Sean

Why did you choose to study your programme at Loughborough University?

Coming from a hospitality background, I developed a deep appreciation for the importance of people within an organisation. I saw first-hand how effective people management contributes to business success, which led me to take an interest in Human Resource Management.

Loughborough’s MSc in Human Resource Management stood out to me because it offers a well-rounded curriculum that blends both theoretical and practical elements. The course covers key areas such as talent management, organisational behaviour, employment relations, and employment law—critical components that align with my ambition to deepen my HR expertise.

Additionally, the programme is CIPD-accredited, ensuring that it meets professional standards and enhances employability within the HR field. Loughborough’s strong reputation for business and management education, combined with its excellent industry links and research-led teaching, made it the ideal choice for my further studies and career development in HR.

Why did you choose to continue onto further study?

Having completed my bachelor’s degree in Hotel Management at the Edge Hotel School, part of the University of Essex, in 2022, I spent a year working in the luxury hospitality industry. During this time, I gained valuable hands-on experience in people management and operational leadership, which deepened my interest in the human resources side of business.

In my younger years, I struggled in school and didn’t fully see the value of education. However, since starting my bachelor’s degree in 2020, my mindset towards education has completely changed. I came to appreciate the power of learning, personal development, and the opportunities that further study can provide.

Returning to education for a master’s degree in human resource management felt like the right decision to build on my industry experience, gain a deeper understanding of HRM principles, and position myself for a career that allows me to combine my passion for hospitality with strategic people management. Loughborough’s CIPD-accredited programme, strong academic reputation and industry links made it an easy choice for me.

What were you doing before starting the programme?

Before starting my master’s, I worked in the luxury hospitality industry in London with The Dorchester Collection.

What did you love most about your course?

One of the things I loved most about the course was the support and expertise of Dr Peter Beszter and Dr Nick Black. Their wealth of experience and guidance made a huge difference, not just in terms of academic support but also in providing career advice and industry insights. They were always approachable and willing to help, whether it was discussing coursework, offering feedback, or advising on career paths.

I also really enjoyed the flexibility to shape my own research within each module. For example, in Employment Relations, I focused my research on trade unions, but the course allowed you to explore topics that aligned with your own interests, which made the learning experience much more engaging and relevant.

What kind of support did you receive from the department and/or University?

The department provided excellent academic support, with lecturers like Dr Peter Beszter and Dr Nick Black always approachable and willing to offer guidance on coursework, research, and career aspirations. Their feedback and insights were invaluable throughout the programme.

A special mention also goes to Professor Ken Lee, whose lectures on navigating your career were particularly insightful and provided a strong foundation for understanding career progression. Beyond this, the University offered career services, networking events, and access to a wide range of library and research resources. There was also a strong postgraduate community, making it easy to connect with peers and discuss ideas, which added to the overall support system.

How did you find the social atmosphere/postgraduate community on campus?

Being a student at Loughborough is a privilege, as the environment is designed to bring out the best in you. Being surrounded by other top students and leading academics creates a culture of excellence that pushes you to stay focused and motivated. The University fosters a sense of being part of a 'high-flying' community, where everyone is striving for success in their respective fields.

One of the most unique aspects of Loughborough is the presence of professional and elite athletes on campus. Seeing their dedication, discipline and work ethic every day is truly inspiring and serves as a reminder of the importance of perseverance and ambition—not just in sport, but in academics and career aspirations as well. The overall postgraduate community is driven, supportive and ambitious, making it an incredible place to study and grow.

What was a typical day like for you as a student at Loughborough?

On a weekday, I would normally start my morning training in the gym, taking advantage of Loughborough’s world-class sports facilities. After that, I’d grab breakfast and a coffee at Bom Bom, the best coffee shop on campus, conveniently located in the Students' Union.

My lectures typically ran between 9am and 12pm, and since I lived on campus, it was easy to head back to my accommodation to make lunch and catch up with friends. In the afternoons, I would either have further lectures or, if not, start my afternoon shift working in the university gyms, either at Powerbase or Holywell Fitness Centre. I have always had a big interest in sport, so my part-time job as a Customer Service Assistant in Loughborough’s sports facilities not only allowed me to be part of the world-class sporting environment but also helped me meet new people, interact with athletes, students, and staff, and develop valuable customer service and communication skills.

Evenings were usually spent meeting friends, attending campus events, or just relaxing back in my room. Living on campus made everything so accessible, allowing me to fully immerse myself in both academic and student life while making the most of everything Loughborough had to offer. From having easy access to the Pilkington Library and state-of-the-art sports facilities to attending university events and being part of the campus community, living on-site made my experience even more immersive. It allowed me to strike the perfect balance between academics, work, and social life, making my time at Loughborough truly unforgettable.

How did your time at Loughborough develop your employability?

My time at Loughborough University played a significant role in developing my employability, equipping me with both technical knowledge and essential workplace skills.

The CIPD-accredited MSc in Human Resource Management provided a strong academic foundation in areas such as employment relations, talent management, and organisational behaviour, helping me understand real-world HR challenges. The flexibility in research within each module allowed me to explore areas of personal interest, such as trade unions in Employment Relations, which strengthened my critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills.

Beyond academics, Loughborough’s career support services were invaluable. I benefited from networking events, employer-led workshops, and CV/interview coaching, which helped me refine my job application strategy and interview skills. 

A particular highlight was Professor Ken Lee’s lectures on career navigation, which provided great insight into how to position myself in the job market.

The wider University environment also had a huge impact on my personal and professional growth. Being surrounded by other high-achieving students and elite athletes created a culture of discipline, resilience and ambition, which has shaped my own approach to work and career development.

Overall, my time at Loughborough gave me the confidence, industry knowledge and professional skills to stand out in competitive job markets while also helping me build a valuable network of like-minded professionals.

How has your course helped you grow personally and professionally beyond the academic content?

Beyond the academic content, my MSc in Human Resource Management at Loughborough helped me grow in many ways, both personally and professionally. The flexibility to shape my own research within each module allowed me to develop critical thinking and analytical skills, as I had the opportunity to explore topics that genuinely interested me, such as trade unions in Employment Relations.

On a personal level, the course challenged me to be more independent, self-disciplined, and proactive in my approach to learning. Managing coursework, part-time work and social life taught me valuable time management and organisational skills, which have been crucial in my professional life.

Professionally, the course gave me practical insights into HR and business strategy, as well as opportunities to network with industry experts. Professor Ken Lee’s career-focused lectures were particularly useful in helping me understand how to navigate the job market and position myself for success. Additionally, working in Loughborough’s sports facilities alongside my studies helped me develop strong communication and customer service skills, further enhancing my ability to work in dynamic, people-focused environments.

Overall, my time at Loughborough shaped not only my academic knowledge but also my confidence, problem-solving abilities, and career outlook, preparing me for success beyond university.

What has been your career journey after your MSc?

After completing my MSc in Human Resource Management, I navigated the extremely competitive job market, exploring opportunities across various industries. While I initially considered roles in different sectors, my experience and passion for luxury hospitality ultimately led me back to the industry. I have now successfully secured a role within the luxury hospitality sector in the Republic of Ireland.

Looking ahead, I aim to continue developing my career within hospitality, building on the skills and knowledge gained from both my studies and professional experience. My long-term ambition is to take on increasingly strategic roles, contributing to the growth and success of world-class hospitality businesses.

What would you say to someone considering studying at Loughborough?

Studying at Loughborough is an amazing opportunity that I would highly recommend to anyone. The atmosphere, the people, the facilities, and the overall environment make it an unforgettable experience. You’re surrounded by ambitious, high-achieving individuals, whether that’s fellow students, academics, or even elite athletes, which creates a unique culture of excellence and motivation.

For me personally, academia has changed my life. It has opened so many doors and allowed me to develop in ways I never expected. The experience at Loughborough gave me the confidence, knowledge, and opportunities to shape my future, and I can’t imagine a better place to have studied. If you’re looking for a university that will challenge, inspire and support you, Loughborough is the place to be.

What was your favourite thing about being a Loughborough student?

It's very hard to select just one thing, but if I had to, I would say the facilities and campus life. The Pilkington Library was an excellent place to study, offering a quiet and well-equipped space for research and coursework. The world-class sports facilities, including Powerbase Gym and Holywell Fitness Centre, provided an incredible environment to stay active and de-stress. Additionally, the vast sports fields created a unique atmosphere on campus, where you were constantly surrounded by elite athletes training at the highest level, which was truly inspiring.

The campus environment struck the perfect balance between academic focus and social life. Whether it was studying in the library, training in the gyms, or simply enjoying the buzz of sporting events on campus, the energy and ambition of those around you made every day exciting. Being part of such a motivated and high-achieving community pushed me to develop both academically and personally, making my time at Loughborough truly unforgettable.