Written by Hemant Kumar
Choosing the MSc Management programme at Queen Mary University of London was one of the most significant decisions of my academic journey. As an international student, I was eager to apply my learning in a real-world setting, which led me to choose the Capstone Project over the traditional dissertation option. The opportunity to work with an actual organisation on a real business challenge was not only appealing but also seemed like a perfect way to gain practical experience, build my network, and enhance my CV—something that would be invaluable during job interviews.
From the moment I started attending classes, my perspective on the Capstone Project evolved. The program didn’t just focus on theoretical knowledge; it equipped me with practical skills essential in the professional world. I was taught best practices for client interaction, how to structure and manage a project from the ground up, and the importance of developing a comprehensive team charter by our module organiser, Lilian Schofield. This hands-on approach provided me with real-life experiences that I hadn’t anticipated. As someone aspiring to a career in consulting, this was exactly the kind of learning experience I needed.
This experience was invaluable in teaching me how to navigate team dynamics and ensure that all voices were heard and respected.— Hemant Kumar, The Capstone Project
Working on the Capstone Project also taught me the importance of teamwork. My team and I were assigned different but interrelated problem statements, which required us to communicate effectively, understand each other's concerns, and collaborate closely to deliver the best possible outcomes for our client. This experience was invaluable in teaching me how to navigate team dynamics and ensure that all voices were heard and respected.
The highlight of my Capstone Project was undoubtedly our client, The Farrell Associates, a boutique recruitment firm specialising in placing middle and senior management executives in the financial services industry. Their commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the sector aligned with my personal values, and their willingness to support our research was beyond my expectations. They introduced us to high-profile individuals in senior management roles across major banks, asset management firms, and government organisations—people I would never have had access to if I had chosen a dissertation.
Presenting our findings to such influential figures was a transformative experience. Not only did it help me overcome my personal limitations in public speaking, but it also gave me confidence in the quality and impact of our work. Knowing that our report would be read and shared by industry leaders was incredibly satisfying and reaffirmed my decision to choose the Capstone Project.
For anyone considering the MSc Management programme at Queen Mary University, I highly recommend the Capstone Project. It offers a unique blend of academic rigour and real-world application that can set you apart in the competitive job market.