The business of being a postgrad

Katie Huong Vo

jonathan.gibson@durham.ac.uk (Katie Huong Vo, Jonathan Gibson) — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 09:00:00 +0000

In the last episode of The Business of Being a Postgrad Season 1, I’m joined by Katie Huong Vo, an MBA student from Vietnam, to explore her experiences throughout Michaelmas term.

We explore her transition to living in the UK, being a member of the Vietnamese Society, and, of course, her thoughts on adapting to the UK weather.

With a background in global marketing, Katie shares why she chose the Technology pathway, her expectations of the programme, and how the diverse learning experience is enhancing her development.

Listen now for honest advice, inspiring stories, and a genuine student perspective on studying an MBA at Durham University Business School.

The perspectives shared are based on Katie’s personal experience and may not reflect every student’s journey.

Find out how to apply here: Durham University Business School

Segment Timestamp

00:52 – Life: Choosing Durham, Hannah's background, and the wider student experience

09:22 – Learning: Programme insights, structure, additional opportunities, and networking

17:55 – Lessons: Reflections on Michaelmas term and advice for future postgrads

24:10 – Quick Fire Round

Executive Producer: Jade Gourley

Assistant Producer: Jon Gibson

Hosted on Simplecast. See simpecast.com/privacy for more information.

Murray Wright

jonathan.gibson@durham.ac.uk (Murray Wright, Jonathan Gibson) — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 09:00:00 +0000

In this episode of The Business of Being a Postgrad, I’m joined by Murray Wright, an MSc Accounting student from the UK, as he reflects on his Michaelmas term experience.

We explore what life is like as a local student from the North East, competing for Team Durham, and how the programme is supporting his goal of becoming a chartered accountant.

Murray also talks about transitioning back into academia after a few years in the professional world, and shares the skills he is developing on the programme.

Tune in to hear Murray’s insights, practical advice, and an authentic student perspective on postgraduate life at Durham University Business School.

The perspectives shared are based on Murray’s personal experience and may not reflect every student’s journey.

Find out how to apply here: Durham University Business School

Segment Timestamp

00:48 – Life: Choosing Durham, Hannah's background, and the wider student experience

06:20 – Learning: Programme insights, structure, additional opportunities, and networking

11:30 – Lessons: Reflections on Michaelmas term and advice for future postgrads

15:30 – Quick Fire Round

Executive Producer: Jade Gourley

Assistant Producer: Jon Gibson

Hosted on Simplecast. See simpecast.com/privacy for more information.

Moisés García Lizarde

jonathan.gibson@durham.ac.uk (Moises Garcia Lizarde, Jonathan Gibson) — Thu, 5 Mar 2026 09:00:00 +0000

In this episode of The Business of Being a Postgrad, I’m joined by Moisés, an MSc Marketing student from Mexico, as we explore his postgraduate experience.

We discuss how studying an MSc Marketing with over 10 years of professional experience is enhancing his professional development. Moisés also reflects on the transition from life in Mexico City to Durham, and on building strong connections not only through the programme, but also as a member of Ustinov College.

Tune in to hear Moisés’ insights, practical advice, and a genuine student perspective on postgraduate life at Durham University Business School.

The perspectives shared are based on Moises’ personal experience and may not reflect every student’s journey.

Find out how to apply here: Durham University Business School

Segment Timestamp

00:48 – Life: Choosing Durham, Hannah's background, and the wider student experience

08:17 – Learning: Programme insights, structure, additional opportunities, and networking

15:20 – Lessons: Reflections on Michaelmas term and advice for future postgrads

21:22 – Quick Fire Round

Executive Producer: Jade Gourley

Assistant Producer: Jon Gibson

Hosted on Simplecast. See simpecast.com/privacy for more information.

Teerawit Hoonphadungrat

jonathan.gibson@durham.ac.uk (Jonathan Gibson, Teerawit Hoonphadungrat) — Tue, 3 Mar 2026 09:00:00 +0000

In this episode of The Business of Being a Postgrad, I’m joined by Teerawit Hoonphadungrat, an MSc Marketing student from Thailand, to explore what postgraduate study is really like.

We discuss what it means to navigate life in the UK as a Thai student, from adapting to different teaching styles and academic expectations to embracing a new cultural environment. Teerawit also reflects on how his professional experience is supporting him in his elective modules and enhancing his learning journey.

He also shares his experiences at Hatfield College and how he has made the most of studying Marketing within an international environment.

Tune in to hear Teerawit' s insights, practical tips, and a real student perspective on postgraduate life at Durham University Business School.

The perspectives shared are based on Teerawit' s personal experience and may not reflect every student’s journey.

Find out how to apply here: Durham University Business School

Segment Timestamps

00:55 – Life: Choosing Durham, Teerawit's background, and the wider student experience

06:36 – Learning: Programme insights, structure, additional opportunities, and networking

13:30 – Lessons: Reflections on Michaelmas term and advice for future postgrads

20:11 – Quick Fire Round

Executive Producer: Jade Gourley

Assistant Producer: Jon Gibson

Hosted on Simplecast. See simpecast.com/privacy for more information.

Fahd Salek

jonathan.gibson@durham.ac.uk (Fahd Salek, Jonathan Gibson) — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 09:00:00 +0000

In this episode of The Business of Being a Postgrad, MBA student Fahd Salek from Morocco gives an honest and inspiring perspective on the MBA journey so far.

Fahd explains how the practical elements of the MBA, particularly the Boardroom Exercise played a decisive role in his choice to study at Durham, and why he selected the Consulting pathway to shape his career ambitions.

As a Chevening Scholar, he also offers valuable advice on navigating the Chevening application and interview process, and reflects on what it means to be part of such a prestigious global community.

Listen now for honest advice, inspiring stories, and a real student perspective on studying an MBA at Durham University Business School.

The perspectives shared are based on Fahd’s personal experience and may not reflect every student’s journey.

Find out how to apply here: Durham University Business School

Segment Timestamps

00:52 – Life: Choosing Durham, Fahd's background, and the wider student experience

06:35 – Learning: Programme insights, structure, additional opportunities, and networking

14:55 – Lessons: Reflections on Michaelmas term, applying to Chevening and advice for future postgrads

24:14 – Quick Fire Round

Executive Producer: Jade Gourley

Assistant Producer: Jon Gibson

Hosted on Simplecast. See simpecast.com/privacy for more information.

Anna Korol

jonathan.gibson@durham.ac.uk (Durham University Business School) — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 09:00:00 +0000

In this episode of The Business of Being a Postgrad, I’m joined by Anna Korol, an MSc Management (Consulting) student from Ukraine, who shares her perspective on postgraduate study.

Anna explores her passion for consulting and how she is bringing her professional experience into the classroom. She also shares why the Business Project offering stood out to her, and how the programme and international experiences offered at Durham are helping to shape her future career.

She also reflects on life as a member of Stephenson College and being part of the student community.

Tune in to hear Anna’s insights, practical tips, and her perspective on postgraduate life at Durham University Business School.

The perspectives shared are based on Anna’s personal experience and may not reflect every student’s journey.

Find out how to apply here: Durham University Business School

Segment Timestamps

00:48 – Life: Choosing Durham, Anna's background, and the wider student experience

08:28 – Learning: Programme insights, structure, additional opportunities, and networking

17:52 – Lessons: Reflections on Michaelmas term and advice for future postgrads

25:08 – Quick Fire Round

Executive Producer: Jade Gourley

Assistant Producer: Jon Gibson

Hosted on Simplecast. See simpecast.com/privacy for more information.

Kushalini Paul

jonathan.gibson@durham.ac.uk (Kushalini Paul, Jonathan Gibson) — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 09:00:00 +0000

In this episode of The Business of Being a Postgrad, I’m joined by Kushalini Paul, an MSc Management student from India, to unpack the postgraduate experience.

She explores what it’s like navigating life in the UK, adapting to different teaching styles, and making the most of the opportunities available during a Masters degree.

Kushalini also reflects on her experience as a Student Representative and as Director of Innovation, Experience, and Strategy at Entrepreneurs Durham, part of the Durham Venture Lab.

Tune in to hear Kushalini’s insights, practical tips, and a real student perspective on postgraduate life at Durham University Business School.

The perspectives shared are based on Kushalini’s personal experience and may not reflect every student’s journey.

Find out how to apply here: Durham University Business School

Segment Timestamps

00:50 – Life: Choosing Durham, Kushalini's background, and the wider student experience

07:16 – Learning: Programme insights, structure, additional opportunities, and networking

17:55 – Lessons: Reflections on Michaelmas term and advice for future postgrads

24:45 – Quick Fire Round

Executive Producer: Jade Gourley

Assistant Producer: Jon Gibson

Hosted on Simplecast. See simpecast.com/privacy for more information.

Shukurullo Numatov

jonathan.gibson@durham.ac.uk (Shukurullo Nurmatov, Jonathan Gibson) — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 09:00:00 +0000

In this episode of The Business of Being a Postgrad, I sit down with Shukurullo Numatov, an MSc Finance (Investment and Finance) student from Uzbekistan, to talk honestly about the realities of postgraduate study.

From managing academic pressure to navigating expectations versus reality, Shukurullo shares what it’s really like to study finance at Durham. He reflects on his passion for the subject and the skills he has already gained since starting his master’s.

He also discusses his experience as an international student ambassador and offers valuable advice for international students, particularly those from Central Asia considering postgraduate study in the UK.

Listen now to hear honest insights, practical advice, and a real student perspective on postgraduate life at Durham University Business School.

The perspectives shared are based on Shukurullo’s personal experience and may not reflect every student’s journey.

Find out how to apply here: Durham University Business School

Segment Timestamps

00:55 – Life: Choosing Durham, Shukurullo's background, and the wider student experience

06:06 – Learning: Programme insights, structure, additional opportunities, and networking

14:07 – Lessons: Reflections on Michaelmas term and advice for future postgrads

21:58 – Quick Fire Round

Executive Producer: Jade Gourley

Assistant Producer: Jon Gibson

Hosted on Simplecast. See simpecast.com/privacy for more information.

Tanvi Mishra

jonathan.gibson@durham.ac.uk (Tanvi, Jonathan Gibson) — Tue, 3 Feb 2026 09:00:00 +0000

In this episode of The Business of Being a Postgrad, I sit down with Tanvi, an MSc Environmental and Natural Resources Economics student at Durham University Business School, to hear her journey from Bangkok to Hungary and now Durham.

We discuss how her experience as a UN Climate Ambassador and her passion for quantitative economics guided her towards her dream programme. Tanvi shares insights on navigating postgraduate study, building expertise in environmental economics, and making the most out of the wider student experience.

Listen now for honest advice, inspiring stories, and a real student perspective on studying MSc Environmental and Natural Resources Economics at Durham.

The perspectives shared are based on Tanvi’s personal experience and may not reflect every student’s journey.

Find out how to apply here: Durham University Business School

#BehindTheDegree #PostgraduateLife #BusinessSchool

Segment Timestamps

00:52 – Life: Choosing Durham, her background, and the wider student experience

06:10 – Learning: Programme insights, structure, additional opportunities, and networking

12:26 – Lessons: Reflections on Michaelmas term and advice for future postgrads

18:22 – Quick Fire Round

Executive Producer: Jade Gourley

Assistant Producer: Jon Gibson

Hosted on Simplecast. See simpecast.com/privacy for more information.

Hannah Miller

jonathan.gibson@durham.ac.uk (Jonathan Gibson, Hannah Miller) — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 09:18:11 +0000

In the first episode of The Business of Being a Postgrad, I sit down with Hannah Miller, an MBA student from the UK, to unpack her experience during Michaelmas term.

We discuss how her upbringing and work experience in her family business influenced her leadership skills, and why the full-time MBA experience was non-negotiable for her.

Hannah also talks about the fundamentals of the MBA programme, what a typical week looks like studying an MBA, and why she chose the Entrepreneurship pathway. She reflects on being an active member of Ustinov College, competing for the University as part of Team Durham, and why matriculation was a standout moment so far.

Listen now for honest advice, inspiring stories, and a real student perspective on studying an MBA at Durham University Business School.

The perspectives shared are based on Hannah’s personal experience and may not reflect every student’s journey.

Find out how to apply here: Durham University Business School

Segment Timestamp

00:53 – Life: Choosing Durham, Hannah's background, and the wider student experience

06:15 – Learning: Programme insights, structure, additional opportunities, and networking

13:40 – Lessons: Reflections on Michaelmas term and advice for future postgrads

20:00 – Quick Fire Round

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Executive Producer: Jade Gourley

Assistant Producer: Jon Gibson

Hosted on Simplecast. See simpecast.com/privacy for more information.

The business of being a postgrad trailer

jonathan.gibson@durham.ac.uk (Jon Gibson, Jade Gourley) — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 10:15:40 +0000

Introducing ...The business of being a postgrad. An inside look at postgraduate life at Durham University Business School. Join us every Tuesday to hear our guests share their experience so far. Launching Tuesday 27 January. Executive Producer: Jade Gourley Assistant Producer: Jon Gibson Hosted on Simplecast. See simpecast.com/privacy for more information.