Elena Wallach Testimonial - Postgraduate Profiles
Elena Wallach

Meet Elena, a MSc Project Management, Finance and Risk student turning classroom learnings into practical project management skills. We caught up with Elena to hear how she’s mastering her course, building connections, and applying her studies to real-world challenges – all while exploring London’s culture and community.

Learning and Career Goals

Why did you choose City St George’s and your specific programme for postgraduate study?

I always wanted to live in London, so I narrowed my search to universities in this city. Then I looked at which universities were in my budget and had the programme I wanted to study. I knew that I wanted to go into project management, and City St George's was a good match for me.

What are your current plans or hopes for your career?

My dream construction firm is here in the UK, where I hope to be a project manager in the future. Because I do not have a background in project management, my course is great for teaching me skills in project timelines, budgeting, and finances. It also helps that I can connect with fellow City St George's graduates on LinkedIn and ask them about their experience in project management to receive guidance and career direction.

How would you describe the teaching or learning style within your course and School?

I really like my programme as the professors have all been in - or currently work in - the project management industry. They regularly speak on their experience, and have a ton of insight into what working in the UK is actually like. I feel more prepared to enter in the job market having been connected with them. It’s quite different from my undergraduate where it was less open-ended and more based on textbooks.

Campus, Community, and the City

What societies or student organisations do you enjoy at City St George’s?

I am mainly involved with the City St George’s Postgraduate Society. I got involved before classes began, having connected with the society during Freshers’ Week. I enjoy meeting other master’s students from around the world and sharing experiences.

What do you like to do for fun outside of your studies?

I love museums, so I usually visit at least one each week in London. I’m also a big football fan, so during weekend home games I'll often attend Chelsea home matches at Stamford Bridge. I also follow an Instagram page that shares free things to do in London, and I’ll regularly go to pop-up events with friends to check them out.

How has living in London shaped your experience as a postgraduate student?

It is really refreshing to be the only American in my course - I’ve learned so much about other cultures and have made connections that will last a lifetime. I've also found new travel buddies and now have friends in other countries I can travel to and visit later in life. London has residents from all over, so it's a unique opportunity to get to learn about the world whilst living here.

Tips for New Postgraduates

How do you balance studies with your personal life, and what helps you maintain that balance?

I wanted to work while studying to have some extra income, as I’ve always worked alongside school and university and am used to balancing part-time work with a full-time course load. After moving to London, it took me a while to find the right balance, and I realised it was important to work in roles that understood my academic schedule.

I now have a part-time job through City St George's, work as a nanny twice a week after classes for extra income, and occasionally take catering shifts on weekends when I’m available. Working for smaller employers, rather than large retail shops, has made it easier to manage my schedule. I’d recommend looking for flexible roles that allow you to pick up shifts when available, so your studies can remain your main focus.

What challenges did you face early on in your postgraduate journey, and how did you overcome them?

Although a master's in London is something I’ve always wanted to do, it felt daunting at the beginning not knowing what the next step post-graduation will be. Luckily, City St George's has a ton of resources through The Careers and Employability office, and there's always someone there who wants you to find a good career, and will help with a CV and interview prep. They have events throughout the year for networking, and I have attended quite a few. It’s a good idea to remain connected with them so that they can help throughout the postgraduate course, rather than just at graduation time!

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