My academic journey has not been easy. However, I gained so much along the way so I knew that once I graduated with my Bachelor’s, I would want to return to education. This time, I decided I wanted to take a different approach to choosing my course.

I’ve always known that I wanted to create. Whether it’s coming up with everyday plans or making art from scratch, I just love the process. This mindset has helped me to pause, listen, and really see how people think, how society works, and how I fit into all of it. Watching and learning from everyday life made me realize I wanted to start my own business. My love for creativity and leadership sparked this need to help others. I knew that since no one else was taking action, then I would, in my own way.

I want to create a business that makes a difference for people and gives me a shot at success.

By success, I mean a thriving and healthy community, happiness, and a good income. I knew that I had the ambition, and the ideas to do this, but I lacked confidence and entrepreneurial knowledge, both of which are key. This led to my decision to study Innovation Management and Entrepreneurship.

When I started applying for Entrepreneurship Master’s programs, I aimed for the top business schools and knew that Manchester was one of them. Honestly, the focus on technology in the compulsory modules made me a bit nervous at first, but that nervousness convinced me it was the right choice. I was nervous because I did not like technology. But technology is embedded in our daily social life, and this will only increase in the future. Understanding it and how it plays a part in innovation, entrepreneurship and society is essential, especially for future entrepreneurs.

The IME program at The University of Manchester is different from other Entrepreneurship Master’s programs out there.

It was the only one that truly promised to challenge me. The courses cover theories, real business cases from big-name companies and start-ups, and even gives you the chance to work directly with a business on a consultancy project course, which was a crucial aspect for me.

During my year abroad for my undergraduate degree, I learned that being away from my usual lifestyle at home was incredibly beneficial for me. I saw incredible results in my ability to organize myself, make friends, focus on my studies and step out of my comfort zone. This made my decision to move out of London significantly easier. The University of Manchester has been a good choice.

The people you meet on the course will be your friends, support system, and could even turn into your business partners. You gain so much more on this course than the degree. It’s an opportunity to better yourself, your ideas, your business, your skills and experience all the joys of studying in a major city like Manchester which values entrepreneurship and innovation unlike any other place in the UK. The city and the university offer so much for students, whether you are introverted or extroverted, there is something here for you.

The goal of pursuing education is all about growth. Without facing challenges and stepping into the unknown, growth simply doesn’t happen. I knew I needed both to really develop my knowledge, experience, and skills. Since starting my Master’s, I believe I am achieving this—often in ways I would never expect.

This is why I am studying IME at The University of Manchester.

Written by Joanna, a current MSc Innovation Management and Entrepreneurship student

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