I initially started exploring the Masters’ programme for a few reasons. Some were related to my profession and role, and others were more personal. Professionally, I have worked in internal Communication for over 15 years. I know I have gained a lot of experience and expertise during that time, but I wanted to do something that showed it wasn’t just luck, that I had earned the right to sit in the room with our senior leaders. Personally, it had been more than ten years since I last studied, and I knew this programme would be a step up in its demands on me, challenging my knowledge, skills, and my capacity to learn and perhaps unlearn some ingrained ways of thinking. I do love a challenge, but at the same time, I was terrified I wouldn’t be good enough to study at that level, that I wouldn’t be able to juggle studying and working full-time. However, they say, acknowledge your fear and do it anyway!
You learn so much during the course. Little things, big things and things that fundamentally change how you think. From learning about communication concepts and theories, reflecting on how this knowledge could influence your practice, through to understanding your own behaviours and biases. Every workshop, every speaker, hundreds of journal articles and an exciting number of book chapters sparked thoughts, questions, a few challenges and always reflection. I genuinely felt reenergised about our profession and excited to learn more with each module!
The tutors and guest speakers brought everything to life brilliantly, and what you understood conceptually was always explored in practical terms. Sharing and discussing these experiences with fellow students also helped broaden your thinking. This all helped the learning ‘stick’ because it wasn’t just about memorising academic constructs; it was about understanding them and applying them or making an informed decision not to. The knowledge empowers your critical analysis and decision-making. And at some point, during your studies, you realise you're automatically making connections between academic theory and your everyday practice; you're thinking and talking about communication differently. You’ve begun to question assumptions (yours and others'), assess and critically challenge everything, and the curiosity feels exciting.
Looking back, it truly has been a 13-month journey, an evolution of sorts. A tough one, but we can all do hard things! I can’t think of any area from the four modules that hasn’t shaped my development, but the topics that are impacting my practice daily are neuroscience and change, the nature of influence, and the role of organisational culture.
Be realistic with your family about the time you will spend studying. I found that the support of my family and friends was invaluable, alongside the warmth, friendship, and camaraderie of my fellow students. Oh, and embrace sensemaking; it really is your friend!
