Tell us a little about yourself

My name is Carole Talbot, I live in London and I work as Global Talent Director for a manufacturing company.

Why did you choose to study your programme? 

It was important for me to have an opportunity to stretch myself. Growing up, I completed my A-levels and decided at that time I didn’t want to go to university. I recently reached a stage where I wanted to prove to myself that I could complete an academic qualification, so I chose to study online with the University of Liverpool. 

Why did you decide to study online with the University of Liverpool? 

I work full-time and one of the important things for me was the flexibility to continue to this alongside my studies. The online programme gave me that option. It’s international in nature and a lot of my work is global, so I wanted to be with a group of like-minded people from around the world, sharing their experiences in human resources. 

What inspired you most during your studies? 

For me, it was the cohort that I worked with. The way the programme was designed with the assignments, working in groups were the highlights, because you learn from everybody’s experience. You have to read their assignments and academically challenge what they’re saying, and that was a really steep learning curve.  

Did you have to overcome any personal or professional obstacles? 

Yes; I originally started my studies in 2018 just after my mum had passed but realised I was still grieving, so took a break. When I decided I wanted to restart, the university was really helpful and supportive. They were able to transition the modules I had started previously with another provider, and the rest is history.  

What advice would you give someone considering online study? 

Be brave and trust yourself; it is a journey and there is a lot of learning and deadlines. Just know what you want. Be really determined and focused. If you find that you can’t focus then speak to the team, they will listen to you and give you support. Really know what you want and then just stay on that road, and you can do it. 

What are your plans for the future? 

I’m over 60 and I did this after my children had grown up. I now have a master’s and it’s international, so I can decide if I want to go and use my skills elsewhere. It’s a really good academic qualification to have. I did it for me and that’s what it is all about. The world is my oyster. 

Featured course

International Human Resource Management MSc – Learn more

Tell us a little about yourself

I am the Head of Environmental Programme at WWF South Africa. I lead and oversee a portfolio of activities in thematic areas that include climate, sustainable finance, freshwater, land & biodiversity, marine, sustainable food systems, circular economy and wildlife. I possess a B.Sc (Hons) in Biology from the University of California, as well as a Masters in Science from the University of Pretoria. I underwent management training from the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) in Lausanne, Switzerland, and obtained a certificate in Mastering Technology Enterprises (MTE). Recently, I completed several courses in Business Sustainability Management, Disruptive Innovation, Design Thinking and Innovation for Business, Sustainable Finance Climate Change and Business: Towards Net Zero and ESG: Navigating Board’s Role. I have extensive leadership and management experience obtained in the public, private and NGO sectors. I am passionate about sustainability, the environment, innovation, science and technology.

Why did you choose to study your programme?

From this course, I expect to gain knowledge, skills, and expertise in finance and investments. [This is] to enhance our strategic interventions on sustainable finance, financing and investment in green and clean technologies, and collaborations in general with the finance sector.

Why did you decide to study online with the University of Liverpool?

Online study provides flexibility, especially if you are in a full-time job and travel a lot. It is also cost-effective and enables access to high-quality education from anywhere in the world. The University of Liverpool offered a course that I was looking for, and in terms of quality of the university on QS Rankings, it rates better than South African universities. Accessibility, flexibility and quality of education informed my decision.

What has your experience of the programme been like?

I am finding it very valuable. Lecturecasts and reading materials provide very good content and the programme schedule is manageable. I enjoyed the seminars offered during Modules 2 and 3. I have enjoyed the interactions with all three lecturers to date. They have been helpful, knowledgeable and fair. I was also pleased that the Examination Board reviews the grading of our assignments and therefore provides an objective adjudication of grades. I think this process builds confidence. I have made a connection with one classmate and we keep up on WhatsApp as we worked together on a group assignment. Group assignments I also enjoy, and I would recommend they are built into the assessment criteria.

What has inspired you most during your studies so far?

The lecture content is very relevant and insightful. I feel like I am learning a lot and what I watch in business reports now makes good sense.

What are you looking forward to most on your programme?

The rest of the modules look interesting. I am also looking forward to the research part of the programme. I hope that we will get a lot of advice in choosing research topics that are relevant to our career objectives.

Featured course

Finance and Investment Management MSc – Learn more