Spotlight on MSc student Helen Mac: journey and experience

Student Name: Helen Mac

Programme: MSc Global Healthcare Management (Leadership)
 
Nationality:  Hong Kong, China

Why did you choose to apply for the MSc Global Healthcare Management?

I aspire to advance my career in a leadership position, with a particular interest in human resources. Recognizing our workforce as a priceless asset, I aim to establish a robust foundation for sound organizational practices, with a strong belief that effective leadership plays a pivotal role in shaping organizational culture. GBSH aligns seamlessly with my aspirations as it fosters an environment conducive to disruptive thinking. Upon graduation from the MSc Global Healthcare Management (Leadership) with distinctive competencies, I envision myself leading a team back in Hong Kong and developing a more resilient workforce to deal with the unforeseeable healthcare challenges. 

The diverse network of mentors, employers, and the wonderfully diverse cohorts at UCL appealed to me. I sought a place that could offer a global perspective on healthcare systems and policies, along with a community of high-achievers. And UCL was precisely that.

What value will this programme add to your career moving forward?

To tackle the healthcare crisis, it involves multiple fields of expertise. Coming from a clinical background, I am thrilled to learn that this programme is all-encompassing. Through a business lens, I can develop a niche specialism in healthcare leadership and simultaneously advance my economic and financial acumen. This program also offers a vast number of networking opportunities with industry experts, who provide invaluable insights into the latest trends. 

What advice would you give to prospective students thinking about applying for the MSc Global Healthcare Management?

Plan early and join the virtual open day. During my application, I participated in several open days online. I was able to explore the program structure in detail before finding which route aligns with my career goal. Understanding your aspiration help you craft a strong personal statement that could clearly articulate your interest in the program and what unique qualities you could bring to the cohort. It is also always better to ask for a recommendation letter in advance. By securing your offer earlier, you could then explore scholarship opportunities or other financial aid for your financial planning, not to mention the accommodation. 

Talk me through a typical day in life as a GBSH student.

I like Tuesdays the most. I often get up at 7:30 am and head to Bloomsbury Fitness. Morning workouts help refresh my mind. Along my one-hour commute to school, I usually listen to podcasts – “The Capital of Health” is my recent favourite. After grabbing a hot tea from Marshgate Café, I start my day with the Economic Evaluation and Health Financing module at 11 am. My peer discussion from the two-hour interactive class sometimes extends to our lunch hours and we continue our debate at the Refractory. The next class of Healthcare Power and Politics starts from 3 pm to 5 pm. After class, my friends and I will walk to Westfield for an early dinner before heading home. 

What have you enjoyed the most since starting at the UCL GBSH?

Establishing valuable connections with my classmates and professors has been the most fulfilling aspect since enrolling in the program. I met some of my peers in the virtual “Speed-networking” event hosted by GBSH before school started. This built my sense of belonging before arriving in London. It was quite interesting when we finally met each other at the inauguration ceremony after months. I always love to engage in meaningful discussions with them because of our diverse educational backgrounds and work experience. I could be talking to a hospital director while sitting next to a future CEO. What a dynamic environment!