From industry to academia: My journey to an MSc at the University of Edinburgh
By Paula, from Colombia, studying MSc Management.
Returning to academia after years of full-time work can feel overwhelming. You’re leaving behind a stable routine, a familiar environment, and stepping into the unknown in a new country. I get it – I’ve been there. But I’m here to share my experience and, hopefully, put your mind at ease.
I have a Bachelors degree in Industrial Engineering, though my career didn’t strictly follow that path. Instead, my professional journey led me into the world of business administration.
Wanting to build a solid foundation of business acumen, combined with my personal goal of studying abroad, brought me to where I am now: a postgraduate student at the University of Edinburgh. And let me tell you, it took some getting used to. A masters degree is a significant shift in structure and pace.
Why Edinburgh?
I’ve always been set on the UK ever since I spent a month abroad in England when I was 14. I landed on the University of Edinburgh after researching business school rankings and talking with Stella, a former international student recruitment officer from the University who I met at a school fair in Bogota, Colombia. She was very engaging and open to having a longer discussion with me amidst a sea of curious potential students, and that really led me to look into the University of Edinburgh in more detail when I got back home.
Bogota, Colombia
The mindset shift: from work to study
One of the most noticeable differences between professional life and student life is daily structure. In the corporate world, your schedule is relatively predictable, an 8-to-5 rhythm with clear responsibilities. As a student, no two days look the same. There are lectures and tutorials, sure, but most of the learning is independent, meaning self-discipline is key.
Another major shift is the need to retrain your brain for academic thinking. Critical analysis, academic reading, and formal writing are quite different from day-to-day workplace communication. It took time, but I found that reading academic papers, seeking feedback from classmates, and accessing the University’s Postgraduate Academic Skills Set (PASS) service helped me tremendously.
I also found managing my ‘independent’ study time after lectures a challenge. I often found myself studying late into the night, which wasn’t effective for me. To address this, I set a strict cutoff time—similar to a traditional 8-to-5 work schedule—deciding that 8:30 p.m. would be my time to put away my laptop and start unwinding. This approach helped me structure my days better and manage my time more effectively.
The advantages of work experience in academia
My work experience has proven to be a valuable asset in my MSc journey. Having a professional background gives you a different perspective that enhances group work, case studies, and discussions. It’s easier to apply theoretical concepts in practical ways, making coursework feel more relevant and engaging.
Another advantage? Being comfortable in professional settings has made networking events and career fairs less intimidating. Knowing how to communicate effectively in a business environment has helped me make the most of the opportunities the university provides and has given me an edge when navigating networking events and engaging with recruiters.
In my own experience, I’ve definitely seen my confidence grow when engaging with different people, whether classmates I don’t know well, participating comfortably in lectures, or industry guest lecturers like Natalie Henderson from Lane Media, who accompanied us for a Media Planning lecture.
Buccleuch Place, leading to the Business School
Tips for professionals considering an MSc
If you’re thinking about making the leap from industry to academia, here are a few things I’d recommend:
Choose the right programme based on your career goals
If you’re currently employed, your interest in further study likely comes from a desire to deepen your expertise in a field you discovered through work. Make sure your MSc aligns with that ambition.
Mentally prepare for the shift
Moving from an employee mindset to a student mindset takes effort. Before starting, get familiar with academic expectations—reading and writing in an academic style, referencing sources, and understanding the level of independent study required.
Brush up on time management and study strategies
If it’s been a while since you’ve studied, it might take time to find your rhythm again. Be proactive about organising your workload and setting study goals, especially if you’ve been out of formal education for a few years.
Final thoughts
For those considering a similar path—especially if it also involves an international move—I say go for it! Looking back, I can confidently say that the decision to pursue my MSc at the University of Edinburgh was worth it. Yes, the transition required adjustments, but the personal and professional growth I’ve gained has been invaluable.
Studying for my MSc has helped me build my business acumen and receive formal academic training in that area. But most importantly, the holistic experience of studying abroad has provided me with personal growth, resilience from stepping out of my comfort zone, I’ve made friends from all over the world, gained cultural awareness, and ultimately, achieving a personal goal I set for myself 11 years ago.
