MSc Digital Business student Eyo Bassey Francis talks to us about his experience studying at Salford Business School

Photo of Eyo Bassey Francis
Photo of Eyo Bassey Francis

Journey to Salford Business School

I chose to study at Salford Business School for several reasons. Firstly, the MSc Digital Business programme aligned perfectly with my career goals of becoming a digital transformation consultant.

Secondly, I was attracted to Salford Business School’s location in Manchester, which has a thriving tech and digital business ecosystem. Manchester is home to a growing number of startups and established companies in the digital sector, as well as a supportive community of entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators. I knew that studying in this environment would provide me with valuable networking opportunities and exposure to the latest trends and challenges in the industry.

Additionally, I was impressed by Salford Business School’s commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship. I knew that growing my entrepreneurial spirit would be invaluable in helping me develop the skills and mindset needed to succeed as a digital transformation consultant.

Overall, I chose Salford Business School because I believed it offered the perfect combination of academic excellence, practical experience, and industry connections to help me achieve my career goals in the dynamic and rapidly-evolving world of digital business.

All About the Course

The MSc Digital Business programme at Salford Business School has been an incredible journey that has provided me with a comprehensive understanding of the digital landscape and equipped me with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the fast-paced world of digital business.

The course modules are carefully designed to cover a wide range of topics that are essential for anyone looking to make an impact in the digital space. From Digital Business and Entrepreneurship, which taught me how to identify and capitalize on digital business opportunities, to Search & Social Media Marketing, which provided me with the skills to develop and execute effective digital marketing strategies, each module has been incredibly valuable in its own right.

Two of the modules that particularly resonated with me were the Digital Business & Entrepreneurship and Information Systems & Digital Transformation, which explored how organidations can leverage artificial intelligence and technology to drive innovation and improve business processes. As someone who is passionate about using technology to drive positive change, these modules were particularly relevant to my career goals.

Another highlight of the programme was the Project Management module, which provided me with a solid foundation in project management principles and techniques. This module was incredibly useful during my 3-month Industry Collaboration Program (ICP) internship, where I had the opportunity to apply my learning in a real-world business setting.

Speaking of the ICP internship, this was truly one of the most valuable experiences of the entire programme. I had the opportunity to work with a digital event ticketing platform based in London, where I was tasked with designing AI models to improve personalization and developing a strategy to improve user engagement and drive ticket sales through digital channels. This experience allowed me to apply my learning from the Search & Social Media Marketing module in a practical setting, as I worked to identify key audience segments, develop targeted messaging, and optimize the company’s digital marketing campaigns.

Personally, the MSc Digital Business programme at Salford Business School has been a transformative experience that has not only provided me with the technical skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the digital business world but also the leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills that are essential for driving innovation and making a real impact in any chosen industry.

Employability at Salford Business School

Through the MSc Digital Business programme at Salford Business School, I have developed a range of skills and experiences that I believe will be highly valuable in boosting my employability. These include:

  1. Digital marketing skills: Through modules like Search & Social Media Marketing, I have developed practical skills in developing and executing effective digital marketing strategies, including social media marketing, email marketing and SEO.
  2. Project management skills: The Project Management module and my ICP internship experience have equipped me with valuable skills in project planning, execution, and stakeholder management.
  3. Data analysis skills: Throughout the programme, I have developed skills in using analytics tools such as python and power BI to gather, analyze, and interpret data to inform business decisions and optimize digital strategies.
  4. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) skills: I have gained valuable knowledge and practical experience in AI and ML techniques, which I applied during a health-tech project. This project involved using AI algorithms to analyze patient data and develop predictive models to improve patient outcomes.
  1. Leadership and communication skills: Through in-class group projects and presentations, I have honed my skills in leading teams, communicating effectively, and collaborating with others to achieve common goals.
  2. Industry experience: My ICP internship with a digital event ticketing platform has provided me with valuable real-world experience in the digital business sector, allowing me to apply my learning in a practical setting and gain insights into industry trends and best practices.

Student Support

Throughout my time in the MSc Digital Business programme at Salford Business School, I have received exceptional support and guidance from the faculty, staff, and my peers. Some of the key forms of support that have been invaluable to me include:

  1. One-on-one sessions with tutors and dedicated advisers: The one-on-one sessions have been a standout feature of the support offered at Salford Business School. These sessions have provided me with personalised guidance and feedback on my coursework, projects, and career aspirations. The teams have taken the time to understand my unique goals and challenges and have offered tailored advice and support to help me succeed.
  2. Career services: The career services team at Salford Business School has been incredibly helpful in providing guidance on job search strategies, CV and cover letter writing, and interview preparation. They have also organized various networking events and job fairs, which have allowed me to connect with potential employers and learn more about career opportunities in the digital business sector.
  3. Personal development support: In addition to academic and career support, Salford Business School has also offered various resources to support my personal development, such as workshops on stress management, time management, and mental health support. These resources have been incredibly valuable in helping me maintain a healthy work-life balance and navigate the challenges of postgraduate study.
  4. Access to industry experts: Salford Business School has strong ties with industry partners and regularly invites industry experts to give guest lectures, workshops, and mentoring sessions. These opportunities have provided me with valuable insights into real-world business challenges and have allowed me to learn from experienced professionals in the field.

The Best Bits

There are so many things I’ve enjoyed about the MSc Digital Business course at Salford Business School, but a few aspects really stand out. Firstly, I’ve really enjoyed the practical, hands-on nature of the coursework. From developing digital marketing strategies in the Search & Social Media Marketing module to working on real-world projects during my ICP internship, I’ve had numerous opportunities to apply my learning in practical settings and develop valuable skills that I know will serve me well in my future career.

Secondly, I’ve been incredibly impressed by the expertise and passion of the teaching staff. The lecturers and tutors on this course are not only knowledgeable about the latest trends and best practices in digital business, but they are also deeply invested in the success of their students. They have always been available to offer guidance, feedback, and support and have pushed me to challenge myself and grow both personally and professionally.

Finally, I have really enjoyed the collaborative, supportive nature of the programme. I’ve had the opportunity to connect with classmates from diverse backgrounds and learn from their unique perspectives and experiences. This has not only enriched my learning experience but has also helped me develop valuable skills in teamwork, communication, and leadership.

The highlight of my time at Salford Business School has been the opportunity to apply my learning through the Industry Collaboration Project (ICP) internship. During my internship with a digital event ticketing platform, I worked on a project that aimed to enhance user engagement and drive ticket sales through digital channels.

This experience allowed me to put my digital marketing and data analysis skills into practice, while also gaining valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities within the digital events industry. I collaborated with a talented team, learned from experienced professionals and contributed to the development of innovative solutions that delivered tangible results for the company.

The ICP internship not only reinforced my classroom learning but also provided me with a real-world perspective on digital transformation and its impact on businesses. It was an incredibly rewarding experience that boosted my confidence, enhanced my employability and reaffirmed my passion for pursuing a career in digital business.

I would strongly recommend Salford Business School to any student who is passionate about digital business and looking for a high-quality, practical, and industry-focused education that will set them up for success in their chosen careers.

Advice for future students

For anyone considering joining Salford Business School, particularly for the MSc Digital Business programme, I would offer the following advice:

  1. Be proactive in your learning: The MSc Digital Business programme is designed to provide you with a comprehensive foundation in digital business, but to truly maximize your learning, it’s essential to take a proactive approach. Engage actively in class discussions, seek out additional resources, and don’t hesitate to ask questions or seek guidance from your tutors and peers.
  2. Embrace practical learning opportunities: Salford Business School offers numerous opportunities for practical learning, such as the Industry Collaboration Project (ICP) internship. Make the most of these opportunities, as they provide invaluable real-world experience and can help you stand out in the job market after graduation.
  3. Stay up-to-date with industry trends: The digital business landscape is constantly evolving, so it’s crucial to stay informed about the latest trends, technologies, and best practices. Attend guest lectures, read industry publications and follow thought leaders on social media to stay ahead of the curve.
  4. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone: The MSc Digital Business programme will challenge you to grow both personally and professionally. Embrace these challenges, even if they push you out of your comfort zone. Whether it’s leading a group project, presenting to a large audience or tackling a complex business problem, these experiences will help you develop the skills and confidence needed to succeed in your career.
  5. Take advantage of the support available: Salford Business School offers a wide range of support services, from academic tutoring and career guidance to mental health and well-being resources. Don’t hesitate to reach out and take advantage of these services, as they can help you navigate the challenges of postgraduate study and set you up for success.

Life after Salford

I have a clear vision of what I want to pursue after graduating from the MSc Digital Business programme at Salford Business School. My primary goal is to become a digital transformation consultant, leveraging the knowledge and skills I have gained during my studies to help organisations navigate the complexities of the digital landscape and drive meaningful change.

I am particularly passionate about the healthcare sector and the potential for digital technologies to revolutionize the way healthcare is delivered and experienced. During my time at Salford Business School, I had the opportunity to work on a health-tech project where I applied my AI and machine learning skills to develop predictive models for improving patient outcomes. This experience not only reinforced my interest in the health-tech space but also sparked my entrepreneurial spirit.

In addition to pursuing a career as a digital transformation consultant, I am eager to embark on an entrepreneurial journey with my health-tech project. I plan to further develop and refine the AI-powered solutions I worked on during my studies, with the ultimate goal of launching a startup that can make a real impact in the healthcare industry. I believe that my experience at Salford Business School has equipped me with the technical skills, business acumen, and innovative mindset needed to succeed as an entrepreneur in the health-tech space.

Furthermore, I am also considering the possibility of pursuing further academic research in the field of digital business and health-tech. The MSc Digital Business programme has ignited my curiosity and passion for research and I am interested in exploring opportunities to contribute to the growing body of knowledge in this field, whether through a Ph.D. programme or industry-based research projects.

Overall, my experience at Salford Business School has opened up a world of exciting possibilities for my future career. Whether I am working as a digital transformation consultant, launching my own health-tech startup, or pursuing further research, I am confident that the skills, knowledge, and networks I have gained during my time at Salford will be invaluable assets in achieving my goals and making a positive impact in the digital business world.

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