Student Profile

About me

Name: Paraskevas
Course: E-Business (E-Marketing) MSc
Study mode: Full time
Where I’m from: Cyprus

Choosing Newcastle

As I did my undergraduate degree in the UK I wanted to also do my postgraduate studies here. Choosing Newcastle University wasn't a difficult decision as I wanted to continue my studies in one of the best universities in UK, so that I could receive an excellent education and skills, and I could live in a vibrant student friendly city. Newcastle was the only university I applied for once I saw that they did the course I wanted.

Studying at Newcastle

I really enjoy interacting with the tutors and engaging in practice rather than just theory. My postgraduate studies at the Business School involve a small group (40-50) of likeminded enthusiastic individuals from different places around the world. This has enabled me to get to know many different cultures, hear about new ideas and perspectives. For example the Greggs Marketing Challenge which was real business case group work that included presenting and writing which helped me to develop my analytical, critical thinking, problem solving, teamwork and communication skills. I also got to learn about different ideas and cultures as the groups were multicultural.

The first semester's workload was not as heavy as the second and that gave me the opportunity and time to adapt to the postgraduate expectations with also of course the help of academic staff who are all experts in their fields, professional, friendly and willing to help. We have done a lot more critical thinking and there has been more time to study.

Postgraduate Community

I made my first friends here at Newcastle with the help of the postgraduate group on Facebook where many of us arranged a night out together in our first week here. Also thanks to NUSU's activities I met many more people who were also undergraduates. I joined my team in the football league in semester two (organised again by NUSU) and it is mixed with postgraduates and undergraduates.

There are quiet areas and rooms where we can study quietly and devote ourselves 100% to our studies. There are 49 students on my course, and we participate in some group work where we can work cross-culturally.

Funding my studies

I get partially funded by my parents who I thank every day for supporting me, and I also received a Business Excellence Scholarship as I graduated my bachelor degree with a First. This scholarship took £2,000 from my fees. Moreover, I work as an Ambassador (Business Champion) for the Business School where I help at University events and earn some extra money.

Career aspirations

I am looking for a career in digital marketing. Whilst studying at Newcastle University I have had the privilege of attending recruitment and networking events and job fests that the Careers Service offers that will give me the opportunity to understand better different companies, get a better insight into their organisation and what they expect from job applicants. In addition, the Careers Service helps me to get the best out of my cv, cover letter, interviews and assessments by providing weekly workshops: these are very useful. I hope to stay in the North East.

Accommodation

I live in a private rented flat in Arthurs Hill in Fenham. The fact that it is 10 minutes’ walk from the Business School was the main reason for choosing it after viewing a lot of different flats from various agencies. There is lots of great accommodation and flats around the city and they are easy to find (it only took me a day to find one). I chose a flat as I am living with my partner but there is also accommodation that caters for students who want to live with their partners.

Living in Newcastle

I love the fact that the people in Newcastle are so polite and friendly compared to other cities I have been in the UK. I like to go to the Monument where I can see and meet many different people, or go to the Quayside or Leazes Park to enjoy the view and relax. Of course the city also has absolutely great cafes, clubs, bars and restaurants to go with friends and enjoy the nightlife. I find the public transport like buses, Metro and trains very convenient as you have access to many other cities around like Durham, Sunderland, York or you can go to the coast and enjoy the sea view. This is the best city I have ever been and I would like to stay here for a couple of years and work.

Remembering Newcastle

There are so many things I would like to talk about. I don't know where to start but one thing that was really engraved in my memory was the day I was elected as a student representative for the E-Business programme and that enabled me to be the voice of my colleagues. This role also gave me the opportunity to contribute to the improvement of the programme and student experience. In addition, I will always remember my friends and colleagues that I met here and the members of staff that were always there for me and supported me.