When Nikolaos Kotzamanis discovered that Metropolitan College in Greece provided an internationally-recognised marketing management course with a degree from Queen Margaret University (QMU), he knew this would be the best decision for his education.
Graduating in 2023, with a BA (Hons) Marketing Management, along with a prize for being top of the class, Nikolaos tells us about his experience on the course and how his lecturers adapted to create exciting and engaging online classes when the COVID-19 pandemic hit.
1. Why did you choose to study with one of QMU's collaborative partner institutions, and what attracted you to the course?
My decision to study at Metropolitan College was influenced by various factors, including the reputation and quality of education associated with QMU, the accessibility of the partner institution, and the specific offerings of the collaborative programme.
Metropolitan College is one of the largest educational institutions in Greece, with a very good reputation both for the programmes it offers and for professional rehabilitation after graduation. Additionally, the collaborations with universities abroad, in this case QMU, are internationally-recognised and ensure a high-quality learning experience.
As for the course, BA (Hons) Marketing Management presents a compelling prospect for many students due to its relevance and applicability in today's business landscape. Marketing equips individuals with essential skills and knowledge in areas such as market analysis, consumer behaviour, branding, and strategic planning. These competencies are highly sought after in various industries, making the course attractive for those seeking to pursue careers in marketing, advertising, sales, or entrepreneurship.
2. What did you enjoy most about your course?
I truly enjoyed all of it. It was interesting yet challenging at the same time.
It’s too difficult to choose a singular highlight, but the lecturers deserve huge praise. Throughout my four years at university, I engaged with renowned professors in their fields, who created a dynamic and supportive learning environment that fostered intellectual growth, critical thinking skills, and personal development. Consequently, we as students were able to gain valuable knowledge, principles, and values that may prove extremely useful in our future careers. Personally, I am very grateful for the relationships I developed with them.
3. Were there any particular course activities you found especially interesting?
My studies coincided with the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic. Consequently, our lecturers had to try and make online lessons more engaging and interactive through various methods. As a result, there were several activities, quizzes, case studies, and fun knowledge games during the lockdown period and beyond.
4. Do you have any advice for students who might be interested in this course?
Invest in yourself and trust the process. The only thing that matters is the attitude you hold towards things, so choose to be proactive. Don't waste your class hours, attend extra seminars and classes, read books and collaborate with different people. Take advantage of everything you can during your time at university because in the end, knowledge is power.
5. Can you tell us about your life post-graduation?
Since graduating, I felt like I was ready to experience new surroundings. I moved away from the capital, started working part-time, and I am now currently trying to find out what field would most pique my interest for postgraduate studies.
