Thoughts on my time in Oxford
My time in Oxford stands as a remarkable chapter in my life, rich with unforgettable experiences and valuable lessons that I will always treasure. From the moment I received the admission letter, it felt like a dream. It wasn't until I arrived on the first day at Saïd Business School, and sat down into my spot with my name tag on, that it hit me - I had been admitted to the University of Oxford!
From an academic point of view, the SBS Executive Diploma Postgraduates are masterclasses designed for practitioners and taught by professors with brilliant minds who have decided to share their expertise with enthusiastic and curious professionals interested in expanding their horizons. Theory and practice are brought together in concrete examples giving the student a holistic perspective regarding the subject matter.
I will share some of the main highlights of my experience, and if you are reading this blog, I hope this is the sign you needed to join the programme!
Once admitted, you will spend valuable time with the smartest people from all over the world, where you will be able to exchange ideas and expertise with your peers.
The professors are always keen to discuss the students' position during class breaks or in a friendly setting over coffee. If you are lucky enough, you could get insights that could be highly valuable for your final project!
The magnificent libraries of Oxford colleges, with their countless volumes demonstrate the inexhaustible knowledge that can be found in these halls filled with books, and from my perspective, it would take years to read even a fraction of them. However, by interacting with the faculty and guest speakers, you get to absorb some of this knowledge firsthand.
Throughout the University, the college’s Churches feature an impressive history with ancestral stained-glass windows where the Evensong is a must for an immersive Oxford experience. The splendid beauty of each college, with its astounding rich history, makes one feel proud to be a part of it.
The Gala dinners with your peers are one of the most treasured moments. These evenings have a special charm, just by walking through the quads, and gardens where the yellowed lights in the halls give a dreamlike glimpse, where the old paintings together with the lovely decorated tables and the candles are waiting patiently for the students to find their places before the official toast begins.
These gatherings are an excellent opportunity to discuss what you learnt during the class, exchange your opinions and get your peers’ valuable insights given their diverse backgrounds. It is also a time to reflect and venture into the future ahead.
You can find exciting extra activities with your cohort such as visiting the Oxford Union, where you might even end up participating in a debate, while in summer you can do punting, picnics, or also do some sightseeing in Wales, Cotswold, or Stonehenge; these are all priceless memories that you will cherish forever.
Oxford is a unique, magical, and enchanting city. Its narrow, cobbled streets are mythical and full of history that whispers stories of hundreds of students who have walked through these same alleys. It is no coincidence that J.R.R Tolkien and C.S. Lewis were inspired to write their famous novels here.
Oxford and its charms are always a place to come back to.
Find out more about the Oxford Executive Diploma in Financial Strategy.
