Alve: Halfway Through My Master's: What's Different About the Second Year?

After a long summer break, getting back into study mode isn't easy! But hey, it has to be done, right?

Hej everyone! I'm Sheikh Mahmud Alve, 26 years old, currently studying Information Security Management at Örebro University, and guess what? I'm already in my final year of my Master's programme!

I personally love being part of this programme at Örebro University School of Business. In fact, I genuinely feel it's one of the best places to pursue a Master's degree at Örebro University. When I first applied, I honestly had no idea I would enjoy studying here this much. But now, looking back at my journey so far, I can confidently say that I'm loving every moment of it!

So, what's different about the second year?

One thing I've really come to appreciate is how the programme prepares us for professional life after graduation. And when I say that, I mean the way our courses are structured.

Our studies involve plenty of group assignments, seminars, interactive discussions, and even guest lectures from brilliant professionals and academics from around the world. What I particularly enjoy is the emphasis on teamwork. Working on group projects almost feels like getting a little preview of professional life, where you have to collaborate, exchange ideas, solve problems, and work towards a common goal.

And honestly, I think that's incredibly valuable! In the field of Information Security Management, teamwork and communication are just as important as technical knowledge. Learning how to work with people from different backgrounds and perspectives is something that will definitely help us in our future careers.

Another thing that makes studying here interesting is how our examinations are designed. Many of our assignments and exams are based on realistic case scenarios, where we have to analyse a situation and develop solutions as if we were working for an actual organisation. This is something I didn't experience much during my Bachelor's studies, and I can already see how it's helping me develop my critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

Of course, second year also means more classes, more assignments, and a lot more studying. Haha! But surprisingly, I rarely find myself getting bored during lectures, no matter how long they are. That's because most of our classes feel more like interactive discussions than simply sitting in a classroom and listening to someone talk for two hours.

We also get opportunities to attend guest lectures from people who are actively working in the same field we're studying. Hearing about their real-world experiences gives us a better understanding of what professional life actually looks like, what challenges organisations face, and which skills we should focus on developing before graduation.

And now, it's time to lock in!

Knowing that this is my final year makes everything feel a little more exciting. There's still so much to learn, plenty of assignments ahead, and a whole Master's journey to complete. But I'm genuinely looking forward to what's coming next.

And don't worry, it's not going to be all studying and deadlines! Halloween is just around the corner, and I might also be joining one of the biggest student clubs at Örebro University.

Curious to know which one? Well, you'll have to wait for my next blog to find out!

Until then! Hejdå!