What’s it like to study a master’s degree in business?

If you want to enhance your industry-relevant international business capabilities to jump-start or advance your career, you’re probably considering a postgraduate degree. But what’s it like studying a master’s degree in business at UQ?

Lauren Kopf and Anika Kapoor are both current UQ Master of Business students. Lauren is from America and is completing Marketing and Information Systems as fields of study. Anika is from India and is completing a Marketing field of study. Here they share why they decided to study this degree, explore what it’s like, and give their advice for others considering the program.

What inspired you to study a master’s degree in business?

Anika: As a passionate marketer, I’ve always looked forward to exploring the vast opportunities the field offers. That’s what motivated me to do a postgraduate business degree, and there couldn’t be a more perfect place to study than UQ. I believe the environment, culture, campus and leading academics make it one of the best institutions to pursue my studies.

Lauren: I studied economics as my undergraduate degree, with a minor in business. While I found economics challenging, my business courses were interesting, engaging and fun. That’s why I chose to study the UQ Master of Business. UQ is unique compared to other graduate schools because I can study 2 fields of study. I’m interested in marketing and information systems, and I love that I can study both.

How did you prepare for your postgraduate studies, and did you need to change your lifestyle to accommodate it?

Anika: My bachelor’s degree was in computer science engineering, so I came from a technical background. But the motivation to achieve a degree in my area of interest kept me going. The other biggest challenge was coming to UQ as an international student from a different part of the globe. That meant a huge lifestyle change, but I accepted it with enthusiasm, looking at it as a step towards a better version of myself.

Lauren: The biggest change I had to make before starting this degree was moving to a country I’d never been to. I stayed in my hometown for my undergraduate studies, so I was familiar with everything. When I first arrived in Brisbane, everything seemed new and scary. But the people I met were welcoming and friendly, so it wasn’t too hard to settle in.

Anika's bachelor’s degree was in computer science engineering, but she chose to complete a Master of Business to follow her passion for marketing

What’s your study load like as a postgraduate business student?

Anika: Honestly, my study load is quite well balanced. I’m able to study, work, and focus on my wellbeing. I’ve scheduled my timetable so that I get some time off for myself on the weekends and during the week, which helps me to stay productive, engaged and motivated.

Lauren: My study load isn’t too hard or overbearing. While there are a few assessments per course, it’s up to you how much work and time you put into the courses, which also determines what you get out of it. I would say I spend 14 hours a week in person for lectures and tutorials, then another 10-15 hours studying.

What’s it like to study postgraduate business in comparison to your undergraduate degree?

Anika: It’s a totally different experience. My master’s is more practical, which I prefer, compared to my bachelor’s, which was more theoretical. But bringing a blend of both technical and business expertise to my master’s has been helpful.

Lauren: The UQ Master of Business consists of a lot of interaction with lecturers, tutors and fellow students. I feel like what I’m learning is practical, and the knowledge and skills I’m learning will help me in the future.

What do you like most about your program?

Anika: What makes this course stand out is the content, structure and flexibility to schedule classes at our convenience. The amazing professors are there to help you at every step. Every course is designed in a way that provides the opportunity to learn, network, engage with students from across the globe and, above all, add value to society.

Lauren: I’ve met so many people in the Master of Business program completing different fields of study. This means I’ve been able to network with people I believe will be helpful to know in the future. Some have even become great friends.

Lauren felt the trepidation of moving somewhere new, but she settled in quickly thanks to warm and welcoming peers and staff

Which courses and teachers have helped you the most?

Anika: I’ve been fortunate to have been taught and guided by some amazing and supportive professors. They have not only helped me with in-course queries but have also played a crucial role in my career development.

Every course until now has given me something unique, but I found Social Media Marketing particularly interesting. I had some understanding of marketing before coming to UQ, but the way I implement marketing totally transformed after my first marketing lecture.

Lauren: My favourite courses so far have been Business Communication and Tools and Techniques for Business Analysis. The professional communication skills I learned in Business Communication have already improved the way I interact with others in person and digitally. While I just started taking Tools and Techniques for Business Analysis, I find the workshops so fun. We have team debates about which answer is the most accurate and work together to justify our answer.

It’s really cool studying marketing. As consumers, we’re exposed to marketing constantly, so it’s interesting to look at it from the other side and further develop my understanding and skills. I've gained practical experience through workshops and tutorials in my degree by working on real industry scenarios.

What do you want to achieve by completing the UQ Master of Business?

Anika: I want to be a successful social media marketer. I know the path is a difficult one, but I also know that if I take one step at a time, nothing can stop me. 

Lauren: My dream is to start my own business. I know my postgraduate business studies will aid me in my endeavours in whatever industry I decide to join.

What extracurricular activities have you done while at UQ?

Anika: I’m the vice-president of marketing of the UQ Marketing and Advertising Society (UQMAS). In this role, I handle the marketing strategies, manage social media, design creatives and write content. As a BEL Buddy for the Business School, I get to help students who have just started their studies at UQ feel comfortable. I also volunteer through Get Involved and attend various events happening on campus.

Lauren: I’m the co-president of the UQ Master of Business Student Program Committee. I’ve made a lot of connections through this opportunity. It’s been fun engaging with other students, meeting people from all over the world and interacting with faculty. I’ve also just joined the UQ Ventures Curiosity program to further develop my entrepreneurial skills and network.

Lauren has made new friends and future network connections during the practical tutorials and workshops of the Master of Business program

What advice would you give to others considering a UQ Master of Business?

Anika:

• Live your best life and be grateful for what each day has to offer.
• Plan your days so you can attend all your classes and give yourself time to study after every class. This keeps me organised without feeling the burden during the exam period.
• Maintain a healthy study-life balance. Scheduling time for yourself helps keep stress at bay. 
• Get out of your comfort zone. Meet new people, socialise, join different clubs and societies and go to their events. I know it’s tough at first (as it was for me), but in the end, it’s important and worth it.

Lauren: There are lots of great opportunities you should take advantage of at UQ. Join clubs that spark your interest and get involved. You never know who you could meet or how important they could be to you in future, personally or professionally.

What are the benefits of studying postgraduate business at UQ?

Let’s take a look at the facts.

• UQ is ranked #1 in Queensland for business and management studies, according to QS World University Rankings 2023.
• UQ is ranked #74 in the world for business and economics studies, according to Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024.

What postgraduate business degrees are available at UQ?

• Master of Business (1.5 or 2 years full time)
• Graduate Certificate in Business (6 months full time)

You might also be interested in studying a postgraduate degree in these related fields:

• Master of Commerce
• Master of Entrepreneurship and Innovation
• Master of Business Analytics
• Master of Business Administration (MBA)