Maximising University Resources for Success During My Masters

This blog has been co-written by Axelle and The University of Edinburgh. Axelle graduated in 2024 from the MSc Climate Change Finance and Investment programme at the University, and is originally from the Seychelles.

Hello, I’m Axelle from the Seychelles. I recently graduated from the MSc Climate Change Finance and Investment programme at the University of Edinburgh and I’m now working as a Senior Finance Analyst within the Ministry of Finance, National Planning and Trade in the Seychelles.

Why I chose to study a Masters

I already had a background in accounting and finance but I wanted to specialise in climate change because expertise in this area is urgently needed in my country. As a small island and a developing state, we face significant challenges, and I wanted to equip my country with the right knowledge and resources.  I wanted broader knowledge of climate change itself and have a more substantial say in policy decisions in my country.

I also applied for the experience. At the University of Edinburgh, I got to know people from so many different countries. It was like participating in a year-long international conference, where you get to meet and interact with lecturers, students and people facing the impact of climate change in one place, at one time – that’s such a unique and incredible opportunity.

The career progression and the likely salary boost were also considerations when choosing to study a Masters. Before my Masters studies at Edinburgh, I was an entry-level Finance Analyst. Based on the experience I gained during my Masters, within just six months of being back in the post, I was promoted.

Making the most of career support and skill development

Throughout my studies, I took advantage of the university’s career support. I didn't know what LinkedIn was and I had a terrible CV. So, I met with the university’s Student Development Service and they helped me prepare my CV and practice my interview skills. I’ve found that a lot of these skills are transferable. I now attend a lot of conferences and have to present policy papers so I'm definitely using them today.

I also took part in the Edinburgh Employability Award, a programme designed to help students develop up to three key skills. I chose leadership, work-life balance and written communication. Through the programme I was able to network with people from different countries, which broadened my perspective on both my course and my future career. I gained stronger communication skills, both written and spoken, which have helped me advocate more effectively for my cause. These skills have been invaluable not only in my career but also in my personal life.

Access to student wellbeing services

Along with career support, I also made use of the university’s health and wellbeing services. In my country, mental health is not a widely discussed topic. It's still very taboo and we typically don't have access to such services. While in Edinburgh, I took the opportunity to apply and got through to the general support service for international students. I would meet with my counsellor one-to-one every two weeks. It was free of charge and just an excellent experience overall. If you’re from a country where such support is less accessible you’d definitely find this type of service incredibly valuable.

For anyone studying a Masters, I strongly recommend engaging with the extensive range of resources available at your university. Whether it’s academic, career or personal support, these resources are designed to help you succeed and make the most of your education journey.

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