be a good option to opt for. GOOD also because you will find a lot of Indians nearby to make you feel at home. 

P.S. At Queen's you get all kinds of support (physical or mental), you are heard and you gather memories that will last a lifetime.

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MBA

Life in Belfast

Aakanksha Shukla Masters in Business Administration (MBA)| Postgraduate Student | India Business has been my first love since childhood. I am a mix of analytical and creative person. Marketing entices me and writing is my hobby. I love nature and Indian Street Food although I cook really badly. I have been featured across corporate magazines for my write-ups for employees during COVID and that motivated me to articulate more and express more. I strongly feel, writing is a powerful weapon. I love learning and chatting about diverse cultures and people.