Hi everyone! My name is Gary, or Yong to some. I’m 23 years old and from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It’s an absolute honour to share my experience with you as a masters student at Cork University Business School at University College Cork, where I recently completed the MSc Marketing programme.
Before deciding to pursue my master’s degree, I completed my bachelor’s in International Business. Following graduation, I spent a year working as a Cross Border Business Associate at Shopee Malaysia, where I had the opportunity to manage business dealings with various regional stakeholders. The role was dynamic, offering great exposure to international markets, but something kept pulling me toward marketing.
Over time, I became increasingly fascinated by the creative side of business. I found myself wondering, “Who are the minds behind those captivating ads? What strategies drive these successful campaigns?” That curiosity led me to one conclusion: I wanted to be one of those creative masterminds shaping the future of marketing.
The MSc Marketing programme at Cork University Business School (CUBS) at University College Cork (UCC) seemed like the perfect fit for my aspirations. What drew me in was its emphasis on real-world applications of marketing theories. I wasn’t looking for a course that just focused on textbooks—I wanted hands-on experience. CUBS delivered exactly that, offering countless opportunities to collaborate with real businesses and tackle real marketing challenges.
From the very first semester, I was immersed in practical learning. One of the standout modules for me was Service Design, where we were tasked with redesigning and enhancing the customer experience for a local beauty care business. I chose to work with a well-known hair salon, identifying their operational challenges and finding solutions through interviews with the owners and customers. This experience allowed me to act as a marketing consultant, applying what I’d learned in class to solve real-world problems.
The programme didn’t stop there. We had the chance to work with renowned brands such as Barry’s Tea and Fota Wildlife Park, where we developed comprehensive marketing plans. The best part? We got to present our ideas directly to their marketing teams, receiving invaluable feedback and practical advice from industry experts. These opportunities were instrumental in helping me understand how marketing works in real businesses and how to craft strategies that resonate with audiences.
Now that I’ve completed my master’s—achieving first-class honours, I’m happy to say—I’m eager to step into the professional world of marketing. My goal is to secure a role that allows me to continue refining my skills and creativity, ultimately becoming one of the “masterminds” behind innovative campaigns. I’m excited about the future, and I feel that the MSc Marketing programme has fully equipped me to tackle the challenges of the marketing industry.
If you’re passionate about marketing or even just curious about the world of business, I highly recommend the MSc Marketing at Cork University Business School. This programme isn’t just about learning theory—it’s about applying those lessons in real-life situations, working with real brands, and receiving guidance from professionals. Whether you’re looking to break into the marketing world or enhance your current knowledge, this programme will provide you with the skills, experiences, and connections to succeed.
Find out more about the MSc Marketing at Cork University Business School (CUBS) at University College Cork here.