Embarking on a university journey is often shaped by a mix of ambition, curiosity, and the desire to find the right environment to grow personally and professionally. For Cooper Macdonald, choosing where to study was about finding a place that aligned with his career aspirations while offering a supportive and engaging student experience. Having moved from school directly to university, Cooper is now a BA (Hons) Business Management student at QMU. He reflects on the opportunities, challenges, and memorable moments that have defined his time at the University so far.
Why did you choose to study at QMU and what attracted you to the course?
I chose to study at QMU because of its powerful reputation for practical, career-focused learning and the supportive campus environment - having everything in one place, within one campus, is fabulous and extremely convenient. The Business Management course stood out to me because it offers a broad understanding of how organisations work while also allowing flexibility to explore different business areas, while giving an array of practical opportunities such as study abroad, social and enterprise events.
What have you enjoyed most about your course?
I have enjoyed the practical but also theoretical side to the course. A lot of the assignments are based on real business scenarios, which makes the learning feel relevant and useful. I also enjoyed the variety of different modules, which helped me discover different areas of business and management themes to equip me with the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in the future.
Were there any particular course activities you found especially interesting?
Throughout my time at QMU there have been many practical opportunities that have helped me excel in my work. I have just recently completed a module where we had to work with a real business partner to create, design and develop a bespoke Scottish gin to be sold on the Asian market. This made me aware of practical skills and knowledge required to manage a live project from start to finish, equipping me with new skills that can be used on real-world projects.
How did your lecturers support your learning?
The Queen Margaret Business School lecturers are a fantastic support network for students. They offer tailored support for each of their modules, and the business school has implemented different schemes to help students apply their academic knowledge to live projects. This allows them to gain essential experience and be well equipped for success in the work environment, after graduation. Every student is provided with a Personal Academic Tutor (PAT) for the full duration of the degree course. The PAT has regular meetings and updates with their students to ensure that they are getting on OK with their studies. It’s always really reassuring to know that you have someone who is looking after your academic welfare and someone to talk to if you need help and advice.
What challenges did you face with the course and/or university life? How did you overcome them?
One of the main challenges I faced was managing my time with my studies, extra-curricular activities, working part-time in the retail sector, and socialising with friends too. Having a manageable work/life balance is essential for a successful journey through university. Learning how to best organise your time and priorities is an important life’s lesson, and will allow you to get the most out of your university experience.
Have you taken advantage of any opportunities that have been offered to you through the Queen Margaret Business School and how have these helped you?
I was asked to participate in the ‘QMU Means Business’ initiative, which was an initiative developed by the Queen Margaret Business School and targeted at secondary pupils across East Lothian. The project aimed to encourage senior school pupils to use business-focused tools and techniques to create a solution to problems in their local area. The student team, which involved me and two other QMU students, delivered workshops, over a four-week period, for pupils at two secondary schools in East Lothian. The pupils developed their ideas and delivered their final pitches at a showcase event held at QMU. This initiative gave me an excellent opportunity to see what it's like to teach in a classroom setting, furthering my interest in becoming a secondary school business education teacher.
What other stand out opportunities have you taken up that have enhanced your student experience?
I was one of eleven Queen Margaret Business School students selected to visit Athens, Greece on a mobility trip. The aim of the trip was to learn about sustainability and build connections between QMU and the University’s partner institutions in Athens. The trip allowed me to see parts of Europe I had not visited before, and experience new cultures too! The trip really was one of the biggest highlights of my university journey so far, and I would recommend anyone to visit Athens!
What has been your favourite moment at QMU?
Making long-lasting friendships with my classmates.
Watching everyone grow and develop into the people they are now, compared to who they were in 1st year, is so lovely to see. We all try to organise social nights and events whenever we can, and enjoy our time together as much as possible!
Do you have any advice for students who might be interested in this course?-
Fun fact: I was not going to come to university! I had secured an apprenticeship with an asset management company in Edinburgh, but I turned it down, as I wanted to get the full university experience. I feel if I had taken the apprenticeship, my life would have been completely different. I would not have had the experiences I’ve had, met the people I have met, and been able to really develop and grow as a person.
Which University services did you access to support you through your university journey and how did they help you?
QMU is incredibly supportive of its students, with a wide variety of help available should students need it. I have made good use of the Peer Assisted Learning scheme (PALS), which I also happen to be a leader for, to get targeted help from students who have completed the modules previously. This has allowed me to be well support by my peer group and get the best advice possible.
What’s your ‘top tip’ for making the most of being a student?
Join a society and make the most of events available to you! This is how you will make friends, meet new people, and find like-minded students like yourself. It also means you get to get all glammed up for the sports and societies ball, which is held at the end of the year – another highlight of mine!
What was the most valuable lesson that you learned at university?
The most valuable lesson I’ve learn at QMU is that no two days are the same, and that communication and teamwork are essential to become a successful student.
What are your plans for after graduation?
I would like to return to university in the future to do my PGDE in secondary business education and become a business education teacher in secondary schools across Scotland. Taking part in the ‘QMU Means Business’ initiative really helped me make that important decision.
