Didem Sungur

Where are you from?

Turkey

What undergraduate course did you study and where?

Sabanci University, Istanbul - Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences - Management.

Why did you decide to study a masters? Was it you passion for the subject? To fast track your career or to find a new one?

After working in different fields, I had been working as Marketing Executive at my recent job. After started to work in marketing field, I understood that marketing is the field that I am looking forward to be a part of. However, in order to be more powerful in competitive working environment, I wanted to take my master degree which would enable me more qualified and specialised in that field.

Why did you choose Northumbria University? Why did you choose your specific course?

Marketing is the field that I want to be specialized and continue my career. According to my observations, business firms in the UK are aware of the importance of marketing so it made me choose a university in the UK. After some research, I came up with Northumbria not only because of its growing reputation but also the city it takes place which is one of the most suitable cities for students.

What makes your specific course challenging/inspiring/different? How would you sum up the difference between Undergraduate and Postgraduate study?

Compared to undergraduate level, postgraduate courses are more interactive which are more helpful for us to learn. Being with people all around the world from different cultures makes classes more attractive by giving the chance to see the perspectives of different people from different cultures.

What was it like studying at Northumbria? What are the different ways that you learn on your course? Is there a mix of lectures, seminars, team projects? Are there interesting guest lectures? Is your feedback constructive?

In my opinion, followed by well explained lectures and interactive seminars, team projects are the most useful parts of courses because it makes us work with different people which in a way prepares us to working environment.

How connected is your course with industry? Do you have the opportunity of placement, work on projects?

As an example, Business Game(project of the course Managing for Sustainable Competitive Advantage) was a chance to see the connection of theory and real life businesses. This project was very helpful for us to see the importance of different functions in a firm.

What impressed you most about our academic staff?

They are all enthusiastic, helpful and they are giving the impression that they are trying to move Northumbria in a better conditions.

How accessible do you find our staff? Do you feel at ease?

They are helpful, it is easy to communicate and exchange ideas.

As a postgraduate student, what aspects of university life are important to you? (E.g. facilities, student community, location, support services)

As a postgraduate student, well designed and qualified library and having a different choice of study places are important things. Besides, having good facilities to relax and being close to city centre to save time are other important points.

What doors do you think this course will open for you? How will your course help you achieve your career goals/give your career an edge?

Upon graduation, I will have a worldwide prestigious diploma which will prove that I know the latest marketing and business techniques and also have an international perspective. So, I can say that these will add value to me to have a better place in the competitive working environment.

Have you changed as a person?

Especially living away from my country made me more independent and self-confident. I also became more culturally aware and thoughtful in that sense.

How would you describe yourself in 3 words before coming to Northumbria? What are the 3 key skills and attributes you have gained since being here?

After spending time at Northumbria, I now feel more self-confident and increase in my awareness of cultural differences which is followed by becoming more thoughtful to the people from different cultures.

How would you describe Northumbria in 3 words?

Modern, continuous improvement, opportunities.

Do you feel that your course has been a worthwhile investment in your future?

Yes, it will help me to become equipped and specialize in my field.