Emma

Why did I choose my programme?
I have always known that I wanted to study business since I had my first business class in high school. When looking through the programmes offered at CBS, the BSc IB caught my interest since it offered a very broad set of courses rather than being very niche in one particular side of business. During my two gap years, I also travelled a lot through Asia and Australia, which sparked my interest in working in a multinational environment, which made the BSc in International Business at CBS the right programme for me.

What do I like the best?
What I value most about the programme is its flexibility. The schedule allows me to choose when and how I want to study, giving me the freedom to balance my studies with work. While the quarter structure can be intense, it suits me well to focus on one qualitative and one quantitative subject at a time. In addition, I also value the opportunity to study alongside very ambitious classmates, as it makes me more motivated.

What do I think is difficult?
For me, the most difficult part has been getting back into studying after two gap years, as you quickly forget prior developed study habits. Each course requires different study methods, and some take more time than others. Especially during exam periods, I study intensively, which makes it tough to balance work and social life. I sometimes forget to take breaks, relax and enjoy life, but it is important to do so to stay energised for studying. 

What would I have liked to have known before starting my programme?
Before starting my programme, I wish I had known that studying at university differs a lot from high school. The curriculum is more extensive, and the techniques that worked for me before have turned out to be less effective. I have also realised what works for others may not necessarily work for me. While some students may pass by reading everything, that approach might not be the most effective for me. It is fine to try out different study techniques and find what works best for you. 

What do I want to do after finishing my programme?
After completing my bachelor's degree, I plan to continue my studies by pursuing a master's degree at CBS or somewhere in Europe. While I have not made a final decision on a specific programme yet, I am particularly interested in the finance-related master's programmes. Looking past CBS, I can see myself taking many different career paths, but I am certain they will involve working in an international setting. 

If I could give myself a piece of advice, before starting it would be…
Starting university can feel overwhelming. In the beginning, attend the introduction week and put effort into making friends. Your new friends are in the same situation and are likely to be the ones who will help you when things feel hard. Don't worry about excelling right away. Your academic performance doesn't determine your value, and it's normal to face challenges while adjusting to university life. Give yourself time to settle in, and things will start to fall into place.