Tore

Why did I choose my programme (and CBS)?
Having spent three years at CBS, I was already familiar with the vibrant social life the university offered. This positive experience motivated me to pursue further studies, and after careful consideration, I chose the GMA programme. What drew me to GMA was its unique emphasis on applying data, strategy, and finance for well-informed decision-making. Unlike some other masters programmes, GMA felt less theoretical and more aligned with real-world applications, making it a perfect fit for my academic preferences and values.

What do I like the best?
Being the first students in the GMA programme, I initially had some uncertainty about the course structure and how components would integrate. However, from the outset, it became evident that our dedicated professors, who designed the programme were very passionate about it. This enthusiasm shows in the classroom, where discussions and feedback are highly encouraged. Furthermore, it is a very large programme, but this has meant lots of opportunities for meeting other students. The social life in the programme has been positively surprising.

How do I experience the difference in academic level between my bachelor and master programme?
Moving from a bachelor's to a master's program brings a noticeable jump in academic level. The readings get longer and more, and some topics become really theoretical, making it difficult to see how they are supposed to be applied on real-life business cases. The workload is overall bigger, but with a bit of planning, it's completely doable. Even though it might feel a bit overwhelming at first, I found that the extra workload can be handled by staying organised and managing time well and, sometimes, through prioritizing which courses need more effort.

What are the biggest challenges in my study programme?
Navigating the study programme comes with its challenges. Firstly, the emphasis on group work is significant, requiring effective collaboration and coordination. Secondly, the first quarter is particularly demanding, packed with numerous classes that demand attention and work. Balancing coursework, a job, and maintaining a social life becomes a juggling act. It's practically impossible to read everything, making prioritisation of courses and personal/social life crucial.

What would I have liked to have known before starting my programme?
Firstly, the emphasis on group work caught me by surprise. It's a big part of the programme and being ready for that collaboration would have been great. There are also more oral exams than on my bachelor's, which is something one needs to consider. Secondly, there were more classes than I anticipated, especially early on. Lastly, a clearer picture of what each course really involves would've been good. (Personally, I had read about the courses I was most interested in, which left a course or two, which I wasn't prepared for, whoops)

What do I want to do after finishing my programme?
After finishing the programme, I will be exploring opportunities within the realm of strategy and finance. While the exact path isn't crystal clear yet, I'm keen on roles that leverage the insights from the programme, allowing me to contribute to the firm I end up working with. The good part about GMA, is that it is a rather general programme, which allows one to explore many different career paths after finishing.

If I could give myself a piece of advice, before starting it would be…
If I could advise myself before starting the programme, I would emphasise early socialising; exam groups were formed quickly (within the first two weeks). I would ensure finding a group that aligns with the work methods and expectations I have. Also, don't stress excessively about the workload, ensure you savour the experience and strike a balance between work and enjoyment. The friends you make here are going to carry you through the next few years and might even be friends for life.