We are
about half way the term as we speak, and so far it has been a really busy one.
What I
have learned until now, apart from various new regression techniques and
strategy case studies, is that the Master studies differ in a lot of ways from
the Bachelor phase.
The
level of the courses has increased, the workload seems to be a lot higher and
fellow students tend to be more motivated. The courses I’m currently following
are Empirical Economics, which builds upon the Econometrics course from the
Bachelor phase, and International Business Ventures (or shortly, IBV). We are working
on a joint project between the two courses, combining the insights from
International Business Ventures with the regression techniques of Empirical
Economics.
At the
same time we follow a weekly tutorial and lecture for both courses. For the
IBV-course, we are supposed to prepare a case study every week and hand it in
to the professor. In the tutorial the prof decides randomly who is to present
that week, which effectively means you have to prepare a well structured and quality
PowerPoint presentation for each case as there is always a chance that your
group has to present.
All in
all, this is very demanding and exciting at the same time. Due to the continuous
stream of assignments and deadlines you are required to plan all your work well
in advance, to make sure everything is done in time and is of sufficient
quality.
Therefore,
I find myself at school from 9 to 5 more often than not, as if I were already
working a regular job and I am approaching the 40-hour study week more than
ever, something I considered my worst nightmare during my Bachelor studies ;). But
as I said, so far it has all been very exciting, for example dr. Pinna’s
classes. His teaching approach is slightly different from other professors. He
tries to bring in as much real world business examples as possible, which makes
it easier to understand the theory. He also likes to joke around and provides
us with practical tricks and tips. His best advice so far: when you are
negotiating as a manager, always make sure to check your opponents mood with their
personal secretary before you go into any talks. This allows you to alter your
strategy if necessary.
Another
thing that made me very exited is last night’s Bachelor graduation ceremony. Finally
the time was there, completely dressed up in cap and gown, to collect my Bachelor diploma.
From now
on I’m at liberty to use the title Bachelor of Science (Bsc) and in the coming
months I’m going to acquire my next title, Master of Science (Msc). I hope you
will all follow me on my journey to reach this goal during the remainder of
this year.
Best
regards,
Lars Bos
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