Written by Renuka Bharathiraj
I once read “Choose what matters most” by Mark Manson. True to its title, it helps us focus on leading a meaningful and genuine life by teaching us to set priorities and let go of unnecessary anxieties. This philosophy resonated with me profoundly, especially during my career transformation.
Are you tired of the traditional writing grind and eager to dive into real-world challenges? I was! In this blog, I will share my journey of career transformation through a capstone live project and my motivations for choosing the capstone project module.
I used to work in a field that felt stagnant and unfulfilling. Seeking a change, I enrolled in Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) for my Master’s programme. This module offered a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application, which was exactly what I needed. The practical orientation of the capstone live project at QMUL played a crucial role in my decision to join the module. On one of those “Do I really have to wake up?” kind of days—probably a Monday—I decided it was time to branch out to the UK for my postgraduation. Out of all the universities I applied to, I chose QMUL for two reasons: One, because the university offered numerous opportunities to international students, and two—let’s be honest—who would say no to London? Certainly not me.
Imagine being handed a complex puzzle and told to solve it, not just theorise about it. This drew me to the capstone project and my motivation for taking it.— Renuka Bharathiraj
Ah, the traditional dissertation—the academic marathon where you run a solitary race, armed with a stack of books and an ever-growing coffee addiction. Extensive research on a single topic, culminating in a hefty document that could double as a doorstop. While this method helps develop one’s ability to dive deep into theoretical realms, for me, I wanted something aligned with my drive and vision for my career move.
Enter the Contemporary Live project module (capstone project) at the School of Business and Management QMUL, the academic equivalent of a high-stakes adventure game. Instead of just writing about theories, you get to apply them. Think of it as a reality show but with fewer dramatic pauses and more practical applications. These projects often involve real-world problems and industry partnerships, turning abstract concepts into tangible outcomes. For instance, my capstone project was like a live-action role-playing game where I developed a marketing strategy for a local business—no fantasy dragons, but plenty of real-world challenges and rewards.
Imagine being handed a complex puzzle and told to solve it, not just theorise about it. This drew me to the capstone project and my motivation for taking it. The Capstone projects emphasise problem-solving, project management, and teamwork—essentially the Swiss Army knife of professional skills. As Dr. Lilian Schofield from QMUL puts it, "Capstone projects prepare students for the workforce by simulating real-world challenges." This practical experience is the golden ticket to Willy Wonka’s factory of career opportunities.
In today’s job market, employers are more interested in whether you can hit the ground running. Practical skills gained through capstone projects can make a significant difference. For me, the capstone project was the career equivalent of discovering the cheat codes. It solidified my career change and boosted my confidence. Choosing the capstone project route was one of the best decisions of my academic journey, bridging the gap between theory and practice and leading to a successful career transition.
I made the decision to take the capstone project for the reasons mentioned above: to gain practical experience and for my career move. If you are contemplating your next academic step, consider the long-term benefits of a capstone live project. It could be the key to unlocking your career potential. Though not without challenges, you will learn from the experience. So my capstone project turned out to be the secret sauce to my career success—minus the academic drudgery and plus a whole lot of real-world savvy.
[The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck] (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28257707-the-subtle-art-of-not-giving-a-f-ck) by Mark Manson