DILO (A day in the life of) a RKC’s master’s student – Michael Watyoka

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 aid you in decision making.   

This week we take a look  at a day in the life of one of our master’s degree student, Michael. Here are a few insights and some words of wisdom that Michael has to share from his own experience:  

There is no better way to learn than from those who came before and see if what worked for them. It will help you become a better student and, hopefully, help you make an informed decision.

An Introduction

Which programme did you choose and why?

University of Cumbria’s MBA Masters of Business Administration in Finance and sustainability.

The Study Plan

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

I wanted to complete the programme in 12 months. Since l had limited financial resources coming from Africa – Zimbabwe to be precise, l choose to fully concentrate on my Master’s and take a break from work. So I was studying full-time. Since I had a 12 months period deadline set, I was studying more than 15 hours everyday so as that I finish the programme in my stipulated time.

Photo by Jessica Lewis on Unsplash.

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

Keeping my target in mind of completing the programme in 12 months, l would study from 9 am until 8pm with some breaks in between. So l can’t say any particular time of the day – it was a big sacrifice.

How much time did you devote to each assignment?

When l started every module, I would go straight to the final assessment question, then will start to approach it, so that I will be ready by the time of submission which is normally after 12 weeks

Travelling and Communication

How did travelling impact your ability to study?

I had less travelling so it didn’t impact so much.

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

The time zone or difference had little impact since in Africa, there are seasons will be l hour ahead or the same time zone with Zurich.

A typical day as a master’s student

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

It was like a normal college day for me since I was reading or researching. l was always busy.

Any advice?

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

I put planning as the first thing. Working hard and discipline are the key pillars of success. l was studying sometimes 3 modules per term or 2 modules including dissertation. If you want a 12 months program, you must be prepared to sacrifice.


We at Robert Kennedy College are here to support you through the entire process and encourage you to get in touch with our team of Education Advisors and chat with them Live on WhatsApp if you have any questions about our programmes, fee structure, the application process, or details on discounts we might be offering at this time.

If you have already made up your mind and are ready to apply, then just click here.

Optimizing Financial Service Management: Streamlining Financial Health and Efficiency

Financial Service Management (FSM) holds a critical role in ensuring the seamless functioning of financial institutions and the effective provision of financial services to clientele. In this blog, we’ll delve into the essence of Financial Service Management, exploring its essential components, associated challenges, and strategies to enhance this vital function.

Grasping the Concept of Financial Service Management

Financial Service Management involves the strategic and operational oversight of financial services within an organization. Its scope encompasses a variety of activities aimed at maximizing financial efficiency, ensuring compliance with regulatory guidelines, enhancing customer satisfaction, and ultimately driving business growth.

Key Elements of Financial Service Management

Risk Mitigation: Identifying and addressing risks tied to financial services to maintain stability and long-term sustainability.

Regulatory Compliance Management: Adhering to legal and regulatory frameworks to sustain trust, credibility, and legality within the financial industry.

Customer Relationship Management (CRM): Implementing strategies to nurture and manage customer relationships, delivering tailored financial solutions to meet their specific needs.

Operational Streamlining: Enhancing internal processes and operations to boost productivity, reduce costs, and improve overall organizational efficiency.

Integration of Technology: Leveraging advanced technologies and systems to optimize operations, bolster security, and deliver innovative financial services.

Hurdles in Financial Service Management

Financial Service Management encounters several challenges, including:

Regulatory Transformations: Adapting to evolving regulations and compliance requirements in diverse regions, often intricate and time-consuming.

Technological Evolution: Staying current with rapidly evolving technologies, including cybersecurity measures, to safeguard sensitive financial data and transactions.

Meeting Customer Demands: Fulfilling diverse customer expectations and preferences, such as personalized services, ease of use, and 24/7 accessibility to financial services.

Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities: Addressing cybersecurity risks and threats to safeguard sensitive financial data from potential breaches and cyberattacks.

Strategies for Effective Financial Service Management

Investing in Technological Advancements: Implement cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence, blockchain, and data analytics to enhance operational efficiency, customer experience, and security.

Continuous Training and Education: Provide ongoing training to employees to keep them updated with the latest regulations, technologies, and industry best practices.

Customer-Centric Approach: Understanding customer needs and preferences and customizing financial services to effectively address them, fostering long-term customer relationships.

Encouraging Collaboration and Partnerships: Collaborate with industry partners, regulators, and other stakeholders to share insights, best practices, and collectively drive industry growth.

Emphasizing Data Security and Compliance: Prioritize data security and compliance with regulations by implementing robust cybersecurity measures and conducting regular audits.

In summary, Financial Service Management is a multifaceted discipline that necessitates strategic planning, technological innovation, and a strong focus on customer needs and regulatory adherence. By embracing these principles and staying informed about industry advancements, financial institutions can elevate their service offerings, manage risks effectively, and achieve sustainable growth in the dynamic financial landscape.