Jodie Koh

About you

What work experience/internships did you have before beginning with Imperial College Business School?

I’ve held several internship positions as well as a teaching position during my undergraduate career. I worked within the strategic planning team of a digital marketing agency in Malaysia, brainstorming with the team to curate campaign proposals and then presenting them to clients. I also worked as a management consulting intern where I worked within the Change Management team in acclimatising users to the newly upgraded trade management system. Throughout this time, I not only learned a lot about the industry I worked in, I also had the opportunity of speaking to many C-suite level stakeholders and participate in scenario planning meetings. 

Why did you decide to study MSc International Management at Imperial College Business School?

I’ve always known that I wanted to enter the business realm in my career. Having pursued a degree in sociology in my undergraduate studies, I decided to pursue a Master’s in International Management to enhance my knowledge within the business context so that I’m able to enter the workforce with rich knowledge and exposure in the business world, paired with the skills I picked up from sociology.

Did you receive a scholarship?

Yes, I received the Brilliant Minds Scholarship. This helped me in the financial aspect of furthering my studies and especially because I was moving to London for this Master’s, it helped reduce the financial constraints of moving to a new country.

Programme

What aspects of the programme do you most enjoy the most?

I especially enjoy the diversity of our cohort. I’ve met people from different parts of the world who have themselves lived outside of their own home countries. In some sense, I think that we are all people with desires to live abroad and learn from international experiences, and our differences were what really bonded us.

Which has been your favourite module so far and why?

My favourite module was Competitive and Corporate Strategy taught by Dr Christiane Bode. A huge reason for that being my favourite module is because of how engaging Dr Bode was throughout the module. A second reason the module was so memorable is that it addressed the impact businesses can have on its environment beyond just making profits – a topic that I’ve developed a lot of interest for.

What has been the most rewarding part of the programme?

The most rewarding part of the program would have to be the international trip we took to Brazil/India*. Coming to the tail end of our programme, I think that was definitely a highlight for me and an opportunity I wouldn’t have gotten in another programme at the Business School.

What has been the most challenging part of the programme? 

I think that the most challenging part of the programme was how much grades depended on group work. Just with any group work and working within teams, people have different priorities and working styles. It was definitely challenging to have to navigate through so much uncertainty as I worked with different people in different groups while ensuring that we do the best we can to attain good results. This group work foreshadows the types of obstacles one would face as they venture into the real world of business.

How was the Leadership in Action module and international trip* to Bangalore/São Paolo beneficial to you?

The Leadership in Action module and the international trip was beneficial in the aspect that both activities are curated to build global leaders. As we head into globalisation and our society becomes even more interconnected, it is important for students to recognise that different problems arise across different geographies. I think that the exposure that the international trip gives students is a unique opportunity. For me personally, has empowered me to do more and think beyond my own circle and perspective.

"I think that the exposure that the international trip gives students is a unique opportunity. For me personally, has empowered me to do more and think beyond my own circle and perspective."

People

How would you describe your cohort at Imperial?

We had a small and diverse cohort. At first, our differences definitely hindered us from becoming close, but after interacting with one another, I think we all became comfortable with one another and learned to become curious about people different from us. That was what was special about our cohort and what brought us closer together.

Opportunities

What has been the greatest opportunity you have had at Imperial?

The opportunity of travelling to Sao Paolo, Brazil and conducting a consulting project for a local company there was definitely one of the highlights of my time at Imperial. If not for the programme, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity of travelling to Brazil, working there, and experiencing the culture of the city.

Career

What are your future career goals and how have they been realised since being at Imperial?

At Imperial I’ve been exposed to different industries and career paths. Having been interested in the people aspect of businesses, I’ve definitely become more interested in curating business strategies that are more sustainable, not just in terms of maintaining a bottom line, but also in terms of creating a business model that benefits the stakeholders of the business such as the environment, the supply chain, and consumers. I’ve been privileged with a good and reputable education. I’ve only become more empowered to use this education and knowledge for the betterment of our society and I aim to do so using businesses as a conduit to that goal.

"At Imperial I’ve been exposed to different industries and career paths. Having been interested in the people aspect of businesses, I’ve definitely become more interested in curating business strategies that are more sustainable."

London location

If you had to move to London for the programme, what have been the benefits and challenges of moving to London?

I think that moving to London is an opportunity that people should seize if and when presented to them. The city offers a rich diversity of people as well as activities. I don’t think that there has really been a time where I’ve run out of things I could be doing. 

My advice for someone moving into the city for the first time is to have a list of things to do or places to visit, gather friends that may be interested in exploring the city too, and space these activities out throughout the weekends or your days off. And remember not to try to do everything at once!

Tips

What advice would you give someone who is thinking about applying for the programme?

I think that all students should really think about what they are trying to gain out of the programme as well as what it has to offer. MSc International Management is geared toward people who not only want a career in business, but also well suited for those who are passionate about becoming a global leader, working in different working conditions and environments. Secondarily, it’s important to consider what a place like London can give you outside of school. As mentioned, living in London is an opportunity that people should definitely try if they’re able to. I am grateful for the opportunity to live in London and it’s an experience that I’ll remember for a long time.

*Previous classes travelled to Brazil and India with the Leadership in Action module. The future locations students will travel to on the module are not confirmed.