A conversation with Nicole
In this Q&A, Nicole reflects on what inspired her to pursue the programme, how she navigated the challenges of studying alongside a demanding job search, and the ways the course has transformed her thinking, analytical skills, and career outlook.
What made you realise it was the right time to pursue this programme?
Pursuing the MA in International Affairs at King’s College London has been one of the most rewarding academic decisions I’ve made.
I reached a point in my career where I wanted to broaden my perspective beyond markets and economics and engage more deeply with the global issues shaping today’s geopolitical landscape. I’ve always been drawn to people, cultures, and ideas outside the United States, and I knew it was the right time to pursue this programme when I realised I wanted a more structured, rigorous way to explore those interests.
King’s exceptional reputation, the flexibility of the online format, and the opportunity to specialise made the decision clear.
How were you feeling before starting your first module?
Before starting my first module, I felt a mix of excitement and nerves. My background is in business and asset management, and I had no formal training in International Affairs or academic writing. I wondered how steep the learning curve would be.
At the same time, I hoped the programme would challenge me intellectually, strengthen my analytical thinking, and expose me to new frameworks for understanding global events. Those hopes have been exceeded.
The academic approach at King’s is distinct from what I experienced in the United States, and it has pushed me beyond my comfort zone in the best possible ways. The quality of the feedback, the structure of the online platform, and the depth of the material have already made a meaningful impact on how I think and write.
How did you balance your studies alongside work and family commitments?
Balancing the programme with existing commitments requires intention and consistency.
Having completed an MBA while working full-time — and even studying Turkish during a demanding career — I already understood the importance of planning ahead and securing support from family members who might be affected by my studies.
My strategy was simple: use the time you have today because you never know what tomorrow will bring.
Studying in small, consistent blocks and taking advantage of any downtime makes the workload manageable. Avoiding procrastination is key. The modules move quickly, and staying engaged from the start helps you build momentum.
Was there a moment when you realised you were mastering a new skill?
One moment that stands out occurred during an assessment. The assignment required not just summarising complex geopolitical developments but evaluating them through competing theoretical frameworks — something far outside the concise, opinion-driven communication style I was accustomed to after 25 years in asset management.
As I worked through the analysis, I realised I was no longer approaching the material as a market analyst trying to reach a quick conclusion. Instead, I was weighing historical context, interrogating assumptions, and building a structured argument grounded in evidence.
When I received feedback noting my analytical progression, it was a turning point. I could see that the programme’s combination of lectures, readings, and webinars had fundamentally reshaped how I think, write, and debate. It was the first time I felt I was truly mastering a new academic skill set, and it was incredibly rewarding.
What was the biggest challenge you faced during your studies?
The biggest challenge I faced was balancing the programme with an unexpectedly intense job search.
I was laid off and have been self-funding my studies while living off savings. Managing that level of professional pressure alongside academic deadlines became increasingly difficult.
What made a meaningful difference was the support of my Student Success Advisor. They were responsive, practical, and genuinely invested in helping me navigate both responsibilities. Whether I needed clarity on deadlines, help with planning, or simply reassurance during a stressful period, they provided steady support that allowed me to remain engaged with the programme despite competing demands.
How have you applied what you’ve learned in your professional or personal life?
One of the first moments I realised the programme was reshaping my thinking occurred during my job search.
I was evaluating several roles outside my traditional field, and instead of reacting quickly or relying on instinct — as I often did in my previous career — I found myself applying a much deeper analytical framework to assess each opportunity. That shift came directly from the programme’s emphasis on critical thinking and reflective analysis.
More broadly, I no longer take information at face value. I examine the credibility of the source, the context surrounding it, and the potential downstream implications. This mindset has led to a far more structured and confident decision-making process, both in interviews and when evaluating career opportunities.
What lasting impact will this programme have on your work and community?
I now understand international affairs at a much deeper level — whether it’s the role of NATO, the United Nations, or the dynamics shaping current geopolitical tensions. I can follow political, intelligence, and security analysis with far greater clarity, and I’m able to explain these issues to others in a way that is grounded, nuanced, and accessible.
Professionally, this means I can bring a more global, context-driven perspective to any role I take on, even outside traditional international affairs fields.
Personally, it means I can help my family and community make better sense of world events with more accuracy and less noise.
Most importantly, I feel empowered to take on new challenges — whether academic, professional, or personal — with a deeper sense of context and confidence. The programme has expanded not just what I know, but how I think.
What advice would you give to prospective students?
My biggest piece of advice is to embrace the learning process.
You don’t need a background in International Affairs to succeed. What you need is curiosity, consistency, and a willingness to think differently. The programme will challenge you, but it will also give you the tools to rise to that challenge.
Be proactive with your time. Use the moments you have today because life will always introduce unexpected demands. Stay engaged, avoid procrastination, and take advantage of the support available — from faculty to Student Success Advisors.
Most of all, remember that the programme goes by faster than you expect. If you stay open, disciplined, and genuinely curious, you’ll come out of it with a sharper mind, a broader perspective, and a renewed appreciation for learning. It is absolutely worth the journey.