Virginia Emmanouil
"Overall, postgraduate study is an eye-opening experience of self-discovery. Unlocking the unknowns and stepping out of your comfort zone just simply add to the thrill of the endeavour."
Entry year
2021Why did you choose to study your course at Surrey?
An important factor that influenced my decision towards this masters degree is the fact that the University of Surrey’s School of Hospitality and Tourism Management is ranked 1st in the UK and among the top 10 in the world alongside its cutting-edge research and excellent graduate employment prospects.
What do you like about your course?
From the very first moment I started this course, I really liked the interplay between academic staff, students and digital technologies. Help comes in many forms. All the modules are very well-structured and consistent.
"...you were able to tailor your course to suit your career aspirations with the help of the optional modules"
I quite liked that in the second semester, you were able to tailor your course to suit your career aspirations with the help of the optional modules. Lastly, one thing that I never thought I would experience during my masters programme, was to have the chance to publish my paper in the Journal of Business Research. Even though it did not work out in the end as I needed 10 more participants to complete my research, getting involved with the academic community was a very important lesson.
What are the academic staff and facilities like on your course?
I really valued the caring disposition and support provided by the academic staff alongside their passion about their subject. As for the academic facilities, the University of Surrey has a variety of facilities and resources to support its researchers.
What course did you study before, and where did you study?
I did my first degree in Business Management at the Surrey Business School (SBS).
Are you part of any clubs or societies? How have they contributed to your Surrey experience?
This past year, I have been offered to be a course representative of my small student cohort. It has been a fulfilling experience as it provided the opportunity to serve as a liaison between students and academic staff while making students’ voices and feedback being heard.
Have you lived in University accommodation? If so, what is/was it like?
Although my masters degree was delivered solely online via distance learning, I chose to live in Surrey’s University accommodation because I wanted to have the human connection with professors and library resources whenever possible. As regards the University accommodation, there are many types of rooms that suit all budgets and requirements (i.e. quality, location and cost).
How do you spend your time on campus?
I enjoy spending time either in the library and by the lake. And because a picture is worth 1,000 words…
(Photo: Virginia Emmanouil)
What careers support have you received?
"career advisers... supported my job-hunting by providing one-to-one appointments along with a wide variety of online workshops"
Throughout my masters degree, I have received invaluable support from my both academic tutors and career advisers. They respond to my queries very promptly and get back to me with helpful advice and tips on whatever part of the course I had a query about. As for the career advisers, they supported my job-hunting by providing one-to-one appointments along with a wide variety of online workshops (e.g. CV, application and interview support).
Do you have any advice for students thinking about postgraduate study?
Embarking on a postgraduate journey can be both exciting and daunting. Overall, postgraduate study is an eye-opening experience of self-discovery. Unlocking the unknowns and stepping out of your comfort zone just simply add to the thrill of the endeavour.
What do you plan to do following your postgraduate course at Surrey?
I have been accepted as a Graduate Talent and Culture trainee in the Arora Group, a UK-based property management company. So, I look forward to kick-starting my human resources career in hospitality.
Discover more about our postgraduate programmes in the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, including our MSc in International Hospitality Management with Digital Innovation.
