Empowering Business Managers: The Crucial Role of Legal Knowledge

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Management expertise is often lauded as the cornerstone of success in the competitive business arena. However, an unsung hero is equally pivotal in steering companies towards prosperity: legal knowledge. Understanding the law is not just necessary for legal professionals; it’s a crucial asset for managers across all levels of a business organization.

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Why Legal Knowledge Matters for Managers

Management students might initially baulk at the idea of delving into legal studies. The dream of becoming a top-tier manager in a multinational company often doesn’t include grappling with legal jargon. Yet, the reality is starkly different. Legal acumen is not a luxury but a necessity, even more so in smaller organizations where a dedicated team of lawyers is a distant dream.

Costs, Profits, and Legal Implications

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For any profit-oriented enterprise, the bottom line is king. Legal considerations are integral to cost-cutting and profit-enhancing strategies. Without a basic understanding of the law, even the most business-savvy managers can find themselves at a disadvantage, unable to navigate the complexities of legal constraints and opportunities that directly impact financial outcomes. Not all organizations have the luxury of an in-house legal department. Smaller entities may lack the resources, while even medium-sized firms might find it impractical to maintain a legal team for every possible scenario. Given the multinational operations of most companies today, legal expenses significantly affect financial outcomes, making at least a foundational legal education not just a theoretical concept but a practical necessity for managers.

The Manager’s Role in Legal Decision-Making

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As managers climb the corporate ladder, the expectation for legal literacy rises. Decisions made without considering their legal implications can lead to dire consequences for the organization. A manager’s ability to foresee and mitigate legal risks is desirable and expected. Managers at all levels are expected to comprehend the legal consequences of their actions, with higher-ranking individuals bearing a greater responsibility for legal awareness.

Legal Knowledge as a Decision-Making Framework

A solid grasp of legal concepts provides a framework for decision-making. It informs managers of the rights and protections available to the company and its stakeholders. In today’s globalized business environment, where companies operate across borders, understanding these legal rights is essential for making informed and strategic decisions.

The Broad Impact of Legal Understanding

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Comprehending corporate, consumer, and commercial law is essential for establishing standards in product quality, safety, operational procedures, and human resources and safeguarding the rights of the company, its customers, suppliers, and workforce. It’s a strategic tool for managers that can lead to better, more informed, and ultimately more profitable business decisions. As the business world becomes increasingly complex and interconnected, the value of legal understanding only grows. For aspiring managers, embracing legal studies is not just an academic exercise; it’s an investment in their future leadership potential.

This blog post highlights the importance of legal knowledge in business management. We offer a number of 100% online programmes with a focus on business law. Take a look and see if we have anything that interests you. Please feel free to chat LIVE on WhatsApp with one of our Education Advisors for more information.

NINE Simple Tips to Help in Career Advancement

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For most of us, career advancement is probably the most important goal in our lives. From the day we join the corporate world, climbing the corporate ladder is all we can think of, and that is what we focus all our attention on. But it is a rat race, and we will be competing with a number of people for the same position, and it can get challenging to stand out in the crowd.

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Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you’ve considered changing companies, even if it meant a pay cut? Perhaps you were denied a promotion despite a stellar appraisal and a higher-than-average salary increase. It’s a common dilemma. But how can you differentiate yourself from others who have worked just as hard and equally deserve that promotion?

In the ever-evolving landscape of the professional world, staying stagnant is not an option. Continuous growth is essential for career advancement and personal fulfilment. Here are some practical tips to help you keep growing professionally:

(1) Embrace Lifelong Learning

Never stop learning. The pursuit of knowledge is endless, and the more you learn, the more valuable you become. Take advantage of online courses, workshops, and seminars. Read books, listen to podcasts, and stay updated with the latest trends in your industry.

(2) Set Clear Goals

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Define your career objectives. Setting clear, achievable goals gives you direction and motivation. Break down your long-term goals into short-term milestones and celebrate your achievements.

(3) Develop Soft Skills

Polish your soft skills. Technical expertise is crucial, but soft skills like communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability set you apart. They enhance your ability to work effectively and lead others.

(3) Network Effectively

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Build a robust professional network. Networking isn’t just about collecting contacts; it’s about building relationships. Attend industry events, join professional associations, and engage in online communities relevant to your field.

(4) Maintain Work-Life Balance

Find a healthy work-life balance. Professional growth shouldn’t come at the expense of your personal life. Manage your time wisely and make sure to recharge so you can perform at your best.

(5) Seek Feedback

Welcome constructive criticism. Feedback is a powerful tool for improvement. Seek it actively from your peers, supervisors, and mentors. Reflect on it honestly and use it to refine your skills and work habits.

(6) Reflect and Adapt

Reflect on your experiences. Regular self-reflection allows you to assess your progress and identify areas for improvement. Be adaptable and willing to change course if necessary to achieve your goals.

(7) Take on Challenges

Step out of your comfort zone. Growth often happens when you’re willing to take on new challenges. Volunteer for projects that stretch your abilities, and don’t shy away from complex tasks.

(8) Be Proactive

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Take the initiative. Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you; create them. Propose new ideas, lead projects, and show that you’re capable of driving change.

(9) Stay Positive

Keep a positive attitude. A positive mindset can be infectious and can open doors to new opportunities. It helps you overcome setbacks and maintain the resilience needed for long-term growth.

By incorporating these strategies into your professional life, I hope you will set yourself on a path of continuous growth and development. Remember, the journey of professional growth is a marathon, not a sprint. Stay committed, stay curious, and keep pushing forward.

If you want to future-proof your resume, learn something new, certify what you know, network with professionals globally, or take on a new challenge, consider getting a globally recognised master’s degree. Take a look at our list of online programmes and see if we have anything that interests you.

You can also chat LIVE on WhatsApp with one of our Education Advisors for more information on all the programmes we offer, the application process, and the discounts we might offer.

International Business Communication – What languages should you know to be effective?

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International business is the exchange of goods, services, and ideas across national borders. In today’s global business environment, you must consider several critical factors when operating in multiple countries, such as complying with local and international laws and regulations that affect your business, trade agreements, tariffs, labour standards, intellectual property rights, and environmental policies. You must also respect and adapt to the local culture and customs that influence your business, such as communication styles, business etiquette, social norms, and ethical values.

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Effective communication with your international business partners and local governments is the first step to achieving this. Language is more than a mere tool for communication; it is the fabric that weaves together the tapestry of human culture and identity. It is an art form, a science, and a cornerstone of civilisation. Speaking multiple languages is one of the essential skills for international business. Learning a foreign language can help you expand your business opportunities, build relationships, and gain a competitive edge in the global market.

So, which languages are the most important for international business?

There are several factors that you should consider when deciding to learn a language that can have a positive impact on how you and, by extension, your organisation are viewed by your international business partners and clients, such as:

(1) Your target market and industry. Choosing a language that matches your target market and industry would be best. It would be best to research the countries, regions, or sectors you want to do business with and the languages they speak, use, or prefer. It would help if you also looked at the industry outlook, the competition, the opportunities, and the threats in your chosen market and industry.

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(2) Your return on investment. It would be best to choose a language offering a high investment return. You should evaluate the cost, time, and effort involved in learning a language and the benefits, rewards, and outcomes that you can expect from it. You should also consider the availability, accessibility, and quality of the language learning resources, programs, and courses you can use.

(3) Your interests and goals. You should choose a language that aligns with your passion, curiosity, and ambition. You should also consider your previous academic background, work experience, and skills and how they can help you excel in your chosen language and field.

While it is essential to carefully choose a language that would best benefit the goals of your international business, a few languages could be considered a “business standard”, and you could only benefit from learning them.

(1) English. English is the world’s most widely spoken and used language, with around 1.5 billion speakers as a first or second language. It is also the official or dominant language of many top economies, such as the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, India, and Australia. English is the lingua franca of international business, as it is the common language of communication, negotiation, and trade among people from different countries and cultures. Learning English is essential for anyone wanting to succeed in the global market, as it can help you access information, resources, and networks and demonstrate professionalism and credibility.

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(2) Mandarin Chinese. Mandarin Chinese is the most spoken language globally, with approximately 1.1 billion people speaking Mandarin Chinese. It is also the official language of China, the second-largest economy and the largest trading partner in the world. China is a major international business player with leading manufacturing, technology, e-commerce, and infrastructure industries. Learning Mandarin Chinese can help you tap into the vast and growing market of China, as well as build rapport and trust with Chinese customers, clients, and partners.

(3) Spanish. Spanish is the second most spoken language in the world, with around 500 million speakers as a first or second language. It is also the official or co-official language of 21 countries, mainly in Latin America, a region with high economic potential and diversity. Spanish is also widely spoken in the United States, with the largest economy and the third-largest trading partner globally. Learning Spanish can help you expand your business opportunities in the Americas.

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(4) French. French is the fifth most spoken language in the world, with around 300 million speakers as a first or second language. It is also the official or co-official language of 29 countries, mainly in Africa, a continent with high population growth and development prospects. French is also widely spoken in Europe, Canada, and the Caribbean, regions with strong economic and cultural ties. Learning French can help you access new and emerging markets in Africa and enhance your business relations in Europe and North America.

Learning a foreign language can be a rewarding and worthwhile investment for international business. You can enhance your skills, knowledge, and career prospects by choosing a language that suits your interests, goals, and market. The languages mentioned above are just a few that I believe are some of the most important ones to know for international business, but they are not the only ones. Depending on your specific needs and preferences, you can also consider other languages, such as German, Portuguese, Hindi, Japanese, or Russian. The key is to find a language you enjoy and benefit from learning and commit to it with passion and dedication.

Explore several specialised master’s/bachelor’s/PhD degree programmes that Robert Kennedy College offers through exclusive partnerships with top British universities. You could also get in touch with our team of admission advisers on WhatsApp, who can look at your profile and give you some advice.

If you have already made up your mind, click here to apply.

FIVE tips that can help you select the right specialisation for your master’s degree

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It is always great to have options when making a significant, life-changing decision. And generally, the more options we have, the more accurately we can choose what suits us. On the flip side, if you are unsure what you want, too many choices might confuse you.

What will be your choice? Photo by Hansjörg Keller on Unsplash.

When I did my master’s degree in business, even though there were a few specialised degrees at that time, most of us just stuck with the big four generic specialisations – marketing, HR, finance and IT.

A master’s degree in business can be a versatile and valuable degree that can help you advance your career in various fields and industries. However, choosing the right specialisation for your master’s can be a challenging and crucial decision, as it can determine your future prospects and opportunities. There are many factors to consider when selecting a master’s specialisation, such as your current and future career goals, interests, strengths, market demand, salary potential, and personal growth.

The following are FIVE tips that can help you make an informed decision when choosing a specialisation for your master’s degree in business.

1. Assess your interests and strengths. You should choose a specialisation that aligns with your passion, curiosity, and aptitude. You should also consider your previous academic background, work experience, and skills and how they can help you excel in your chosen field.

Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya on Unsplash.

2. Consider your career goals and aspirations. Choose a specialisation that matches your vision, purpose, and ambition. It would help if you also thought about the roles, responsibilities, and challenges you want to take on and the impact you want to make in your industry or society.

Photo by Razvan Chisu on Unsplash.

3. Research the market demand and trends. Choose a specialisation with high demand, growth potential, and relevance in the current and future job market. It would be best to look at the industry outlook, the competition, the opportunities, and the threats in your chosen field.

4. Evaluate the salary and return on investment. Choose a specialisation that offers a lucrative and competitive salary and a good return on your investment (a master’s degree from a reputed and globally recognised university can be expensive). You should also consider the cost, duration, and quality of the master’s degree program and how it can affect your financial situation and career prospects.

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5. Seek advice and guidance. Consult your mentors, peers, professors, or career counsellors who can offer insights, suggestions, or feedback. You can also read online reviews, blogs, articles, or forums, where you can find helpful information and opinions from other business degree students or graduates.

These are just a few tips that I believe will help you make an informed decision when choosing a master’s degree specialisation that works best for you. Please comment below if you have any other suggestions or tips to help our readers make a more informed decision.

Explore several specialised master’s/bachelor’s/PhD degree programmes that Robert Kennedy College offers through exclusive partnerships with top British universities. You could also get in touch with our team of admission advisers on WhatsApp, who can have a look at your profile and give you some advice.

If you have already made up your mind, click here to apply.

Keeping Track of Your New Year’s Resolutions

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Now that January is done and dusted and the excitement of the new year is long in the past, it is time to look back on all the resolutions we made in the heat of the New Year’s hullaballoo. Most of us would have made many frivolous resolutions, but sprinkled among these resolutions, I am sure there are some vital resolutions and goals that have to be achieved. Click here to learn how to choose resolutions that matter.

One of the reasons why people fail to keep their resolutions is that they don’t track their progress and results. Tracking your resolutions can help you stay motivated, focused, and accountable. It can also help you measure your success and celebrate your achievements.

There are many reasons to keep track of your goals, such as:

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  • Providing clarity and refinement of your goals.
  • Monitor the progress of your goals and enable you to adjust your plans to achieve your goals.
  • Keeping track of the goals you have achieved will provide you with the motivation needed to achieve your pending goals.
  • Helping you analyse your successes and failures and learn from them to improve and grow.

But how can you best keep track of your resolutions?

There are many ways to track your resolutions, depending on your preferences, needs, and goals. Here are some of the most common and effective methods:

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  • Write down your goals and resolutions: The step might sound basic and not something you should be reminded about. But how many of us put pen to paper (or enter it into our laptops/phones/tablets) and note these so-called “important” resolutions? You can use notes to write down your resolutions, action plans, daily or weekly tasks, progress, challenges, insights, and reflections. You can also use it to express your thoughts and feelings about your resolutions.
  • Use a planner: The devil is in the details. People who use a calendar know how useful it can be to increase efficiency and keep track of progress. The organiser/calendar is a tool that can be far more useful than reminding you of your next meeting – it helps you keep track of the goals you have to achieve, how far you have gone and how much further you have to go to achieve your goals. Create a calendar that contains every milestone on the road to your goals, and break them down as much as you can – week/month/quarter (however long you can go). You can use it to schedule tasks, set deadlines, mark milestones, and plan rewards. You can also use it to visualise your progress and see how your resolutions fit into your life.
  • Data and Charts: As professionals in the modern workforce, we are all familiar with data analytics, spreadsheets, charts and graphs. Is there a better tool to use than something you already know? A spreadsheet or a chart is a powerful way to track your resolutions. You can use it to create tables, graphs, or diagrams that show your data, such as your inputs, outputs, indicators, or metrics. You can also use it to analyse your data and see the trends, patterns, or correlations related to your resolutions.
  • Use the power of technology: Can you even imagine a life before smartphones and apps? Life has become so much easier and fun because of smartphones, but a smartphone without apps is just a regular phone. Apps make everything we do so much easier and, in some cases, fun. An app or a tool is a convenient and fun way to track your resolutions. You can use it to record your actions, track your outcomes, set reminders, receive notifications, and access your resources. You can also use it to gamify your resolutions and earn points, badges, or rewards for your achievements.

Have I missed any points you feel can help someone stick to their resolutions? I hope the few ideas shared here can help you stay on track and achieve your goals in 2024. How were you planning on tracking your resolutions? Comment below.

If your resolution for this year is to do a master’s degree or learn something new, then explore the number of specialised master’s degree programmes offered by Robert Kennedy College through exclusive partnerships with top British universities. Or, if you have already made up your mind, click here to apply.

#DILO (A day in the life of) a master’s student

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Through the #DILO series of blog posts, we have been bringing you insights into the life of our master’s students, sharing their thoughts and opinions, ups and downs, and key learning points during their online studies. The whole idea behind this series is to make you aware of the realities of online studies and help you in making a decision.

This week, we look at a day in the life of one of our MSc Human Resource Management and Development student. Let’s hear about his experience studying for an online master’s degree programme.

An Introduction

Which university are you studying with?

University of Salford (UoS)

Which programme did you choose and why?

MSHRD – the field that I am currently working.

Who you are, really?

A proud RKC student 🙂

The Study Plan

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How did you plan to study each module, and what was the reality? How many hours did/do you have to put in each day/or in a week?

It was very hard planning to study as I have my own business and children. I panned two hours a day/ 3 days a week for studies. This time was not enough for me. Realistically, I should have put at least 10 hours every week for studies and research.

What part of the day did/do you find most suitable to study? (e.g. early mornings, lunch break, evenings, weekends?)

Evenings and weekends.

How much time did you devote for each assignment?

Each assignment took me the time allotted. Simply put, I started on the research as soon as I received the topic. and sometimes, it seemed as if the three weeks was not enough.

Travelling and Communication

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How did travelling impact your ability to study?

I did not have to travel a lot so it did not impact me.

How were you able to interact with peers and/or professors given the time differences?

It was difficult. In my situation, there were two classes where I met two other ladies that lived not very far from my house, so it was easy to have study sessions. In dealing with professors, I usually emailed with questions and always got a prompt response back. Studying online is always a challenge as the face to face is never there.

A typical day as a master’s student

What does a typical day as an Online Masters’ student look like for you?

In the morning it starts with work and maybe during the day, if not busy at work, will work on research for my paper and then in the evenings, will spend a couple of hours with my reading and then on weekends will work on my paper.

Any advice you have for students to better plan their studies

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Start from day one. Don’t procrastinate as 3 weeks goes by very fast. The material is a lot of go over and then you have the work to do. Keep in touch with your professor and ask any questions you have for clarifications as you work on your assignments. Reach out to peers, as they can be helpful as well. Usually peers will create a WhatsApp group, be a part of it..it makes it seem as if you are in a classroom…as it can be very noisy. A great program. Goodluck and I wish you well.

If you are considering getting your master’s degree, now would be an excellent time to take the plunge. Look at our programme list and see if we have anything that could help.

I hope this blog has answered some of your questions, and please watch this place for more similar blogs. You can also chat LIVE on WhatsApp with one of our Education Advisors for more information on all the programmes we offer, the application process, and the discounts we might offer.

FIVE Gifting Ideas for people who work/study online!

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On behalf of the staff and students at Robert Kennedy College, I wish you, our readers, and your families a Merry Christmas!

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‘Tis the season to be jolly: a time of happiness, hope, and celebration. A time when families come together, and broken friendships are mended. A time of holiday and exchanging gifts. A time for children and Santa Claus.

Giving customised gifts can be challenging, especially if you want the gift to be useful and meaningful. Gifting ideas becomes more of a challenge if the gift is for someone who spends most of their time working or studying online from home.

People who work or study from home face unique challenges and opportunities. They need to be self-motivated, organised, and tech-savvy, but they also have the flexibility and convenience of working/studying from anywhere and anytime. If you want to surprise someone like this with a thoughtful and useful gift this season, here are some gift ideas to make their online working/learning experience more enjoyable and productive.

1. A subscription to Cloud Storage

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One of the worst things that could happen to an online student is losing their files due to a computer crash, a virus, or a human error. That’s why having a backup of their files is essential for online students. A subscription to services such as Dropbox, Google Drive, iCloud or any other reliable cloud storage service can help them store, access, and share their files securely and easily from any device.

2. Coffee Maker

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There is nothing like a good cup of coffee for a pick-me-up; according to me, it is the drink of the gods! People who work/study from home need a boost of energy and alertness to keep up with their busy schedules and deadlines, especially since, most of the time, things can get lonely and boring when you spend long hours working or studying alone. But before you buy the coffee maker, find out their preference – do they prefer to grind their coffee beans or use coffee pods or coffee powder? Buy a product that they will use.

3. Ergonomic Chair

Most people know that spending all day in front of their computer studying or working can be mentally fatiguing. But what most don’t understand is it can also have an impact on their bodies. Back pain, especially lower back pain, is a big issue for those who work from home. Apart from exercising regularly, having a good ergonomic chair with lumbar support can go a long way in preventing back pains and will be a much-appreciated gift.

4. Motivational quote/poster

Sometimes, staying at home all day – every day can be a challenge by itself; it can get lonely and demotivating. Many struggle with motivation, especially when dealing with distractions, isolation, or procrastination. When one starts to feel their mind slipping, a glance at an appropriate quote can help them stay inspired and focused on their goals. The motivational poster, placard or sticker can feature a quote, a mantra, a word, or an image that resonates with them and reminds them of why they are pursuing their education or should stay focused on their work. If you know the person well, you could even customise the message from something from their lives or remind them why they are doing what they are doing.

5. A pair of Bluetooth earphones

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People who work/study from home must attend online meetings, listen to lectures, podcasts, videos, and other audio materials, and participate in online discussions, presentations, and meetings. Bluetooth earphones with a microphone can help them do that without wires or cords getting in the way. Bluetooth earphones with a mic can also provide them with noise cancellation, high-quality sound and voice transmission, and long battery life. So don’t skimp; buy a good pair like Apple Air Pods, Sony, or Samsung; they will last long and provide quality sound.

These are just a few gift ideas for people who work/study from home/online that will make their work/learning experience more enjoyable and productive. Your thoughtful support will be appreciated if you choose a practical, fun, or sentimental gift. Happy holidays!

Explore several specialised master’s/bachelor’s/PhD degree programmes that Robert Kennedy College offers through exclusive partnerships with top British universities. You could also get in touch with our team of admission advisers on WhatsApp, who can have a look at your profile and give you some advice.

If you have already made up your mind, click here to apply.

When is the Right Time to do a Master’s Degree?

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Deciding when to do a master’s degree can be a challenging and personal choice, as it depends on various factors such as your goals, interests, finances, work and family commitments and the challenges of life in general.

A master’s degree is an advanced academic qualification that can help your career growth and increase your knowledge. It is a difficult decision, especially if you have been away from a school learning environment for a long time.

Do you do it right after getting your bachelor’s degree, or do you do it after working for a few years?

Option 1: Doing it Right After Your Bachelor’s Degree

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Continuing your education right after completing your bachelor’s degree, without taking a break or working in between, can have some advantages, such as:

  • Maintaining academic momentum and motivation and avoiding losing touch with your subject or skills.
  • Increase your chances of getting a better job or salary sooner, as you will have a higher level of qualification and specialisation than most of your peers.

However, there are also some drawbacks to this option, such as:

  • Not having enough work experience or practical knowledge to apply what is learnt from experience to the master’s degree.
  • Not knowing if what you are studying will be valid or even something you want to do for the rest of your professional life.
  • Competition from those with a master’s degree and work experience, especially in fields where experience is valued more than education.

Option 2: Doing it After Working for a Few Years

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Working for a few years after completing your bachelor’s degree and then going back to school for a master’s degree can have benefits, such as:

  • Gain practical knowledge that can help apply what is learned practically to the master’s degree.
  • Having time to determine your interests and where you want to take your professional career. You can have a clearer idea of your career goals and interests and a stronger motivation to pursue further education.
  • Having time to plan your finances by saving money for your education, getting better terms on your education loans or getting your company to sponsor your education.

Some of the challenges to this option could be:

  • Losing academic momentum and motivation.
  • The longer you take to start your master’s degree, the more commitments you might have that can be stressful and demanding.
  • Might have to sacrifice career opportunities or growth.

Option 3: Doing it Later in Your Career

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Deciding to do a master’s degree after working for many years or reaching a senior or managerial position can have some advantages, such as:

  • Leveraging your extensive work experience and practical knowledge to enrich your master’s degree learning and outcomes.
  • Updating your skills and knowledge to stay relevant and competitive in the changing job market.
  • You can pursue your personal or professional interests and fulfil your lifelong learning aspirations.

However, there are also some disadvantages to this option, such as:

  • Additional financial commitments that can have an impact on your lifestyle.
  • Most people who chose this option will continue to work and will learn in parallel to their job commitments. If you cannot balance your personal and professional commitments, learning can be an added challenge to your time management.
  • The challenge of returning to school after a long time and figuring out how to learn effectively all over again.

So, when is the Right Time?

There is no definitive answer to this question. It depends on the individual’s situation and preferences. However, here are some tips that may help you make a decision:

  • Assess your current and future goals, interests, and needs and how a master’s degree can help you achieve them.
  • Understand the requirements, costs, benefits, and challenges of doing the master’s degree at this point.
  • Seek advice from your mentors, peers, professors, or family.
  • Adapt to changing circumstances and be open to opportunities.

If you have been thinking about doing a master’s degree and are ready to challenge yourself, look at our list of programmes and see if we have anything you are interested in doing.

You can also Chat LIVE on WhatsApp with one of our Education Advisors for more information on the programme that is right for you, the application process, and details on discounts we might be offering at this time.

Have you been laid off from work? Here are FIVE tips to help you get back on your feet.

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Most of us have either had the unpleasant experience of getting laid off or know someone who has. It is not something that any of us want to go through, and it can impact not only the person who has been laid off but also the people who may be dependent on them. Getting laid off is an experience we can never be prepared for, even when we know it is coming. We may have commitments dependent on a regular pay cheque, and suddenly, not getting that pay cheque could lead to defaults and hardships.

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In case you are unfortunate to get laid off, remember, while things don’t look good right now, it is not the end of the world. You first need to step back, take a deep breath, and take stock of your situation – things are never as bad as you think.

Here are FIVE tips you could take to help you get back on your feet.

1. Take care of yourself

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Taking care of yourself is the first step to getting back on your feet. Getting laid off will take a psychological toll on you and will take time to get over, and the first step to take is practising self-care, such as eating well, sleeping enough, exercising regularly, and doing things that make you happy. I have mentioned this in several of my earlier blogs as well – don’t be afraid to ask for help and support, be it from your friends, family, teachers, mentors or colleagues. Taking care of yourself will help you maintain your physical and mental health, as well as your confidence and motivation.

2. Take stock of your finances

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Getting laid off means you will be cut off from a source of income for the immediate future, and depending on your financial commitments, it can significantly impact your life and family. Check on the support systems that might be in place, such as unemployment benefits, severance pay, or other assistance programs that can help you cover your expenses while you look for a new job. Also, while most of us might have savings, now is the time to tighten up more – cut down on all unnecessary expenses and create a new budget, considering your new financial situation. A clear picture of your finances will help you avoid stress and make informed decisions.

3. Time to update your professional profile

Nowadays, the number of resources available to job seekers is vast. From employment agencies to professional networking sites to online job listings, the options are endless when searching for a new job. Update your resume to reflect your current skills, achievements, and goals, listing the projects you have worked on and the results you have delivered. Tailor your profile to match the work you are seeking. Updating your resume and online profile will help showcase your value and attract potential employers.

4. Networking

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Most of us don’t realise the network we have created over the years. Every activity you have engaged in has made an impression and a network. You have been creating a network from your school days through university and even from your previous employments; don’t be afraid to connect to this network for help. You could even ask your family and friends to contact their networks. Don’t be afraid to ask, as no one loses anything, and if you get employment, you will benefit from it, and your new employer will get a motivated employee.

5. Be open to new careers

The opportunities and career options available today can be endless. Your skill sets might match perfectly with a career path completely different from what you have been following. Be flexible and open-minded in your job search. You may want to consider changing industries, roles, or locations if you see a demand for your skills or a growth potential.

Being laid off can allow you to reinvent yourself and advance your career.

If you are looking to future-proof your resume, help you get back on your feet from a layoff or reinvent your professional self by getting a globally recognised master’s degree, then look at our list of programmes and see if we have anything that could help. You can also chat LIVE on WhatsApp with one of our Education Advisors for more information on all the programmes we offer, the application process, and the discounts we might offer.

#DILO (A day in the life of) a master’s student

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Through the #DILO series of blog posts, we have been bringing you insights into the life of our master’s students, sharing their thoughts and opinions, ups and downs, and key learning points during their online studies. The whole idea behind this series is to make you aware of the realities of online studies and help you in making a decision.

This week, we look at a day in the life of one of our MSc students and a Supply Chain Officer by profession. Let’s hear about his experience studying for an online master’s degree programme.

An Introduction

Which university are you studying with?

University of Salford (UoS)

Which programme did you choose and why?

MSc in Procurement, Logistics and Supply Chain Management. Having been in supply chain management for well over 20 years, I felt that acquiring advanced qualifications would enhance my unique capabilities in supply chain management. My overall goal is to offer consulting services independently as a consultant or contractor.

Who you are, really?

I am a Supply Chain Officer (Procurement). My brief involves acquiring goods, works, services, consulting and non-consulting services for a project funded by the World Bank in the energy sector.

The Study Plan

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How did you plan to study each module, and what was the reality? How many hours did/do you have to put in each day/or in a week?

By allocating at least three hours daily for each unit in the morning and after a day’s work, spending weekends studying and sometimes reading up to midnight to catch up with the tutorial offered by UoS and RKC. By adhering to my study schedule, it worked for me.

What part of the day did/do you find most suitable to study? (e.g. early mornings, lunch break, evenings, weekends?)

Early mornings and an hour or two in the evening. On Saturday, I spent the whole day studying and on Sundays, half a day.

How much time did you devote for each assignment?

I devoted at least a week to full-time revision, drafting, and finalising the assignment of the work schedule.

Travelling and Communication

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How did travelling impact your ability to study?

Much of it is positive. However, there was one episode in which I was negatively impacted when, on an overseas travel, I experienced network problems and, unlucky, fell unwell for a whole week during the final submission time.

How were you able to interact with peers and/or professors given the time differences?

Ensuring I respond to all posts and participate actively when I have time. Every time after work, I went through all posts and submitted my posts to any forum discussions.

A typical day as a master’s student

What does a typical day as an Online Masters’ student look like for you?

Extremely busy for me. However, the programme was very flexible, which helped with my tight work schedule.

Any advice you have for students to better plan their studies

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One has to have an interest in the studies. This is quite self-motivating and gives one the impetus to keep studying despite the challenges of a busy work schedule.

If you are considering getting your master’s degree, now would be an excellent time to take the plunge. Look at our programme list and see if we have anything that could help.

I hope this blog has answered some of your questions, and please watch this place for more similar blogs. You can also chat LIVE on WhatsApp with one of our Education Advisors for more information on all the programmes we offer, the application process, and the discounts we might offer.

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