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.
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.
