Can you tell us a bit about your background and why you are returning to study?
My background is in political science with a minor in development studies. After graduating, from my bachelor’s, I worked three years in the NGO sector, on social development and big data projects while also taking on responsibilities in communications, such as planning social media content, writing blogs, and preparing annual reports for the organization.
About a year and a half ago, I moved to Munich and began working at a PR agency, where I further developed my communication skills. In addition to these experiences, one of my strongest passions has always been fashion. With my mother and sister both being designers, we started brainstorming ways to combine our skills into a project that would not only be creative but also have a meaningful social impact. This led to the idea of launching a brand that works with local women in Bogotá to create high-quality garments.
The excitement of building this brand inspired me to pursue a master’s degree in strategic fashion marketing. I wanted to gain the tools and knowledge to better contribute to our project and bring our vision to life. This is why I decided to return to study, and I am now fully immersed in my master’s program.
How are you finding online study so far?
I really appreciate the freedom and flexibility that online study offers, as well as the opportunity to connect with different people worldwide. Since I am still working part-time, this learning mode suits me perfectly. The seminars and classes provide excellent opportunities for interaction, ensuring that the experience never feels isolating or overly independent.
How did you research and decide on the course?
When searching for programs, I focused on top universities offering the specific master’s specialization I was interested in. I thoroughly examined their courses to understand the direction and scope of each program. After comparing these options, I ultimately chose the one that best aligned with my personal growth and career objectives.
Is this your first experience with online learning? How are you managing your time and fitting study in?
This isn’t my first experience with online learning, as I had to complete my last two university semesters virtually after the pandemic. That experience prepared me well for this online master’s program.
I’ve found that the best strategy for managing time and keeping up with studies is to plan your weeks in advance and know in advance about the workload required for each class. It’s crucial to integrate ongoing projects with weekly materials to avoid last-minute rushes on assignments. I have been using Asana to keep track of my tasks and ensure I don’t overlook anything I need to review or explore further.
From your experience so far of researching, selecting and starting online study, what advice would you give to someone at the start of the process?
I would advise them to take their time during the selection process and really reflect on what they want to achieve with their studies. Rather than choosing a course just for the sake of earning a degree, I encourage people to explore their true interests, consider the industry or field where they see themselves, and identify the skills they need to succeed in that area.
This way, when they begin their online studies, the entire process becomes more meaningful and enjoyable because they’re dedicating their time to something they’re genuinely passionate about. This approach has allowed me to fully maximize the experience and gain the most value from it.