Imperial’s Extended term: enhanced flexibility for your programme

We are excited to offer an opportunity for students enrolled in our on-campus Master’s programmes and Full-Time MBA wishing to dive deeper into the professional world: our 16-month Extended term .

This flexible option is designed to enhance your educational journey by giving you the time and space to gain invaluable real-world work experience—whether through a more extensive Work Placement, where you can apply your classroom knowledge in a real business environment, or an Extended Global Exchange*, which provides a unique opportunity to study internationally at one of our partner institutions.

This Extended term offers more than just additional time—it’s a chance to strengthen your career credentials, build a more robust professional network, and gain hands-on experience that will set you apart in the job market. Whether you’re looking to hone your skills in a longer internship or broaden your global perspective, the extended term is your gateway to taking your career aspirations further.

We spoke to our MSc Strategic Marketing students, who reflected on their Extended Work Placements at Imperial College Business School. They discuss why they chose to do a Work Placement, the support they received from Imperial and how they found the experience overall.

*Please note that the Extended Global Exchange is only available to students studying MSc in Management (MiM) and the Full-Time MBA. Students on these programmes can choose between an Extended Work Placement or Extended Global Exchange.

What motivated you to pursue an MSc in Strategic Marketing at Imperial College Business School?

I pursued an MSc in Strategic Marketing at Imperial College Business School to transition from the production side of advertising to shaping marketing strategies. After earning a degree in Media Production and Advertising and spending over two years at an advertising production house, I realised my true passion was in crafting business and marketing strategies rather than executing campaigns.

Imperial’s programme stood out for its strong focus on strategy, business, and finance—perfectly complementing my creative background and giving me a holistic understanding of marketing. Its central London location was another major draw, offering excellent networking opportunities and fulfilling my dream of living in such a vibrant city.

Why did you choose to do an Extended term?

The work placement module in the final semester was one of the main reasons I chose Imperial for my master’s. I actively filtered out universities that didn’t offer internships or work placements, as I wanted to avoid completing a traditional thesis. My goal was to gain the knowledge I needed from the course and transition back into professional life quickly, as I personally learn best by applying concepts in the real world rather than just studying them.

 Can you tell us about your Work Placement?

I’d always been curious about Product Management but assumed it required coding skills, so when I came across Amazon’s Product Management internship with no coding prerequisites, it immediately caught my attention.

Additionally, having only worked at startups before, I wanted to experience the dynamics of a global tech giant and gain insights into how large-scale organisations operate. This internship offered the perfect opportunity to explore Product Management in a company known for its innovative approach and global reach.

How did Imperial College Business School help you in securing your Work Placement?

Imperial played a crucial role in helping me secure my Work Placement. The Careers team and their LinkedIn and networking workshops at the start of term were particularly impactful. Before joining Imperial, I saw LinkedIn simply as a tool to connect with colleagues. These workshops completely shifted my perspective, showing me how to use LinkedIn strategically to connect with professionals in my target roles and seek referrals effectively.

The pre-course module was equally valuable, helping me revamp my resume to meet professional standards. The Imperial resume format gave me the confidence to apply for roles with a polished and competitive CV.

When I secured an interview with Amazon, the career services team provided tailored support, including mock interviews and preparation sessions. They even connected me with a professional Amazon interview consultant with 11 years of recruiting experience, offering specialised training. These resources were instrumental in securing an internship at one of the world’s most competitive companies.

How would you describe your experience? 

My six-month internship at Amazon was an incredible experience that pushed me out of my comfort zone and offered immense learning opportunities. I worked with a team of 20 brand specialists in the European Computer Monitors category, focusing on creating internal tools to streamline workflows.

The role was both challenging and rewarding, involving five diverse projects that required skills like data analysis, market research, newsletter creation, and problem-solving. The scale at which Amazon operates was overwhelming yet fascinating, and it took time to fully grasp the enormity of the numbers involved.

What stood out most was feeling truly valued. I wasn’t treated as just an intern but as a full team member, contributing to impactful projects. It was a transformative experience that honed my skills, broadened my perspective, and prepared me for the challenges of a global corporate environment.

What motivated you to pursue an MSc in Strategic Marketing at Imperial College Business School?

I chose to apply to Imperial College Business School because of its exceptional curriculum and reputation for excellence. After completing a bachelor’s degree in business management, I sought to deepen my expertise in marketing while building a strong foundation in data and analytics. Attending a university with such a distinguished reputation, coupled with a highly ranked programme, perfectly aligned with my aspirations.

Can you tell us about your work placement?

My Work Placement was in Berlin, as part of the Diptyque Paris team overseeing Germany and Austria. In my role as a Marketing Intern, I supported the marketing team across various activities, including customer experience, customer relationship management, press and communications, trade marketing, and visual merchandising.

Having previously interned at Diptyque during my school years, I had already developed a deep admiration for the brand—both as a customer and as a marketer. The opportunity to spend six months contributing to their marketing efforts was incredibly exciting. Working within a subsidiary at the country level presented a unique challenge, offering a more hands-on experience. As an Austrian, I was particularly drawn to the opportunity to deepen my understanding of both the Austrian and German markets.

How did Imperial College Business School help you in securing your Work Placement?

The Careers Team specialising in opportunities across continental Europe was instrumental in helping me prepare for my six-month internship outside of London. Through presentations and one-on-one meeting, they equipped me to navigate both bureaucratic and intercultural challenges. This support allowed me to better understand what working abroad entails and approach the experience with confidence. Their guidance extended to the application and interview processes, which can vary significantly between European countries.

Also, I was particularly impressed by the Programme team’s efficiency and flexibility in handling internship agreements and related paperwork. Their responsiveness to my questions and overall support throughout the process were invaluable.

How would you describe your experience? 

I can confidently say that my Extended term was one of the most rewarding professional experiences I’ve ever had.

Professionally, I had the opportunity to contribute to several important projects, including the launch of a new premium fragrance line. These projects allowed me to explore various aspects of marketing. For instance, I worked on customer experience initiatives, such as organising events like ice cream trucks and fir tree markets as part of gift-with-purchase campaigns. I also managed visual merchandising tasks, including coordinating the decoration of boutique windows and interiors in Berlin and Frankfurt for the holiday season.

On a personal level, I was fortunate to be part of a team that made me feel at home in a new city, Berlin. They were not only welcoming but also highly skilled professionals who provided valuable guidance throughout my placement. Their constructive feedback, along with the trust they placed in me by assigning challenges and responsibilities, made the experience both enjoyable and interesting.

What were the most valuable skills you gained?

One of the key lessons I took away from this internship was understanding the dynamics of working within a subsidiary. Prior to this role, my marketing experience was largely strategic and conceptual. At Diptyque, I gained a deeper understanding of the German and Austrian markets, the retail boutiques we oversaw, and the region-specific challenges we faced. I also learned how to tailor global guidelines to align with the unique needs of our market.

Another valuable takeaway was learning to adapt to diverse management styles. During my internship, I worked under four different managers, each with their own approach to leadership and task delegation, which taught me flexibility and enhanced my collaboration skills.

The placement truly exceeded my expectations, and I’m happy I decided to pursue the extended Work Placement option.

What motivated you to pursue an MSc in Strategic Marketing at Imperial College Business School?

I chose Imperial College Business School because it offers the most technical master’s programme in marketing, focusing not just on traditional frameworks but also on innovation and technology. As a science-driven university, Imperial aligns with my passion for technological innovation and my career goal of becoming a product manager in the tech or consumer electronics industries.

The programme's content covers strategic management, machine learning, emerging tech, and AI, allowing me to specialise in my favourite industries while maintaining a marketing perspective. Additionally, Imperial's global reputation, multicultural environment, strong network of smart, ambitious students, and its location in London—one of the world's leading cities—made it an ideal choice for both personal growth and future career prospects.

Can you tell us about your Work Placement?

I’m a product manager at Orange Travel, a Paris-based subsidiary of the telecom company. Our platform, including a website and two apps, sells eSIMs to help travelers avoid roaming fees. My role involves product development, new launches, roadmap strategy, and collaboration with teams across marketing, finance, and external partners like developers and SaaS providers.

I chose this role because, within a small team in a large organisation, I quickly gained autonomy and significant responsibilities. Unlike other offers, this position allowed me to work closely with the CEO and gain hands-on experience in tech, product management, and business strategy. The fast-paced environment has been an incredible opportunity for growth.

How did Imperial College Business School help you in securing your Work Placement?

Imperial’s Career Services were instrumental in helping me refine my CV and make it more impactful. I also sought advice from career consultants when deciding between the offer at Orange Travel and another from a tech giant. Their guidance helped me make an informed choice aligned with my career goals.

How would you describe your experience?

My Work Placement at Orange Travel exceeded my expectations. I gained hands-on experience in product development, product launches, and roadmap strategy while collaborating with cross-functional teams and external partners. Working in a small team within a large company allowed me to take on significant responsibilities and interact directly with the CEO, accelerating my learning in tech, product management, and business strategy.

This experience equipped me with valuable skills in leadership, problem-solving, and communication, which will be crucial for my future career. The placement also confirmed my passion for product management and prepared me for long-term success in this field.