Choosing Imperial's MSc Strategic Marketing (online, part-time)

About me 

I am a part-time student under the MSc Strategic Marketing (online, part-time) programme and a full-time Product Communication Manager at Dynatrace. Having always been fascinated with human behaviour and technology, I pursued a degree in computational cognitive science as an undergraduate. Once I graduated, I started working in technology and I quickly discovered a new interest. As much as I loved technology, I was really fascinated by how that technology is communicated to the general population;…in other words how that technology is marketed!  

Having no background in business, I was tentative about applying to any marketing or business programme, but when I came across Imperial College Business School’s MSc Strategic Marketing (online, part-time) programme, I was immediately drawn to its mission:

“one where marketing fundamentals intersect with the latest in technology and innovation, and where marketing science is blended with data-driven decision-making for business.”

I knew then that I found a unique marketing programme that combines my love for data, technology and communication all in one package. Now having completed the first time, I can confidently say I made the right decision.

My three favourite aspects of the MSc Strategic Marketing (online, part-time) programme:  

Flexibility  

Studying the part-time online programme has been a game-changer for me. I can comfortably complete the programme content and attend lectures from my home, in Barcelona. The programme does an incredible job in managing workload and time management. Live classes are offered in the mornings and afternoons, allowing me to choose the optimal  time  for me. Each module has an estimated completion time, which has helped me tremendously in planning and prioritising. 

In general, I would say I invest anywhere from around 10-15 hours a week into the programme, this includes the reading material, lectures, and team meetings. This flexibility and completion estimation, allows me to plan accordingly and work full-time. In turn, working full-time allows me to pay for the master’s, while also applying the skills I learn directly to my organisation to drive meaningful and innovative change.  

Learning from world-renowned professors  

Aside from the flexibility of the programme, not only has the material been meticulously crafted to combine the latest of technology and business, but the professors also make all of the difference.

The three modules I took fall quarter were ‘Consumer Behaviour’, ‘Strategic Market Management’ and ‘Digital Marketing’. Each professor had an incredibly interesting background and really practiced what they preached in their own career. For the Strategic Market Management module, our professor James Eteen not only presented his experience but also interviewed marketing icons in the field and how they used theories in the module to transform their organisations. That was one of my favourite modules because it reinforced the importance of learning from each other and mixing theory with creativity.  

Leadership and Entrepreneurship  

During my first term, I really wanted to get used to working full-time and studying part-time, now that I know what it’s like I aim to get involved in leadership and entrepreneurship. Although I’m working towards becoming a leader in marketing and communications in the technology space, I also want to nourish my own personal and creative projects. I believe that this programme will provide me with a foundation for both interests. For my corporate interests, for example, I’m really looking forward to taking electives such as ‘Leadership’, ‘Effective Crisis Management’ and ‘Emerging Technologies in Marketing’, which I believe will build a foundation for my leadership aspirations.  

I find it incredibly inspiring that there have been numerous students who have become leaders in their own business ventures using the skills and network from the programme. I strive to nurture both aspects through this programme.