News
Balancing Ice and Academics: My Journey as a Pro Athlete and Master’s Student at the University of Dundee
Brendan Harms, MSc Management talks about being a professional ice hockey player while studying a master’s degree at the School of Business
Published on 19 December 2024
Balancing Dual Commitments
Being a professional ice hockey player in the UK can be demanding, but fortunately we have spare time to pursue other passions. This allowed me the opportunity to study a master’s degree in management at the School of Business, University of Dundee. The hardest part about juggling the two was making sure I was able to put my best effort into both passions. I found this to require extremely good time management skills and creativity. The MSc in Management requires several group projects, which at times was difficult as every group member schedule was different. Luckily, myself and my group members were able to use technology and the universities resources to connect and collaborate even when we weren’t all physically present. This was extremely rewarding, as we were able to come together and produce quality work.
Support from the School of Business
The school of business was an extremely vital resource in helping me achieve my degree. My academic advisor Lissa Monk was amazing. She was there for every step of the process from registration, class selection, and mentorship. This helped make the transition much easier as the masters level programme requires you to think outside the box. Lissa was great to bounce ideas off of for how to improve papers and was always there for myself and my teammates who were also in the programme. In addition, the School of Business helped support us when we were unable to attend class because of matches. This didn’t happen very often, but when it did, we were able to watch lectures online and still keep up to date with our work. The professors within the School of Business were also great to work with. They gave us opportunities to research topics we were passionate about within our projects which I found to be more motivating. It allowed me to gain a better understanding for the topic, which I believe improved my work.
Why Pursue a Master’s While Competing Professionally/Looking Toward the Future
The main reason why I wanted to pursue a master’s degree while competing professionally was to better prepare myself for life after hockey. Before I started my masters, I was enrolled in a Real Estate Appraisal programme back home in Canada. I put that program on pause to pursue my master’s in management because I felt the masters would help me obtain more knowledge in management as I lack real business experience. Now that I am done my master’s I am working to complete the appraisal programme. I hope that by completing both of these programmes I will be fully equipped to enter the work force and be a great real estate appraiser. Although I have limited work experience in the field of appraisal, I feel that the master’s degree has given me many skills and tools that I can use to help me in that transition.
Impressions on Dundee and Scotland
I have met amazing people here and built quality friendships with teammates and fellow students at the university. I also got engaged last January at Dunnottar Castle, so for my fiancée Amanda and I, Dundee and Scotland will always be a special place for us. The people in the city have been extremely welcoming and Scotland is full of beautiful scenery. Fortunately, Amanda and I have also been able to travel a little bit around the country visiting the Isle of Skye, the Highlands, and of course St. Andrews, Glasgow and Edinburgh. I have also been able to golf some amazing golf courses and take in the home of golf. Dundee and Scotland really feels like home and I am very thankful for the people I have met with the Dundee Stars organization and the University of Dundee.
Advice to Future Students (Especially Athletes)
My advice to future students is to enjoy every minute of the programme because it goes by fast. It may feel like a whirlwind, but stop and take the time to soak it all in. There is a lot to be learned from professors and classmates so take the time to listen. Time management is also a big factor in successfully completing the program. Meet with your group members early and establish roles that everyone feels comfortable with. This will help the success of the project and overall communication. Lastly, experience Scotland while you are here. This country has some of the most beautiful scenery in the world and the people are great, you won’t regret it.
Final words
I want to thank the Dundee Stars organisation and the University of Dundee for allowing me to pursue my master’s degree in Management. Without the established relationship between these two organizations, I wouldn’t have been afforded this opportunity. The skills I have learned and the relationships I have made will influence both my personal and professional life moving forward. I have been fortunate to play professional hockey as long as I have and with this degree from the University of Dundee, I feel better equipped and ready for my future after hockey.