Shannon Hodshon

Shannon stood in TATE with a book.
Country / region
Germany
Programme
Scholarship
German Government Funding (BAföG) and Excellence Scholarship

Shannon chose to study at Loughborough University London because the programme offered combined her passion of design with business.

Before commencing a master's in Design Innovation Management MSc, Shannon studied Graphic Design and Communications in Aachen, Germany. 

Why did you choose Loughborough University London?

Loughborough was the highest ranking university offering the programme I was interested in.

What’s your favourite thing about Loughborough University London?

The staff show real interest in helping progress the students and go to great lengths to support them.

What helped you choose Loughborough University London?

I researched primarily online and visited the campus during the holidays – it was helpful seeing the building and getting a feel of the environment which made me realise I wanted to study here. 

How have you funded your studies?

I funded my studies with the help of the German government funding (BAföG) and Loughborough Academic Excellence scholarship. 

Why did you decide to study your course?

I decided to study Design Innovation Management MSc because it combined my previous knowledge and passion for design with business, thus offering me new job perspectives.

What did you enjoy the most about your course?

The Innovation Management modules were particularly interesting. I learned so much about the importance of innovation for a business to stay successful and developed a passion for it.

Describe what it is like to be a postgraduate student and how this differs from being an undergraduate.

Being a postgraduate student really steps up in intensity. You have to put in more effort into studying and deal with the pressures of finding a job. However, the personal development you undergo in that one year is incredible and really propels you to a new level of reflective and analytical thinking.

Describe a day in the life of a postgraduate student on your course

An average day would begin with a lecture, followed up by a tutorial. Then I would meet up with my friends and have lunch at the University cafe. Afterwards we would all go to the library and work into the evening. Sometimes we would round the day off by rewarding ourselves with a drink and some food at Canalside.

Where do you see your career in 5 years’ time?

In 5 years' time, I would like to be part of a team specialised in management or technology consulting, helping businesses to improve their business models in order to stay successful.

How did you like to spend your time away from your studies?

I loved to play sport! You would usually find me in the gym or at the rugby club. I also enjoyed meeting up with friends - we loved to go to music events together. There is always something on, and on weekends there are loads of day events throughout the city.

If you could give one piece of advice to a postgraduate student, what would it be?

I would recommend to get your time management right and keep on top of your assignments. There will be times in which you have to do multiple assignments at once, but if you manage your time effectively, do the necessary reading and set your own deadlines, you should hopefully be relaxed and at ease.