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Meet our student Wang Yishuo to hear about her experiences while studying the MSc Construction Economics Management at The Bartlett School of Sustainable Construction.
What inspired you to do the course?
I chose this course for two reasons: self-improvement and personal aspiration. Firstly, I wanted to do postgraduate study at UCL, which is one of the leading universities in the world, in order to improve my professional knowledge and competitiveness in employment. At the same time, the construction industry is facing different levels of difficulties worldwide and studying MSc Construction Economics and Management thereby has given me a more macro perspective. Secondly, when I saw a picture of the main UCL campus in my second year of undergraduate study, I was fascinated and dreamed of further study at UCL after my undergraduate degree.
What is your highlight/one big takeaway of the course?
I think my biggest takeaway from the course was the improvement in my academic research skills, especially the greater progress in critical thinking. In my previous educational career, I had hardly been involved in much academic research work. Since joining the MSc Construction Economics and Management, I have not only read a large number of academic journals and books required by the courses, but also searched on my own to expand the academic literature and gain insight into the frontiers of knowledge in the areas related to the course. In the process, I was able to practice critical thinking that all course teachers emphasised, which has helped me to maintain logical rigour and coherence in my thinking in the future studies and work, and I think this will benefit me for the rest of my life.
What were your challenges while studying at BSSC?
I think my biggest challenge while studying at BSSC stems from the differences in the way education is delivered in China and the UK. All my undergraduate and previous education was in China where I received a test-based form of education. I was hence often a passive recipient of knowledge. However, when I came to BSSC, the learning arrangements were mostly self-directed and required more time and effort outside of lectures to conduct literature research in order to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the class content. It was a challenge to change my attitude from passive to active learning. Additionally, with the language difficulties, I was personally under a lot of pressure in my early time at BSSC.
Would you recommend the course to others, can you tell us why?
Yes, I would happily recommend this course to others. Firstly, I think that the educational resources at UCL and BSSC are among the best in the world. The professors I have met have a wealth of experience in academic research and project practice and can give students ample guidance. Secondly, the programme is very selective, and you can choose the course that suits your interests and future development during the second semester.
What advice would you give to someone considering doing the course?
Believe in your instructors and, more importantly, believe in yourself. Believe in your instructors and trust them to give you the most dedicated guidance. Believe in yourself and your ability to solve any difficulties, whatever they may be.
How has this course contributed to your current role/how does it link to what you would like to do in your future career?
I plan to return to China to pursue a career in the construction industry. After studying the MSc Construction Economics and Management programme, I am acutely aware of the serious problems that currently exist in the construction industry worldwide. Therefore, I hope that I can use my knowledge of the current construction industry to address the huge challenges that the construction industry in China is currently facing.
