My name is Alex and I am currently doing my postgraduate taught degree in International Relations (International Intervention). My dream has always been to work in politics and many of the opportunities needed for a masters degree. The decision to continue my studies was one of the hardest, but I always knew where I would like to do it – here at Surrey. My undergraduate degree at the University of Surrey were full of many exciting experiences and amazing support so the decision to stay here came naturally – almost as natural as breathing.
Being a postgrad student at Surrey provided me with the opportunity to continue to work as an International Student Ambassador and Content Creator for the university which equipped me with additional experience and skills in communication and social media.
As a postgraduate, I am also able to apply for roles in different sectors that were not previously open to bachelor’s degree holders and earn more. Roles in ministries of foreign affairs, NATO headquarters, parliamentary researchers, and associates in policy making are to name a few. Your postgraduate degree provides you with additional and deeper knowledge within the area you have chosen to study which makes you more qualified and confident in your knowledge and abilities to work.
Beyond the comfort of knowing the campus, the department you are going to be in, your lecturers, are the friends and societies/clubs that are also staying with you. A lot of my friends are currently pursuing their further education at Surrey or are working at the university. It is so lovely to have that additional year to spend with them and be in the same place – something that does not come often when you enter the workforce. It allowed us to grow closer than before and to realise how important we are to each other.
This additional year also helped me try new societies that I had not before. I went to a couple of sessions with the Art society as well as a few social sessions with Snowsports – full of such amazing and inspiring individuals. It was also lovely to see my favourite society – the Politics society, grow and to be able to continue to contribute to it as a social secretary.
Overall, I think my year as a masters student was the best one as a student and I am incredibly grateful that I got to experience it with my ‘day ones’ in our favourite place – Surrey.
