Facing the Fear of Uncertainty and Embracing the Unknown

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Life is an unpredictable journey, filled with unexpected twists and turns.

While some people love the thrill of the unknown, many become paralysed by dread. The fear of the unknown is a difficult roadblock that prevents us from realising our full potential and living life to the fullest. But with courage and resiliency, one may overcome this anxiety and embrace the unknowable. We’ll look at practical methods in this blog post to overcome our fear of the unknown and live happier lives.

Fear of the unknown is a roadblock that prevents us from realising our full potential

Recognise Your Fear

The first step towards conquering any fear is to acknowledge its existence. Recognise that fear of uncertainty is a normal human inclination and accept it. You may deal with this fear skillfully and constructively if you recognise it rather than suppress it.

Find the root cause.

Understanding the source of your fear will help you better understand why you’re afraid of the unknown. The past might influence this emotion, a lack of control, or a fear of failing. By recognising these triggers, you can confront them head-on.

Develop a Growth Mindset

Adopting a growth attitude is essential to overcome your fear of the unknown. Accept the notion that difficulties and ambiguity present chances for development and education. Consider the unknown an opportunity to broaden your horizons and acquire new experiences rather than a danger.

Develop mindfulness

You may stay grounded in the here and now by practising mindfulness, lowering anxiety about the future. Regular meditation and mindfulness techniques can train your mind to respond calmly to unexpected situations and become more at ease with life’s uncertainties.

Adopt a growth attitude to overcome your fear of the unknown.

Taking Baby Steps

Getting over your fear of the unknown doesn’t require you to make drastic adjustments right now. Begin by gradually stepping outside of your comfort zone. Expose oneself to novel situations, difficulties, and doubts gradually. Your confidence will grow, and your worry will lessen with each modest victory.

Visualize fruitful results

When faced with uncertainty, our minds frequently accentuate unpleasant scenarios. Visualising successful outcomes will help you overcome this temptation. Visualise yourself thriving and prospering in new circumstances. This encouraging visualisation lets you change your state of mind from dread to exhilaration.

Seek Assistance

Inform your support group, loved ones, or friends about your anxieties. Talking about your concerns can frequently bring relief and a new perspective. People that support and elevate you may be a great source of strength when things are unsure, so surround yourself with them.

Pay Attention to What You Can Control

By definition, we cannot control the unknowable. We always have control over our reactions and behaviours, though. Focus on the present and what you can do to prepare for the future rather than worrying endlessly about what might occur.

Study your past mistakes.

Think back to occasions when you overcame uncertainty and emerged stronger. Keep in mind your tenacity and the lessons you acquired. To tackle current uncertainties with renewed confidence, draw strength from those experiences.

Create a Supportive Schedule

Establish a regimen for the day that promotes comfort and stability. It can be simpler to deal with uncertainties when they come when your life is ordered and gives you a sense of control and certainty. Find things to do that help you feel grounded, and arrange them into your day.

Reframe failure as an opportunity for learning.

The prospect of failure is frequently what makes people afraid of the unknown. View failure differently by seeing it as a springboard for development and advancement. A lot of successful people have failed numerous times before succeeding. Accepting failure as a necessary learning component will make you more inclined to take risks.

Learn for Yourself

Fear can be effectively treated with knowledge. When faced with uncertainty, spend time learning about the circumstance or challenge. Knowing more about it might help you feel more confident and calmer whether you’re embarking on a new endeavour, moving to a new city, or anything else.

Set reasonable goals

When dealing with the unknown, it’s imperative to have reasonable expectations. Not everything will go as planned, and that uncertainty inevitably carries some unpredictability. Accept the possibility of hiccups; they are just a part of the journey.

Accept Flexibility

You must be flexible and ready to adjust to new circumstances to overcome your fear of the unknown. Recognise that adaptability is a skill and that life rarely happens as you expect. You can deal with uncertainty more graciously if you can adapt.

Salute Your Success

Celebrate and acknowledge the advancements you make along the road. Regardless of the outcome, every step you take to face the unknown merits praise. Any success is worth celebrating since it fosters good behaviour and promotes development.

Seek Professional Help

Consider getting professional assistance if your dread of the unknown overpowers you and interferes with your everyday activities. You can get helpful support and direction from a therapist or counsellor to overcome your concerns and create successful coping skills.

It takes time, self-compassion, and perseverance to overcome the fear of the unknown, and this path continues. By incorporating these tactics into your life, you can gradually gain the fortitude to face uncertainty with greater strength and resilience. Remember that anxiety about the future is acceptable, but don’t let fear prevent you from leading an exciting and rewarding life. If you embrace the allure of the unknown, you’ll discover that it opens up doors to opportunities and new experiences you never imagined were even conceivable.

The fear of the unknown can be a formidable force that hinders personal growth and happiness. Nevertheless, with a determined mindset and the willingness to embrace uncertainty, you can overcome this fear and open yourself to a world of possibilities. Remember that life’s most rewarding moments often lie beyond what is familiar, and by stepping into the unknown, you can discover a stronger, wiser, and more resilient version of yourself. So, take a deep breath, trust in your abilities, and embark on a journey of self-discovery and growth—one enriched by embracing the beauty of the unknown.

Do not let the fear of the unknown stop you from following your dream of pursuing a Master’s programme. Trust that it will be the most rewarding experience at the end of the programme. Take the first step and speak to one of our education advisors today. Conquer the fear of the unknown and embrace success.

Unlocking corporate success: Understanding the employee value proposition

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In today’s competitive job market, attracting and retaining top talent has become more challenging. Companies increasingly realise the importance of developing a strong Employee Value Proposition (EVP) to differentiate themselves and create an engaging and fulfilling work environment. In this blog post, we will delve into the concept of the Employee Value Proposition, explore its significance, and discuss how it can contribute to organisational success.

Defining Employee Value Proposition

The Employee Value Proposition (EVP) is the unique set of offerings and benefits an organisation provides its employees in exchange for their skills, capabilities, and commitment. It represents the value employees receive beyond their salaries, such as career development opportunities, work-life balance, company culture, rewards and recognition, and the overall employee experience.

In a highly competitive job market, a compelling EVP can be a powerful tool for attracting and recruiting high-quality candidates. Photo credit: Canva.com

Importance of EVP

A strong Employee Value Proposition (EVP) can have several positive effects for both employees and the organisation as a whole

  1. Attracting Top Talent: In a highly competitive job market, a compelling EVP can be a powerful tool for attracting and recruiting high-quality candidates. It communicates to potential employees why they should choose your organisation over others, emphasising its unique advantages and opportunities.
  2. Increase Employee Engagement: An effective EVP can significantly enhance employee engagement. Engaged employees are more productive, innovative, and dedicated to achieving the organisation’s goals. When employees feel their needs and aspirations are met, they are more likely to be committed, motivated, and enthusiastic about their work.
  3. Improve Retention Rates: A robust EVP can increase employee retention rates. A positive EVP can create a sense of loyalty and commitment among employees, reducing turnover and the costs associated with recruitment and onboarding. Employees who feel valued and fulfilled in their roles are less likely to seek opportunities elsewhere.
  4. Enhance Employer Brand: A strong EVP builds a positive employer brand. It establishes a reputation as an organisation that values its employees, invests in their development, and provides a supportive and fulfilling work environment. A positive employer brand attracts top talent, enhances the organisation’s image, and can lead to increased customer loyalty and positive brand perception.
  5. Boost Productivity and Performance: Employees who feel valued and supported are likelier to go the extra mile and perform at their best. A strong EVP creates a sense of purpose and satisfaction in their work, leading to increased productivity and higher-quality output. Engaged and motivated employees are also more likely to seek opportunities for growth and improvement, driving overall performance levels within the organisation.
  6. Support Organisational Goals: An EVP aligned with the organisation’s mission, values, and strategic objectives can drive employee behaviours that support those goals. When employees feel a strong connection between their work and the organisation’s purpose, they are more likely to work towards achieving its vision and contributing to its success.
  7. Foster Innovation and Creativity: A positive EVP encourages an environment that fosters innovation and creativity. Employees who feel supported and empowered are likelier to contribute new ideas, take calculated risks, and challenge the status quo. A strong EVP creates a culture that values and rewards innovation, leading to increased competitiveness and adaptability in the marketplace.
  8. Enhance Employee Well-being and Satisfaction: A robust EVP addresses the holistic well-being of employees, including their physical, mental, and emotional health. Organisations can enhance employee satisfaction and overall well-being by offering benefits, resources, and support programs that promote work-life balance, employee wellness, and a positive work environment.
  9. Competitive Advantage: A well-crafted EVP can give your organisation a competitive edge by differentiating it from competitors. It helps create a distinct employer brand and establishes your organisation as an employer of choice.
A strong EVP creates a sense of purpose and satisfaction in their work, leading to increased productivity and higher-quality output. Photo credit: Canva.com

Components of a Strong EVP

To enhance the Employee Value Proposition (EVP) and provide a compelling offering to employees, organisations can consider implementing the following elements:

  1. Competitive Compensation: Offer fair and competitive salaries that align with industry standards and reflect the value employees bring to the organisation. Additionally, consider performance-based bonuses, profit-sharing, or stock options to incentivise and reward outstanding contributions.
  2. Comprehensive Benefits: Provide a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, retirement plans, and other perks like wellness programs, gym memberships, or flexible spending accounts. Tailor the benefits to meet the diverse needs of your employees.
  3. Career Development Opportunities: Invest in employee growth and development by offering training programs, mentorship opportunities, and career advancement paths. Provide resources for continuous learning, certifications, and skill-building to empower employees to reach their full potential.
  4. Work-Life Balance: Promote work-life balance by offering flexible work arrangements, such as remote work options, flexible schedules, or compressed workweeks. Encourage employees to take vacation time and provide policies that support parental leave, caregiving support, and personal time off.
  5. Positive Company Culture: Foster a positive and inclusive company culture that values diversity, collaboration, and respect. Create opportunities for social engagement, team-building activities, and employee resource groups. Encourage open communication and transparency throughout the organisation.
  6. Recognition and Rewards: Implement a robust recognition program that acknowledges and rewards outstanding employee performance and achievements. Celebrate milestones and successes publicly to boost morale and motivation. Provide regular feedback and constructive evaluations to help employees grow and improve.
  7. Meaningful Work: Ensure employees find their work meaningful and aligned with their passions and skills. Offer autonomy and empower employees to take ownership of their work. Provide opportunities for employees to work on challenging projects, contribute to the company’s mission, and make a real impact.
  8. Supportive Leadership: Develop strong leadership that is accessible, supportive, and encourages employee growth and development. Create opportunities for regular check-ins, mentorship, and feedback sessions to foster a positive relationship between managers and employees.
  9. Work Environment and Facilities: Provide a comfortable and well-equipped work environment that supports productivity and well-being. Consider providing amenities like on-site cafeterias, fitness centers, or relaxation areas. Offer modern office spaces, ergonomic furniture, and state-of-the-art technology.
  10. Employee Engagement Programs: Develop employee engagement initiatives, such as employee recognition programs, team-building events, volunteering opportunities, or employee resource groups. Encourage cross-functional collaboration and create a sense of community within the organisation.
Provide regular feedback and constructive evaluations to help employees grow and improve. Photo credit: Canva.com

Building an Effective EVP

  1. Understand Your Target Audience: Conduct research to understand your target talent pool’s needs, expectations, and aspirations. Tailor your EVP to address their specific desires and motivations.
  2. Assess and Align Internal Practices: Evaluate your current practices, policies, and company culture to identify improvement areas. Ensure your EVP aligns with your organisation’s mission, values, and strategic goals.
  3. Communicate Consistently: Develop clear and compelling messaging to communicate your EVP to current and potential employees. Leverage multiple channels, such as your company website, social media, and recruitment campaigns, to consistently promote and reinforce your EVP.
  4. Measure and Evolve: Regularly evaluate the effectiveness of your EVP through surveys, feedback mechanisms, and employee retention metrics. Adapt and refine your EVP based on the feedback to ensure its continued relevance and impact.
An effective Employee Value Proposition (EVP) is a powerful tool to help organisations create a compelling employer brand. Photo credit: Unsplash.com

In today’s talent-driven landscape, organisations must go beyond offering competitive salaries to attract and retain top talent. An effective Employee Value Proposition (EVP) is a powerful tool to help organisations create a compelling employer brand and enhance employee satisfaction and engagement. It is essential to tailor the EVP to meet your employees’ specific needs and aspirations. Regularly seek feedback, conduct surveys, and engage in open dialogue to understand what matters most to them and continuously refine your offerings. By providing a compelling EVP, organisations can attract and retain top talent, enhance employee satisfaction, and drive overall success.

Part 2: Economic predictions for 2023 – All you need to know about Recession

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Welcome back readers. Continuing about the economic predictions for 2023, let’s understand what recession is, its cause and effects on global economy. 

What is a Recession and How Does It Affect the Economy?

A recession is a period of economic decline characterized by a contraction in economic activity. It is typically measured by a decline in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) over two consecutive quarters. Recessions can have significant and far-reaching effects on the economy and can lead to high levels of unemployment, reduced consumer spending, and a decrease in business profits.

The COVID-19 pandemic led to a global economic recession in 2020, with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) estimating that the world economy contracted by 3.5% that year. The pandemic also led to widespread job losses and business closures, with many countries implementing lockdowns and social distancing measures to slow the spread of the virus.

What causes a recession?

Recessions are often caused by a variety of factors such as a decline in consumer confidence, a decrease in business investment, or a financial crisis. During a recession, businesses tend to cut back on spending, which can lead to job losses, reduced salaries, and a decrease in overall economic activity.

Fiscal and Monetary Policy Measures: Since last year, Banks have aggressively raised interest rates to bring inflation under control. This would cool the consumer demand as borrowing becomes expensive, resulting in less spending and slower price growth. 

The global economy is projected to grow by 4% in 2021, following a contraction of 4.3% in 2020. Photo credit: Canva.com


Global GDP Growth: According to the World Bank, the global economy is projected to grow by 4% in 2021, following a contraction of 4.3% in 2020. However, the recovery is expected to be uneven across countries and sectors, with some countries and industries experiencing a slower recovery than others.

Unemployment Rates: Unemployment rates have increased in many countries as a result of the pandemic and recession. In the United States, for example, the unemployment rate rose from 3.5% in February 2020 to 14.8% in April 2020 before declining to 6.7% in December 2020. As of January 2022, the U.S. unemployment rate was 4.2%.

Inflation: Inflation has been a concern for many countries as the global economy recovers from the pandemic. In the United States, inflation has risen to its highest level in over 30 years, with the consumer price index (CPI) rising by 7% in December 2021 compared to the previous year. The Federal Reserve has responded by raising interest rates and tightening monetary policy.

How Can We Prepare for a Recession?

While it is difficult to predict when a recession will occur, there are steps that individuals and businesses can take to prepare for an economic downturn. Here are some strategies to consider:

Build up savings: Having a cushion of savings can help individuals and businesses weather a recession. Aim to save at least 3-6 months’ worth of expenses or revenue.


Reduce debt: Reducing debt can help individuals and businesses manage their finances during a recession. Consider paying off high-interest debt and reducing expenses.

Diversify investments: Diversifying investments can help minimize the impact of a recession on your portfolio. Consider investing in a mix of stocks, bonds, and other asset classes.

Focus on cash flow: During a recession, cash flow is key. For businesses, focus on improving collections and managing inventory. For individuals, consider taking on extra work or selling unused assets to generate extra income.

Stay informed: Stay up to date on the latest economic news and trends. This can help you make informed decisions about your finances and investments.

In conclusion, recessions can be challenging and have far-reaching effects on the economy. However, with careful planning and preparation, individuals and businesses can minimize the impact of a recession on their finances and even use it as an opportunity for growth and innovation.

Effect of recession

The effects of a recession can be particularly severe for certain groups of people, such as those in lower-income brackets, as they may be more vulnerable to job loss and reduced access to credit. Recessions can also lead to a decrease in public services, as governments may need to cut back on spending to manage their budgets.

Global economic activities are affected heavily by geopolitical trends. The world economic forum suggests that amongst major factors resulting in slow down of business activity in 2023 are weak consumer demand and high cost of borrowing. This downturn would result in cutting business operational expenses and optimizing supply chains.

Photo credit: World Economic Forum

Correlation of Recession to Inflation:

The relationship between recession and inflation is complex and can vary depending on the specific economic conditions at play. In general, however, recessions and inflation are often seen as opposite sides of the same coin, with recessions tending to put downward pressure on inflation and expansions tending to put upward pressure on inflation.

During a recession, economic activity slows down, which can lead to lower demand for goods and services. As a result, businesses may lower their prices to stimulate demand and stay competitive, leading to lower inflation or even deflation. In addition, high levels of unemployment during a recession can reduce workers’ bargaining power, leading to lower wages and less pressure on employers to increase prices.

On the other hand, during an economic expansion, increased demand for goods and services can lead to higher prices and inflation. This can be exacerbated if there are supply constraints, such as a shortage of workers or raw materials, which can drive up prices further.

During an economic expansion, increased demand for goods and services can lead to higher prices and inflation. Photo credit: Canva.com


It’s important to note that the relationship between recession and inflation can be influenced by a range of factors, including government policies, international trade, and changes in commodity prices. In addition, there can be lags between changes in economic activity and changes in inflation, as businesses may take time to adjust their prices and workers may negotiate wage increases on an annual basis.

Overall, while there is no direct causal relationship between recession and inflation, the two are often intertwined in complex ways, and policymakers must consider both factors when making decisions about monetary and fiscal policy.

Can recession be avoided?

Recessions are a natural part of the economic cycle, and it is difficult to completely avoid them. However, there are some steps that can be taken to reduce the likelihood and severity of recessions:

Fiscal Policy: Governments can use fiscal policy to stabilize the economy. During times of economic growth, governments can save money, pay down debt, and build up reserves, so they have more resources to use during a recession. During a recession, governments can use fiscal stimulus measures such as tax cuts, infrastructure spending, and transfer payments to help boost demand and support the economy.

Monetary Policy: Central banks can use monetary policy to stabilize the economy. During a recession, central banks can lower interest rates and increase the money supply to encourage spending and investment. During periods of high inflation, central banks can raise interest rates and tighten monetary policy to cool down the economy and reduce inflationary pressures.

Structural Reforms: Governments can implement structural reforms that make the economy more efficient and more resistant to shocks. For example, reforms that increase competition, reduce regulation, and promote innovation can help the economy adapt to changes in the global marketplace.

International Cooperation: International cooperation can help reduce the likelihood and severity of recessions. For example, countries can work together to reduce trade barriers, coordinate their fiscal and monetary policies, and share best practices for economic management.

It is important to note that while these steps can help reduce the likelihood and severity of recessions, they cannot eliminate them. Recessions are a natural part of the economic cycle, and they can be caused by a variety of factors, including natural disasters, geopolitical events, and changes in consumer behavior. However, by implementing sound economic policies and promoting international cooperation, governments and central banks can help create a more stable and resilient global economy.

On a brighter note, recessions can also lead to opportunities for economic growth and innovation. For example, during the Great Recession of 2008, the rise of new technologies and increased competition led to the growth of the gig economy and other forms of flexible work. Similarly, many businesses have used recessions as an opportunity to restructure and streamline their operations, leading to increased efficiency and profitability.

Share your thoughts about recession in comments below.

Newest programmes by Robert Kennedy College (RKC) – All you need to know about Bachelor’s in Business Administration

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A bachelor’s programme is a stepping stone in the field of specialisation in which one wants to build their career. Bachelor’s degree is a degree awarded by a college or university in the subject of choice upon completion of undergraduate studies.

A bachelor’s degree enables you to gain advanced knowledge of the subject, learn new ideas, enhance employability skills, boost earning potential and provide networking opportunities. Obtaining a bachelor’s is usually the first step towards achieving a higher academic degree like a master’s or doctorate.

 A bachelor’s degree is usually the first step towards achieving a higher academic degree

While a bachelor’s degree can be pursued soon after finishing high school, it has become increasingly common for people to undertake a programme later in life as well.

Traditionally one had to go to a university to study bachelor’s degree. But in the modern context, earning a bachelor’s degree online has become much easier.

RKC has pioneered business and legal education online for over 24 years, allowing thousands of professionals from every continent to achieve new heights in their lives and careers. Today you can benefit from our latest bachelor’s in business administration programmes.

Robert Kennedy College offers the following two bachelors programme in business administration:

  1. Diploma in Business administration
  2. BA (Hons) Business Administration

Diploma in Business Administration

The diploma programme offers fundamental knowledge and understanding of business administration and management. This programme is suitable for someone looking to advance their career in any industry, equipped with advanced business intellect to help improve businesses and their operations.

Five reasons to study Diploma in Business Administration:

  1. The Diploma is delivered in partnership with the University of Cumbria, rated in the top 10 in the UK for developing business leaders and ranks 14th overall in the Top 50 universities for business.
  2. The course can be studied entirely online to graduate in just nine months. 
  3. Enhance your employability with strong problem-solving aptitude, practical business knowledge and skills and applied leadership.
  4. No traditional examination system, but one learns through real-life case studies, essays and assignments.
  5. Gain entry to the next step in your career: study Bachelor’s BA (Hons) in Business Administration.
 The course can be studied entirely online to graduate in just nine months

The programme consists of the following six Level 5 modules. Each module is worth 20 credits:

Organisational Behaviour

Services Marketing

Culture and International Business Systems

Corporate Social Responsibility in Practice

Global Economics 

Operations Management

BA (Hons) in Business Administration

BA (Hons) in Business Administration is a bachelor’s degree programme offered by the University of Cumbria, UK, ranked 8th in the world (Times higher education impact rankings). The programme is provided exclusively to the RKC’s diploma graduates who have gained a solid foundational knowledge of business subjects.

University of Cumbria, UK

The programme is delivered online and can be completed in as little as 12 months.

The bachelor’s programme consists of four modules. The Level 6 modules total 120 credits, including a 40 credits independent business project:

Business Psychology (20 credits)

International Marketing (20 credits)

Global Business (20 credits)

International Human Resource Management (20 credits)

Business Independent Project (40 credits)

Upon successful completion, an internationally recognised British Honours degree is awarded by the University of Cumbria.

 Upon successful completion, an internationally recognised British Honours degree is awarded by the University of Cumbria.

The bachelor’s programme serves as a solid base to launch and spearhead a career in business. Apply online today and become part of a professional network of business students. Chat live on WhatsApp with our education advisors to learn more about the admission procedure, eligibility requirements, fee structure, payment plan and upcoming intakes.

Advance your career with a master’s degree in the modern job market. Here are FIVE reasons you should study for a master’s in 2023!

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Today’s job market is highly competitive and challenging. To prove your metal, one has to exhibit why you outshine in the crowd of thousands of job applicants. Higher education has increasingly become necessary for anyone seeking career advancement. And in today’s dynamic environment, just a bachelor’s degree may not suffice to get the top jobs. A master’s degree in your specialization will help expand your knowledge base and experience required to make your next career move or get the promotion.

Photo credit: Unsplash.com

The benefit of a master’s degree to you in 2023

Everyone has their reasons to pursue a master’s programme. Here are some popular ones:

1. Shield against recession and job cuts

Once you equip yourself with master’s degree knowledge and skills, you level yourself above the rest of the employees. The employer will choose the employees who are better qualified and experienced should the situation of job cuts arises. One can better their chances of sustaining their jobs and ensure job security by creating value for the company.

One can better their chances of sustaining their jobs and ensure job security by creating value for the company.

2. Building a vast professional network

While studying for a master’s, one of the benefits is that you get to interact with like-minded professionals. One gets to know people from different cultures, intellects, and business acumen from across the world. The connections you make are made from the standpoint of mutual learning and growth, which usually are impossible to make at the workplace due to competition and professional jealousy. These connections last forever. 

3. Potential of earning a higher salary package

Depending on your field – a master’s degree usually means the potential of earning a higher compensation package. Being a master’s degree graduate, you can negotiate your pay package on your terms. Employers recognise the value you bring to the table and are willing to offer compensation dollars ($$) accordingly.

4. Better probability of promotions

Having a master’s degree betters your chances for that promotion at work by raising your bar to the top candidates running in the competition. So, if you are aware of any arising opportunity for promotions at your workplace in 2023, start your application for a master’s degree now.

5. Advanced knowledge

You maybe are the head of the department running the show for the company in sales, finance, supply chain, marketing, commercial law or artificial intelligence. One feels the need for new ideas to run a business efficiently and increase profitability by implementing new/better business processes. Beyond a point, one needs to learn management and leadership skills to be a better manager and effective leader. Such knowledge can be acquired by furthering your horizon with a master’s degree.

I can extend another reason for you to start a master’s programme in 2023 with the special fee promotion. You can now join a master’s programme with a deposit of just 500 CHF. Also, benefit from discounts up to 2,100 CHF. You can connect with our education advisors on WhatsApp for a live chat to learn about the application process for intakes starting in January 2023.

What is your reason for starting a master’s in 2023? Share in the comment section below, and get started with the next steps now!

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

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As a former Education advisor, if I had to pick one of the most frequently asked questions by prospective students, it would be “How many hours do I need to study?”  

The vast majority (if not all) of our students are working and leading hectic professional lives. Some are motivated and have already decided to undertake a master’s, while others contemplate the unknowns of an online programme. In my experience, two things affect their decision the most.   

First – finances, and second, being able to strike the perfect work, study, and life balance. While I cannot completely help you with the finances (partially yes – check out the discount offers currently being offered on our online MBA, MSc, and LL.M programmes), I thought what I could do to help was to bring some facts to light about the other unknowns – what does a typical day in the life of an online master’s student look like?  

Today, we’re looking at overview of one of RKC’s student typical day who is taking MBA Learsership and Management, offered in exclusive partnership with York St. John University.

An Introduction  

Which programme did you choose and why?  

I am studying MBA Leadership and Management. I chose it because I am a finance professional but work with the Operations unit which oversees the running of the office. And leadership and Management skills are required be able to manage people.

The Study Plan   

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?  

The course is conducted online. I mostly study on weekends and sometimes week days in the office when everyone has left. I usually listen to lectures and make my own notes from them. In total, I put in more than 10 hours a week, as I also have to do research and listen to the videos over and over, alongwith reading relevant text books.

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

On weekends I would study early mornings and also late evenings. On weekdays, I preferred studying late evenings after work in the office when everyone would leave. I usually stay back for at least 2 hours.

In total, I put in more than 10 hours a week

How much time did you devote for each assignment?  

Quite some time you need to do proper research and also understand your subject matter for you to be able to get a pass mark. So I had to drop out some social commitments and devote more time to my studies.

Travelling and Communication  

Did you travel for work? How did travelling impact your ability to study?  

I am studying online so travelling did not impact me.

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

There was a module that required a group interaction and my fellow students lived in two different time zones. But we were able to agree on a time that we could meet. Time differences did not affect my interaction with my professors as they always responded to me in time and they could be reached whenever need be.

A typical day as a master’s student  

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

A typical day for me starts early at about 5:30am on weekends with me going to our OnlineCampus listening to videos and reading the online materials. On week days it also starts at 5:30am and getting ready for work. I usually work till 6:00pm and after I finish, would study for 2 hours, sometimes more in the office.

Any advice?  

 Any advice you have for students to better plan their studies.  

The best advice I can give to students is

1. Find a time in the day for up to 2 hours that you can concentrate on just your studies

2. Reduce social activities especially if you are working and studying at the same time

3. Try to ask a lot of questions to your professor if you don’t understand the instructions given for an assignment. I had to retake a module because I misunderstood the instruction.

4. Find a fellow student within the course you are doing, with who you can discuss few topics for better understanding.

5. Learn to submit assignment 2-3 days before the deadline. You might get unexpected internet challenge uploading your assignment at the last minute and miss the deadline by few minutes which will make you get a capped mark.

 

Guochang used reading tools, as Acrobat for reading, Zotero for note…

All right, so this was a sneak peek of a typical day in  life as a master’s student. I hope you find it insightful and informative and that it gives you an idea of what to expect when you enrol for our master’s programmes. Watch this space as we have many more interesting insights always! 

Art of overcoming writer’s block – 5 easy ways to conquer the fear of writing assignments 

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Have you ever encountered writer’s block? Ever felt evasive when it comes to academic writing? Or procrastinate until the last-minute submission deadline?  

Do not worry. You are not alone. I have encountered writer’s block more often than I thought I would.  

What are the main reasons one feels anxiety about academic writing or writing in general?  

There could be several reasons for fear and anxiety. Here are some of the common causes:  

1. I am not a good writer 

This, hands down is one of the foremost causes of anxiety about writing. Not having confidence or faith in one’s writing skills can have a long-standing effect on a person. Having writer’s block could be misunderstood as the inadequacy of flair of writing. Sometimes we tend to compare ourselves with our fellow students or colleagues who seem very natural and good at writing. One may believe that no matter how much effort and hard work they put in, they can never attain perfection or good scores for the assignment.  

  • Photo credit: canva.com

2. Writing is not my cup of tea  

It is expected that one refrain from practising things that we do not excel in or require additional effort. Writing may seem outwardly difficult (maybe impossible) and thus a time-consuming task. It can be challenging to stay motivated when an assigned task seems difficult!  

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3. Language resistance  

You will inadvertently feel uncomfortable writing in English if English isn’t your native language. One may not have adequate vocabulary built to express their ideas and thought processes.  

4. Lack of time  

We are all busy multi-tasking and juggling work, family, and studies simultaneously. There is always stress and fear if you will be able to finish and submit the assignments on time. And the situation could get worse if you are a procrastinator (like me…) who would always run out of time on assignments.  

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5. I lack knowledge 

There are high chances that you experience writer’s block if you are not well versed with the topic of the assignment or do not have a clear understanding. You will feel the pressure of necessity of correctness and formality inhibiting. You may seem lost trying to figure out where to start writing, lack original ideas and fear critical judgement if quality work is not delivered.  

While it may seem to be a grave issue, there are simple ways with which one can conquer the fear and anxiety of writing.   

Here are 5 simple ways:  

1. Follow 3 R’s of writing  

For effective writing, the first and foremost step is to follow the 3 R’s – Read, Research, Reread. When submitting assignments, one needs to be a pro on the topic. Knowledge is power. Read as much as you can from different sources. The more you research and read, the easier it will be to present your thoughts and ideas on the assignment topic. Visit various resources to solidify your thoughts before starting.  

2. Mind-mapping  

Once armed with the power of knowledge, practice mind-mapping. Start writing down ideas, create an outline and write bullet points. If you are more of a visual’s person, draw a flowchart of your ideas right from the introduction to the conclusion of the assignment. And then proceed to elaborate your thoughts on each of the points.  

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3. Start early  

Never add another stress point to an existing stress mix. If you feel you run out of time, always give yourself leeway and start well in advance of the assignment submission deadline. This will provide you with more time to read and research and brew your ideas.  

4. Practice makes perfect  

To overcome one’s fear, sometimes the best remedy is to face it head-on. Practice your writing on other subject related ideas and get in the habit of formulating and practising presentations. In due course, you will feel comfortable and develop positive writing experiences.  

5. Just start!  

Turn away from any distractions that are stopping you from accomplishing your goal. Simply start writing, no matter what and get yourself started on writing. When you achieve this first step, congratulate yourself and jump to the next step.  

I hope these easy five ways will help you overcome writer’s block. I know there are many other methods that might work or have worked better for you. Which method did you use?  Share some of the tips in the comments section below. 

The Subtle Art of Saying No

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Ever wondered why we tend to say “yes” to people when we really don’t want to? Blame it on human psychology or human beings being social animals. We find it extremely difficult to say no to anyone.  

We adore attention and feel gratified when others admire us, trust and look up to us. But when this takes the form of constant requests and more work for yourself, you detest being the go-to person. People want to say yes because they are afraid, afraid to disappoint others. We feel personally responsible for letting others down if we decline their proposition or their request for help. During these troubled times, with businesses being in jeopardy, everyone is overwhelmed, constantly working, and juggling work and relationships. Everyone is over-extended, and it is not the best soil to grow ideas or make sound business decisions.  

Are you saying a “good yes” or a “bad yes”?

What begins as an intent to help becomes a bad “yes” – simply because you do not have the productive capacity or knowledge to complete the task. Such a “yes” is bound for failure. When there is so much asking around in an organisation and collaborative overload, one should focus on moving to good yesses and good nos to avoid failures.  

How to say No?  

You have decided that you are going to turn down someone’s request to undertake a task. Now comes the even more difficult part: actually saying “no”! How do you effectively communicate your decision?  

Begin with a positive statement by appreciating the opportunity extended your way, that you were considered worthy enough to do justice to the job. But present your “but” in a way that shows you have carefully considered the proposition and convey the “why” of your decision. Let them realise that you did not decide to say no lightly, that the “no” was not because you are lazy, un-zealous to learn, or simply being difficult.  

Saying no can be an onerous process but trust me, it will prove to be more productive for yourself and the business. Base your decision on this checklist:  

1.    Do not let fear decide  

If you fear that saying “no” will stress your work relationship, remember that saying “yes” when you cannot deliver the results will stress you and the relationship even more. If the working relationship turns sour just because you said “no”, then it was never meant to be. Let it go.  

A decision taken under duress leads to stress on oneself and on work relationships

2.    Evaluate the proposition  

I know from personal experience when we are new to an organisation or a job, we are eager to learn because knowledge is power. Gain that power but keeping in view the quality you are gaining. Ask yourself what ‘value addition’ can you get from this task. Ask questions such as why, when, and what is needed for the task. Doing due diligence on someone’s request is respecting them and yourself.  

3.   Remember what you want to be known for  

What may seem like an opportunity to learn for you could become an opportunity for others to learn a thing or two about you. When you say “no”, back it up with legitimate and fair reasons, tell them why the proposition is not worth your time or effort or simply that you do not have that kind of time to invest in this project. You already have enough on your plate. When the other person: your boss, your client, your colleague, hears your side of the story, they will understand your situation, and you will become known for your work ethics and values. You will be known for authenticity and for being a good decision-maker. Everyone will respect your decision when you say “no” the next time because they will know there is a genuine reason behind it, and it’s just not a lack of interest or laziness involved. They will even bring better propositions to you that you will find difficult to turn down. They will try to please you and not the other way round.  

When you say “yes” to someone’s request, you commit to executing and delivering results.

4.    Deliver results  

The only consideration that should drive your professional decisions should be results. When you say “yes” to someone’s request, you commit to executing and delivering results. You do not want to be in a position where you realise later that either you cannot, are not allowed to, or should not do so. Do not bite more than you can chew. Do not be hard on yourself thinking that you are being difficult. Convey that you are making a good business decision.  

5.    Provide options  

While it is not easy to say “no” to someone who had high hopes on your saying “yes” and was relying on you for completing the task, remember that people come to you because you are a problem-solver and are resourceful. If you cannot do the job yourself, give them other options on how to complete the job or provide solutions to resolve the issue. It will save your time and help build trust with team members that learnt something valuable when they approached you.   

You can also choose to defer the project instead of completely shutting it down. Offer them a plan where you can join the team at a later stage and be more valuable once the project’s gone past its conception stage.   

6.    Don’t be afraid to say the ‘C’ word  

The majority of the time, bosses try to use influence to get things done. Little do they realise that when they use power, they lose influence.  

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Every employer has a budget, and the more he can get done without expending his budget, the better (the lesser the merrier, in this case). This is one of the most frustrating and de-motivating situations when you are asked to deliver more results and but are not “C”ompensated for that extra work. You might say “yes” to the extra load now and then, just to be nice or on the pretext of learning something new, or simply because the boss asked you to do so, but this will eventually burn you out. Be firm to tell the work is simply beyond your pay scale and justifies an extra dollar or two.  

It is a misconception that you must be a “Yes Man” or a “Yes Woman” to be successful and boost your career. Remember Jim Carrey’s movie – Yes Man? The film is a classic story where the protagonist is encouraged and made to promise to answer “Yes!” to every opportunity, request, or invitation that presents itself. After a series of interesting events in his life, he realises that the covenant was merely a starting point to open his mind to other possibilities, not to permanently take away his ability to say no if he needed to.  

So, are you the go-to person at your workplace? Do you always end up saying yes? How do you strategically say no? 

Attribution, to avoid retribution: referencing and citations for academic writing

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In my previous blog, I wrote a step-by-step guide on how to write an effective abstract for academic papers. Continuing further in the same direction, this week I would like to discuss referencing and citations. As I mentioned earlier, writing an abstract is not rocket science, and neither are referencing and citating.  

Now, referencing is an important academic practice. But it becomes even more important when you are studying at University level. It is thus imperative to understand the correct way to reference and cite your sources in your master’s degree assignments, academic papers, or dissertation. This blog is your one-stop shop about what, how and where, style guides, and examples of referencing and citations.  

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Let’s begin! 

So, first things first, what is the difference between referencing and citations? 

While undertaking your masters’ studies, you will constantly hear from your professors to reference your work and cite the sources of your research and ideas.  

Referencing 

As the name suggests, referencing refers to the source of work that you used in your paper. The readers should be able to find and read for themselves the original source of information that one has read or considered in their academic piece.  

Citations 

Citations, on the other hand, are brief mentions of the author or the external source used in writing the paper. A citation is, in other words, an abbreviated reference. While both inform the reader of the sources of information used, there is a fine difference between a reference and a citation.  Here are some key differences between references and citations: 

Scope  

A reference is a complete record of the source that has been sought or cited in the paper.  

A citation is disclosing the source within the main body and thus is also referred to as an ‘in-text’ citation. It provides just basic information such as the authors’ names, year of publication, and perhaps the page number if a sizeable quote is provided.  

Placement  

References are listed at the end of the document, on a page having its own title (“List of references”, “References”, “Works cited”). 

Citations are presented within the body of the document where we speak of the ideas or results of the source we are citing..  

Format  

References provide the reader with information such as the authors’ names, the publication date, the title (of the book or article), page numbers, publisher and place of publishing, etc. 

A citation provides less information, such as the last names of the authors and the publication year, such that it does not disrupt the reading flow. 

Both references and citations give credit to the authors whose ideas have been discussed in your work, in addition to supporting or criticizing an argument. This is additionally critical to avoid plagiarism in academic writing (topic for another blog!). 

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Different styles of referencing and citating 

Different academic disciplines prefer specific referencing styles. In business programmes (such as the MBAs, MSc’s), you will often be asked to use Harvard or APA styles, whereas in Law programmes (LLM, LLB) you will most often be asked to use Oxford or OSCOLA. You should always check the programme handbooks and assignment briefs, and in doubt, with your instructor what referencing style they expect for the assignment or academic paper you are writing.   

The references should be regrouped on a new page at the end of the paper. This list gives the complete information to identify and locate all sources used in the paper. There should be a corresponding entry in the list of references for all in-text citations that were used. References typically follow an alphabetical order of authors’ last names but under certain styles the order of appearance will rather be used. 

Among the different styles used by different disciplines, here are the 6 most frequently used styles in writing academic papers, each with a very specific purpose they fulfil: 

  1. APA (6th or 7th Edition) 
  1. Harvard 
  1. Oxford (OSCOLA) 
  1. Chicago 
  1. Vancouver  
  1. MHRA  

The style guides specify the kind of information and how it should be displayed for different types of sources (books, articles, websites, images, ebooks, etc.) – ensuring consistency across not only your work, but across the entire field of study that uses that style. 

At first look, these may all seem complicated, and daunting, but there are tools that can help you manage your sources, references, and citations. 

Graphical user interface, application, Word Description automatically generated

For example, Word has a tool called “Citations & Bibliography” which allows you to enter your sources in a database (“Manage Sources”), to insert in-text citations that are automatically updated if needed (“Insert citation”), and to generate your list of references (“Bibliography”) according to the specific style you need (“Style”). 

External tools also exist, such as Zotero, Mendeley, EndNote, or CiteThemRight – which have pretty much the same functionalities – managing your references with one of these tools will save you a gigantic among of time and effort, so by all means, pick the one that works best for you and run with it. 

Examples 

I promised you some examples, so here goes: 

Harvard / APA styles 

In-text citation 

Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill (2019), or Saunders et al. (2019), when the author’s names are part of the sentence, or (Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill, 2019) or (Saunders et al., 2019) when they are not. 

Reference list entry 

Saunders, M. N. K., Lewis, P. and Thornhill, A. (2019) Research methods for business students. Eighth Edition. New York: Pearson. 

Oxford style (OSCOLA) 

In-text citation 

OSCOLA uses numeric references, with the full reference given in a correspondingly numbered footnote. So, in your text, you would simply put a superscript number by inserting a footnote1 and then the footnote would contain the reference as: 

Mark NK Saunders, Philip Lewis and Adrian Thornhill, Research Methods for Business Students (Eighth Edition, Pearson 2019). 

Reference list entry 

Saunders MNK, Lewis P and Thornhill A, Research Methods for Business Students (Eighth Edition, Pearson 2019) 

Note the difference between the footnote reference and reference list entry – in the footnote, you give the author names in “firstname, lastname” format, whereas in the reference list you give it in “lastname, f.” format. 

If this looks complicated, it is! 😊 Which is why I reiterate my advice to use a reference management tool – whichever one works for you. 

Hope this prepares you well for writing your academic paper or assignments.  If you are stuck or have any questions, our highly qualified, world class faculty will guide you through using the correct methods and techniques for referencing and citations.  

7 ways to improve your Critical Thinking

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One of the things that I dislike about corporate culture is the many different terms that get thrown around to describe a logical and an otherwise common-sense action. Many managers and companies like to create new terms and abbreviations for actions and rules they have incorporated. However, the thing is, the more popular terms like ‘critical thinking’ are still around for a reason – they work.

The word ‘critical’ might have a negative connotation, and you might wonder – “What is the point of thinking negatively?” But where ‘critical thinking’ actually helps is in understanding all the flaws in an argument or a decision, counter or correct the process, and finally arrive at the stated objective. 

Critical Thinking is: Independent Thinking + Information Analysis = Arriving at a Judgement

What do critical thinkers do?

They think, they question, they do not accept everything at face value, using their ability to reason and to solve problems through logical reasoning. This is why most employers would be keen to employ critical thinkers because they are the catalyst that will propel the company forward. 

So, what can you do to become a more critical thinker? 

Ask questions
  1. Asking questions – Don’t be afraid to question everything, don’t take anything at face value. Ask:
    1. What are you trying to achieve?
    2. How have you arrived at this conclusion or decision?
    3. How would I know what you have told me is accurate? Show me the proof and explain it to me.
    4. What might you have missed out or overlooked?
  2. Assumption is the mother of all screw-ups – One of my majors during graduation was physics, and one of the things I disliked was the proof of every theory started with “Assume…..”, which is why we used the headline of this point as our motto during physics class. But leaving our childish assumptions aside (because who are we to question some of the greatest scientific minds ever), in our mundane lives assuming things will just make an ass out of you and me (ass-u-me). So, question all assumptions. 
  3. Self-reflecting – Critical thinkers must be able to reflect on themselves. Ask yourself if your beliefs are based on logic or emotions. Don’t be afraid to take a step back and analyse your decisions or belief, recognising if you have any bias and if it played a role in your decision-making process.
  4. Listening – When you discuss something with someone, don’t get ahead of yourself and start thinking, but listen to their point of view. Only once you hear and understand their point of view can you have enough data to analyse and evaluate, and offer alternatives if required. 
  5. Understanding the motive – Understanding the motives behind the source of the data you are basing your decisions on is essential because the data will always be skewed towards the source’s beliefs. For example, in the US media, the same story on President Donald Trump or President Joseph Biden will be covered in a completely different way by Fox News and CNN. That is why you have to question what you are being told. 
  6. Researching – Today, we are blessed with endless sources of information, and all of them easily accessible. Do your research taking advantage of all these sources of information and use your critical thinking to arrive at the best decision possible. 
  7. Keep an opened mind – So, you looked at data from multiple sources, applied critical thinking, and arrived at a conclusion. But still, going into a discussion with the assumption that you are right is wrong. As mentioned in point number four, if you assume you are right and are not listening, you will fall into point number two.

Learning to develop your critical thinking skills will go a long way in helping you analyse data and arrive at the best decision possible more often than not. Comment below if you know any other way in which we can develop critical thinking skills, we would love to hear from you!

Analyse data to arrive at decisions

Our online master’s degree management programmes help you become a better leader, and master’s degrees, in general, will help you in developing your critical thinking skill. Chat LIVE on WhatsApp with one of our education advisors for more information on all the programmes we offer, the application process, and information on discounts we might offer.

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