Hi, I’m Jungrae No, a Bayes master’s student from South Korea. In 2016, I obtained a bachelor's degree in maritime transportation, and since then I have been working in the commodities transportation sector for a shipping company.

I found myself seeking a more challenging role at the forefront of the industry, specifically in the area of risk management. This desire stemmed from my observations of numerous bankruptcy cases among shipping companies during my tenure. Additionally, I felt a strong desire to deepen my understanding of the energy commodities that I have been involved in. Once I had made the decision to pursue a master's degree, recognising that London would be the ideal location to fulfil my ambitions.

I aimed to immerse myself in the shipping hub, where shipping insurance and law originated. However, I also wanted to combine my existing expertise in shipping with another field to create synergy, which led me to focus on energy. Upon discovering that Bayes Business School offered an MSc in Energy, Trade, and Finance course, I immediately recognised its suitability for my goals. I realised that this course would provide me with comprehensive knowledge encompassing energy transportation, risk management (including energy price volatility), and a fundamental understanding of finance.

I had limited knowledge about Bayes initially, but I was aware of the significant contributions made by its alumni in the shipping and energy fields, both in Korea and globally. Observing the successful positions they held after graduation provided me with a glimpse of my potential future. These alumni demonstrated active involvement across various sectors, which further fuelled my interest in the program.

To my surprise, I also witnessed the strong bond among the alumni. They generously offered advice and guidance regarding the course and potential career paths. Their eagerness to support and share their experiences greatly reassured me and enhanced my enthusiasm for joining the Bayes community!

Challenging but rewarding

This year, the MSc in Energy, Trade, and Finance has proven to be incredibly challenging, with the library always bustling with classmates from shipping and energy degrees. It has been one of the most intense periods of hard work in my life. However, the process of working diligently has also allowed me to forge lifelong friendships with my classmates. Looking back over the past eight months, I am grateful for the immense amount of knowledge I have gained in the energy field, including renewables, as well as a comprehensive understanding of finance.

Initially, I had concerns about my competitiveness in the course due to my limited background knowledge in finance. Nevertheless, through my dedication and commitment, I managed to maintain a good grade, which has given me a newfound confidence in myself. I want to assure anyone else who may have similar concerns that with hard work, not only can they navigate the course successfully, but it also presents an opportunity to rapidly develop a comprehensive knowledge base.

The Bayes experience

One of the highlights of my experience at Bayes has been the multitude of learning opportunities available. While the lectures were undoubtedly valuable, I also greatly benefitted from guest lectures and engaging in discussions during forums held in London. These experiences enabled me to think critically about the future of the energy industry and gain a broader perspective on the challenges and opportunities it presents.

Additionally, the friendships I have formed with my classmates have been an unforgettable aspect of my time at Bayes. We have supported each other throughout the programme and the camaraderie we have developed will endure beyond our studies.

I recall a particularly demanding period during term 2 when a classmate and I took a late-night walk to clear our minds before an exam. We were both feeling anxious and stressed, but our shared hope that our hard work would ultimately pay off kept us going. Looking back, that experience serves as a reminder of the resilience and determination required to succeed in a rigorous academic programme like the one offered at Bayes.

Overall, I wholeheartedly recommend Bayes master’s programme to anyone seeking to expand their knowledge and skills in the energy industry. The challenges are balanced by the rewarding experiences it offers, and the connections and friendships established during the course prove to be invaluable assets.

Interested in building your career in the energy sector? Find out more about our MSc in Energy Trade and Finance.