Rangila Gurung

What began as a postgraduate learning experience has evolved into a career dedicated to teaching and supporting the next generation of project management professionals. During my time at UWS London, I developed a strong academic foundation in project management alongside practical skills that helped shape my professional path. In this blog, I reflect on my experience studying in London, the challenges of navigating the UK job market as an international graduate, and how my time at UWS ultimately led me back to the classroom, this time at the front of it.

When deciding where to study, I was looking for a university that offered both strong academic learning and practical insight into the field of project management. UWS London appealed to me because of its practical approach to learning and its diverse international environment. I felt that the programmes were closely aligned with industry needs, which was important to me because I wanted to develop skills that could be applied in real professional settings. I chose the MSc Project Management programme because of its versatility across industries, and studying alongside students from different professional and cultural backgrounds gave me the opportunity to understand how project management is practised across different sectors and contexts.

The programme helped me develop a strong understanding of project management concepts while also building skills that are important in academia, such as critical thinking, research, and academic writing. Modules focused on risk management, project planning, and leadership had a lasting impact, helping me think more critically about how projects operate in complex environments.

Assignments, presentations, and group discussions helped me develop confidence in analysing problems and communicating ideas, skills that are now central to my role as a lecturer. When it came to navigating the UK job market, I began applying for roles early during my studies to understand how the recruitment process worked. Like many graduates, I faced rejections along the way, but rather than simply moving on, I reached out to employers for feedback and used those experiences as an opportunity to reflect and improve. Over time, I found that persistence and a willingness to learn from every experience were among the most effective strategies during the job search process.

Practical steps made a real difference too. I regularly attended career sessions and sought guidance from the UWS career services team, which helped me understand how to present my skills and approach applications more confidently. Tailoring my CV for every application, highlighting transferable skills developed through my coursework, and staying proactive by taking on the role of class representative all helped strengthen my profile and open doors to internships, volunteering roles, and graduate opportunities. There were also moments of self-doubt, particularly after receiving rejections.

Each challenge became an opportunity to reflect, grow, and build confidence for the next stage of my journey. Today, I work as a Lecturer in Project Management at the University of the West of Scotland, teaching and supporting students as they develop their understanding of project management concepts and practices. Seeing students grow academically and progress in their careers is something I find deeply rewarding, and I look forward to continuing to contribute to research and inspiring the next generation of project management professionals.

My advice to current and prospective UWS London students is to stay curious, work consistently, and make the most of every opportunity available during your studies, not only through lectures and assignments, but through networking, professional activities, and involvement in the student community. Taking initiative early, building a professional profile, and believing in your own abilities can take you further than you expect. The journey may not always be straightforward, but persistence and continuous learning make all the difference.