Returning To Study: A Career Pivot with Purpose

This blog has been co-written by Allie and The University of Edinburgh. Allie is studying the MSc Climate Change Management programme at the University, and is originally from USA.

I’m Allie, a Masters student from the United States on the one-year, full-time MSc Climate Change Management programme at the University of Edinburgh.

I decided to pursue a Masters as a way to change careers and follow my passion. I completed my undergraduate studies in Neuroscience and French, and despite having a scientific background, moving into climate change management has been a significant shift.

Transitioning from the world of work back into study

My undergraduate degree was already quite demanding as I was essentially a pre-med student, so I don’t think my Masters is necessarily more intense, just intense in a different way.

The most difficult part for me has been returning to studying after having a few years working. While working, I had more free time and a different rhythm to my life. I also had built-in structure and consistent deadlines. Now, I have to stay in a constant state of early preparation. You have to set deadlines for yourself so I think it requires a higher level of maturity.

A different experience from undergraduate study

I usually have a few lectures per week, each typically lasting one or two hours. Compared to undergraduate level, the class sizes are much smaller — 30 to 40 students in a lecture.

I also attend seminars, which follow the lectures, where we break into even smaller groups. We discuss topics in more depth, often based on material we’ve prepared in advance. Seminars are usually led by a lecturer or a PhD student.

I definitely have far fewer contact hours than I did during my undergraduate studies and that can be quite challenging. It requires a greater level of self-discipline as you have to hold yourself accountable for how you manage your time outside classes.

Balancing study with everyday life

Balancing study and life is manageable, as long as you plan your time well and set certain hours aside for focused work. That way, you don’t feel guilty when you allow yourself time to engage with the University in other ways.

That might mean going to talks, taking part in sports, going out with friends or simply getting used to living in a new city. For example, I’m on an intramural volleyball team with people from my programme, which has been great. So, while it’s hard work, it’s possible to manage your time well and enjoy life outside your classes.

We’re a really close, diverse group

There are just 37 students on my programme. More than half of us are international students! While it’s a diverse group, we're all very close.

Many of us are in a similar situation and we all keep each other going. We support each other, hold each other accountable, collaborate and work together. We’re all so passionate about what we're studying and that helps us to deal with the workload and time management.

The time is flying by

I started in September 2025 and, in some ways, it feels like I’ve only just begun. At the same time, so much has already happened. There’s a lot to do, and you’re always thinking about the next deadline. It’s all good though, because you’re working on things that genuinely interest you.

As an international student, I’m also adjusting to living in a new country—adapting to a different place and meeting new people. It’s been a great experience, but it’s definitely hectic and time moves very quickly.

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