Student looks back on GCU experience and reveals future aspirations

A Business Management student has reflected on his time at GCU and offered advice to other students looking to develop personally and professionally during their time at University.

Anthony McDonald spoke to us about his four years of learning - both online and on campus. He also reflected on the importance of getting involved in extra-curricular activities and his desire to set up his own software programming company in future:

Coming to study at GCU

“I grew up in Portugal and spent 14 years there – my parents have got bars over there. From a young age, I was involved in a lot of the decision making processes and even helped work the till! So I’ve had that business experience from a young age and the idea of doing a degree related to it really appealed to me. I basically wanted to learn the theory behind it so I could go and set up my own business later on. I was looking at universities in Glasgow and had also considered doing a law degree, but eventually decided to come to GCU.”

Time at university

“I feel as if my experience is different to most people because I did it through covid. If you asked the vast majority of my cohort they would probably say they never enjoyed it that much, but I actually loved the online work. I liked that you can pause and play the lectures at your own pace. I also don’t drink and I’m not one for partying so that side of things never really interested me and I certainly didn’t miss it when we went into lockdown. I also saved myself a one hour trip to and from university, so that was quite enjoyable.“

Upskilling

“During third year, I actually sat a Maths A-level in addition to my coursework. I knew at that point that I was considering a career in programming, so I had to develop a basic understanding of calculus. For three months before that, I was learning programming and learned Java because I knew I needed to be ready for the next stage when I graduated from my business management degree.”

Returning to campus

“In terms of academic achievement, year three was definitely the best because I had more time to study. I do enjoy talking to people though, and being back on campus this year has given me that opportunity to network a lot more. I talked to my lecturer Julie Roberts a lot at the end of classes and I was also able to pick the brains of various other guest speakers. Year four has been really enjoyable for me because it’s given me that chance to make connections, which will help me in future.”

Extra-curricular activities

“I jumped at the chance to become a class rep in first year but covid had a big impact on students talking to each other, so I decided to step away in second and third year. When things went back to normal this year I decided to go for it again and it’s been really rewarding. I think being in contact with staff at GCU is really important because of their experience. Being in charge of the student voice is also sort of empowering because I can work with the students to put our perspectives across.”

GCU Students’ Association Societies

“During my time at GCU, I’ve also been a member of the Drama Society, Esports Society and Muay Thai team.  I’ve been involved in acting since I was young, I like playing games and I love to exercise – it’s been the perfect combination for me. It’s important to be focused on your studies but you’ve also got to have that time where you switch off – it’s just not possible otherwise.

“Being involved in a society is also really good for future employers as well. I was on the Drama Society’s committee and took up the role of Treasurer. There wasn’t a huge amount of spending because it was during the pandemic but having that role and knowing that I was in charge should something happen almost sort of grounds you and gives you a different type of purpose beyond your studies. I also met my girlfriend at the Drama Society and that’s an example of how a lot of people don’t just come to university to learn, they come to university to further their life. Finding someone is a large part of that and I’m lucky the society gave me that."

ADHD

“I’ve not had it diagnosed but I definitely have ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). I spend a lot of time ‘learning to learn’ and how to do it effectively. I’ve passed on my experience to potential students at applicant days and tried to reassure them. We have an amazing library at the university that gives students the perfect space to work – even in silence on the third and fourth floor, if that’s what they want. Obviously being at home works well for me to properly zone into my work, but there are spaces on campus you can do the same sort of thing.”

Future

“I’m now going to go and study a Masters degree in software development at the University of Glasgow. I mostly got into programming after one of my friends said to me that I should look at software development due to my passion for gaming. I wasn’t convinced at first, but I like problem solving and there’s a lot of problem solving involved in that.

“That conversation actually set me on my way to my future plan. I enjoy business and I enjoy software, so why shouldn’t I combine them? I could either become a business manager or I could set up my own company. There’s a lot of office politics that goes on in organisations that I don’t agree with, and I don’t want that in my career. I think setting up my own business is the path I need to take and I’m excited for that next chapter.”

You can find out more about the BA (Hons) Business Management programme here.

By Ross Clark  
Got an SHLS or GSBS story? Email me at Ross.Clark@gcu.ac.uk or message me on Twitter