Written by Solomiia-Sofiia Zakharko
At the beginning of my journey with QMUL, I was filled with uncertainty about how I would fit into this Master’s programme, especially since my previous experience was completely unrelated to business. Coming from a totally different background and working as a translator and a tutor of foreign languages for the past five years, I had no idea how the business world worked and how to manage it. However, a deep fascination with this field and an adventurous spirit encouraged me to embrace the challenge and dive into the unknown, knowing that it is through such experiences that we truly grow and progress in life.
As the final component of the MSc Management program at QMUL, I was thrilled and deeply passionate about undertaking the Capstone Live Project. This module provides a unique opportunity for students to apply the business knowledge and skills they have developed throughout their studies. With limited places available, my excitement peaked when my application was accepted. I believed that this module would not only enhance my problem-solving, critical thinking, and project management skills but also equip me with essential knowledge in corporate sustainability while offering valuable networking opportunities to support my future career aspirations. Now, after undertaking this module, I am delighted to say that this experience not only met but far exceeded my expectations.
In today's competitive job market, where most employers seek candidates with at least some experience, gaining practical skills while studying at university is crucial. The Capstone Project gives a perfect opportunity to acquire this practical knowledge and gain real experience that you can further enhance your CV with. Of course, if your career goals lean more toward academia or pursuing a PhD, the dissertation module might be a better fit. However, that path wasn’t part of my plan. For me, the Live Project served as the perfect bridge between university learning and future career opportunities.
As the final component of the MSc Management program at QMUL, I was thrilled and deeply passionate about undertaking the Capstone Live Project. This module provides a unique opportunity for students to apply the business knowledge and skills they have developed throughout their studies.— Solomiia-Sofiia Zakharko
If you’re worried that your current knowledge might not be sufficient to successfully complete the project, there’s no need to panic. One of the standout features of this course is the well-designed structure of the module, which equips students with foundational skills before the real project begins. It provides guidance on effective client communication, teamwork, and offers practical tips to enhance communication, presentation, and business writing skills. Thanks to the preparation phase, you’ll start the project fully equipped with the necessary theoretical knowledge and skills. Moreover, the university staff and lecturers are always there to support you, ready to assist with any challenges or misunderstandings that may arise with the client or your team.
Speaking about the actual work with a client, these were three invaluable months of collaborative teamwork, creativity, and challenging problem-solving. It was a true pleasure for me to work with an amazing client team, people who are really passionate about their business and committed to making a positive impact on the future of our planet. Working with these individuals on making something truly important for this world and future generations was really inspiring. Additionally, working in a multicultural team was a very enriching experience, as each member brought unique perspectives and insights from their diverse backgrounds, all contributing to the shared goal of successfully completing the project. This collaboration not only broadened my understanding but also significantly enhanced my cross-cultural communication skills, which are very important in today's global business environment.
Another special feature of this project is the diverse range of questions and challenges presented by the client, which your team must address collaboratively. This approach allows students to gain insights into how different departments and functions operate within a business. During the project, I took on a variety of roles, including project manager, data analyst, strategy consultant, and marketing and sales consultant. Isn’t it a truly unique opportunity to explore so many roles in such a short time? For those who haven’t yet worked in a real company or on real-world projects, this experience gives you the opportunity to identify the direction in which you want to build your future career. Thanks to this project, I discovered my true passion and gained a clear vision of the career I want to pursue in the future. The project also helped me gain a clear understanding of the unique value I can offer to a company as an individual and shaped my vision of the qualities I seek in a future employer.
To sum up, for anyone eager to push the boundaries of their knowledge, explore how their skills can adapt to diverse scenarios, and apply previous experience in a new field, I would definitely recommend undertaking the Capstone Live Project. Every experience you bring to the table can prove valuable in some way — the key is to embrace the challenge and not fear trying.