Ellen

Why did I choose my programme?
I’ve always been pretty set on going to CBS, but up until a few months before the application deadline, I was quite torn about which programme was the right fit for me. There are so many interesting options to choose from! Ultimately, I chose this programme because I am striving towards working with consulting in start-ups in my future career, therefore the innovation specialisation intrigued me immensely.

Additionally, I believe that the service sector is going to become so much more prevalent in the business world (in every market) in the future. The combination of the two, still with the security of getting a business degree, made perfect sense to me. 

What do I like the best?
This might seem lame to some, but my honest answer is the Solbjerg Plads Library. I know I sound strange, but it really has become somewhat of a comfort zone for me. Some associate the library with anxiety and stress, but for me it has become a place where I meet friends while still being productive with schoolwork. The library is a place where likeminded people gather, with the same goal. Learning. No point in sitting alone doing all your work at home.

I truly believe “You’re only as good as the people who you surround yourself with,” so make use of all the incredibly ambitious and inspiring people walking around at CBS.

What do I think is difficult?
Living up to the idea of a “good student.”

When I enrolled at CBS, I quickly became overwhelmed, being surrounded by brilliant people and a much higher academic pace than I was used to in upper secondary school. I desperately wanted to be perceived as a “good student,” not only by my fellow students and the professors but also by myself. Exam anxiety is very real for a lot of people, and it took me a long time to get to the point where I didn’t feel panicked every time an exam was coming up.

Something I realized later on is that everyone is trying to put up a façade of being a “good student.” It might seem like others are having an easy time and not struggling at all, but I can promise you we all struggle on some level. Your perception of someone else is not always equal to reality. People talk about their successes, not their failures. Don’t let it demotivate you. We’re all in it together. 

We need to normalise anxiety around academic performance! We all experience it to varying degrees. Trust yourself and the path you are on, don’t compare yourself to others!
 

What would I have liked to have known before starting my programme?
The countless opportunities you are given. Networking events, societies, and clubs, even CSE (Copenhagen School of Entrepreneurship). The possibilities are endless. I encourage everyone to get involved and make use of them. They will not only help you academically and socially, but also in your future carrier. You never know, you might meet the person that sees potential in you and rockets your carrier at one of the events! 

Heads up! In the beginning, it can be quite overwhelming, so take your time and don’t do everything at once. Especially in the first few weeks. You have three years to do it all, so don’t rush too much ;)

What do I want to do after finishing my programme?
There are very few people who have the privilege of knowing early on exactly the career path they want to take, and I’m definitely not one of those people. However, I do know that I want to work with business development in start-ups and smaller companies, but exactly what the path there will look like, I don’t know. I’m working my way there step by step.

I’ve really enjoyed my first year at CBS and want to continue by pursuing a Master of Business Development. One thing is for sure, I’m not leaving Copenhagen anytime soon. I’ve completely fallen in love with the Danish culture and way of life!

If I could give myself a piece of advice, before starting it would be…
Find your own pace and way of learning!

I’m a firm believer in “work smarter, not harder.” Not in the sense that the easiest way would be the best one, but that the way you studied previously might not be the most efficient way when you start studying a new programme. Let yourself take the time to find your own strategy, instead of stressing through the course material in detail right from the beginning. Start off by understanding what the course is about before you jump to real studying.

Remember that everyone is here to help you, the mentors, teachers, and fellow students. Use their help! I can promise you that you won’t feel as overwhelmed, and you will have much more time for other activities.