Interested in an MSc in Management degree? Recent grad Liam Hoselton talks about his experience

What attracted you to Sprott’s MSc in Management program?

Originally, I was accepted into a program in Europe but because of the uncertainty with the COVID-19 pandemic I decided to stay closer to home. I had worked with Prof. Luciara Nardon as her research assistant for 3 years prior to starting the MSc and she encouraged me to apply as it would be an excellent program for me in terms of learning to become a more well-rounded researcher. She also explained that there were applications to the program beyond business and after having completed the program, I can truly say that it is well suited for multi-disciplinary interests.

What was one of your favourite courses?

All the teachers were excellent and all of the courses were student driven such that its student led conversations and that encourages a lot of engagement. Prof. Sefa Hayibor taught Foundations of Management Theory & Research (BUSI 5980) which really gave me a good sense of different theoretical frameworks and research methodologies that extend beyond business and into the social sciences and how you can apply that to business and intergroup relations. I also took as an elective course outside of Sprott – Political Psychology and Intergroup Relations. I was really fortunate that Sprott allowed me to take a course within another department as not all programs allow this and I found the course to be very insightful for my research.  

What is your research interest?

I’m very interested in using my research to solve issues related to intergroup conflict and discrimination. My Master’s thesis was about how the media contributed to the othering and discrimination of Asian communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. From a cross-cultural management perspective, I think that it’s very important to understand how we differentiate groups and identities and how that might lead to issues when it comes to diversity and inclusion. 

What impact are you hoping your research will have in this area?

I personally would like to see a world where we’re not in conflict with one another and where people don’t hate each other. I think that one of the things that will prevent us from solving that issue is the fact that we can’t figure out how to get along, get in the same room with one another and agree on an approach to solve these issues. I want to figure out how to increase social cohesion between groups and between individuals and make them realize that we’re not all so different from one another, that we can find common ground and mutual respect. We’re all just trying to make it through our lives, through every single day.

Do you feel that you need a research background to succeed in the program?

Since graduating, I have 5 years of research experience. I think that I’m in a unique position where transitioning into the Master’s program wasn’t a huge leap from what I was doing before because I had all this prior experience in terms of research. I think that the biggest thing is that before this program I would be helping with research but I didn’t fully comprehend why we were doing certain things within the research but this program gave me a better theoretical understanding of how to conduct research. I think that the thesis itself has been incredibly beneficial because it’s essentially been my first approach at doing a solo research project. Despite myself coming from a research background, plenty of my colleagues in the program don’t have this and they haven’t been negatively impacted.

Any advice to new/incoming MSc students?

I think the biggest thing is that you have to find the right supervisor that will be in your corner and will support you. I have that relationship with Luciara. I know that no matter what she’s going to back me up and she’s going to provide meaningful feedback and help me improve. That’s the most important thing.

Also, if you’re interested in the social sciences, this is an excellent program. From this program you can go into any kind of PhD or research position. Of course, there is a lot of focus on business but it gives you all the basic theories you need to know to be a social sciences researcher. And if you’re interested in presenting at conferences, Carleton University provides excellent opportunities to get involved.

What are your plans for the future?

I’m looking into doing a PhD in Political Science, specifically in Defence and Security Studies. Long-term I would eventually like to become a professor or policy analyst. I’m specifically interested in the regulations around social media companies in preventing online radicalization. I think overall this MSc has provided me with a lot of insight into the world of business and social sciences. In terms of addressing my research interest needs regarding intergroup conflict, it requires a very multi-disciplinary approach and I feel that this program was one that could provide that platform for me.

Since graduating, I completed the Camino de Santiago, walking 280 km from Porto to Santiago de Compostella. I also circumnavigated the globe and visited 24 countries in the span of three months. It was a life changing experience that I hope will serve me well in my PhD studies.