Eamonn West

The location of the campus was a large draw for me. Studying in London was a great opportunity both professionally and socially due the wide array of opportunity and networking potential, as well as the great range of activities, museums and its world-renowned locations. I was not quite sure where to take my career after my undergraduate degree, and so postgraduate study at Loughborough London gave me time in London to widen my CV and experience, as well as developing my professional confidence. Moreover, the Diplomacy, International Politics and Trade course seemed really appealing to me, especially the role of the digital sphere in modern politics, and the intersection of sports and diplomacy/politics.

My overall academic experience

My overall academic experience was excellent! I had a great time studying at Loughborough University London. My lecturers were all extremely passionate and knowledgeable, with all my modules being interesting, engaging and interactive. Throughout me studying here, I was given lots of opportunities to develop myself and my professional career. Whether this was attending Chatham House or working with other students to run university-funded events. I look back very fondly at my postgraduate experience!

Personally, I found both the Collaborative Project and the Dissertation most useful. The Collaborative Project naturally had all the challenges of university group work, but at a master’s level everyone was committed and passionate. Completing the Collaborative Project and being able to the present our findings at a fair was a great experience, and useful in career interviews following postgraduate study. On top of this, my dissertation experience was another academic highlight for me. Having a great range of freedom to extensively dive into a project I was so passionate about and be supported by an excellent advisor, was the highlight of my academic pursuits both at undergraduate and graduate level. I remain very proud of my dissertation to this day!

Academic and careers support 

Both the academic and careers support at Loughborough University London, were excellent throughout. In particular, the support from my academic advisor during my dissertation journey was greatly appreciated and valuable. At one stage I was struggling with deciding the structure of my dissertation, and a lengthy conversation with my advisor greatly assisted with this, ultimately contributing to a structure I was very happy with. On top of this, the careers expertise was also helpful; the university funded a student led careers event that I helped organise. Moreover, the careers team was at hand to assist with CV support and a practice interview before I had an interview, both of which were highly appreciated.

Highlights of my time at Loughborough outside my course 

Outside my course I was the IDIG (Now IDIA) Representative, with this I was able to feed back student experience to the university, as well as organise trips within the school. This included university subsidised social meals and a trip to Thorpe Park! On top of this, I and other students were able to secure funding to run a careers event, which involved speakers such as the Mexican Deputy Ambassador to the UK. Running these events were great experiences!

Loughborough London community: supportive, inclusive, and connected

I found the campus facilities and resources great! The London Campus is naturally not the size and scale of many other campuses. However, the library was great, and being able to request any books from the Loughborough Campus was useful as well. On top of this the whole campus was well maintained and very modern. I also especially enjoyed the regular food stands which popped out just outside as well!

How my studies prepared me for my career

My time at Loughborough University London gave me the time to greatly develop my professional experience and confidence, both of which were fundamental in exploring my career path now. The opportunities available outside the degree were really important in this, but the degree itself, especially my dissertation was fundamental.

Notable achievements in my career so far

I have been accepted onto negotiator training at work, which is really exciting, as if I pass I will be able to negotiate in high-pressure situations, up to and including hostage situations. In terms of notable moments, I have greatly enjoyed supporting my fellow prison officers in difficult situations, building a rapport with challenging prisoners, and finally putting out a few cell fires and saving lives.