Chathura
Sudharshan

What made you decide to do a Masters degree?
I wanted to sharpen my knowledge of entrepreneurship all whilst acquiring practical and theoretical knowhow on starting a business. At the same time, I thought of updating my academic knowledge and qualifications, which I have not been able to do in the last two years.

When picking a University to study a Masters, what do you consider it important to have?
For me it was course accreditation, scholarships, reviews from the past students and university rankings.

Why did you choose Nottingham Business School?
I received a competitive scholarship from Nottingham Business School (NBS) and NBS had great international accreditation.

What do you feel is the best aspect about studying at Nottingham Business School?
I got practical course materials to develop my business, numerous extracurricular activities and scholarships to take part programmes in the UK and other European countries.

Can you explain a little about your course?
The practicality of the course facilitated me to begin my start-up as I expected. During the course, we had many sessions to interact with other like-minded students and lecturers. I think those interactive sessions contributed to make my experience in this course and NBS a positive one.

What key skills you have developed during studying?
I improved business thinking, understanding business issues from different angles and confidence in pitching ideas to investors.

In Semester Three, what did you do as your Major Project?
Our Major Project for semester three was to participate in European Innovation Academy 2018 project in Turin, Italy.

Did you get involved with any other activities in Nottingham Business School?
I took part in the Thinkubator Challenge, IOD £10 challenge, Entrepreneurship Club, CPD events, Acceler8 Award, Code at the Uni work shop, NTU Dragons Den, Brussels Management Challenge, Project Cats Pad in France, European Innovation Academy Accelerator Project, reducing food waste in UK schools and a Business Proposal Project.

How does Nottingham Business School provide you with support, advice and guidance?
NBS was very supportive. I received financial support to visit the events mentioned above. Also, I appreciated the guidance from my university lecturers such as Kostas Galanakis, Paul Wreaves and David Evans.

What do you think about Nottingham as a city for students?
I think it’s a good city as it’s relatively affordable and full of energetic students from all around the world.

How has the Masters degree differed from your undergraduate experience?
I feel it’s similar, but I studied a very different subject to my undergraduate degree. Also my Master’s degree experience is practical focused as opposed to my first degree which was theory based.

How has the course influenced your future plans or career aspirations?
This course provided me a solid foundation to begin a business with a set of practical examples and experience.

What advice would you give to students considering studying at Nottingham Business School?
I would like to say do as many extracurricular activities as possible. Get involved in the different business challenges; apply for funding schemes and network with visiting lecturers. Finally, dream big and stay childish!