Transitioning from Bachelor’s to Master’s: A New Chapter Begins at Copenhagen Business School

For many students at Copenhagen Business School (CBS), the end of summer marks the start of an exciting new phase—the beginning of their master’s journey. This pivotal transition serves as the bridge between the familiar world of undergraduate life and the challenges of preparing for professional careers. It’s a time of new experiences, opportunities, and personal growth.

While much of student life remains familiar, new master’s students face fresh dilemmas, unanswered questions, and emerging challenges are met by the students. This was evident during the CBS Master Kickoff event held on August 30, 2024. The event, designed to warmly welcome the new cohort, featured presentations by notable contributors, including Pernille Steen Pedersen, a lecturer and researcher from the Department of Business, Humanities, and Law, as well as a debate hosted by Karriereklubben.

During her presentation, Pernille shared a line from the song “Æstetisk”, performed by the Danish singer, Lamin, which she translated to English: “Tell me brother, do we really make it through?” The line resonated with many, reflecting the uncertainty students often feel when stepping into a new chapter of life. Even the most confident students may question their abilities and wonder if they can navigate the changes ahead. Questions surrounding well-being are increasingly common. Why is mental and emotional well-being important? How can students maintain it during their academic journey?

The transition from bachelor’s to master’s is no exception to these concerns. Though familiar surroundings remain, the faces, challenges, and opportunities are new, often leading to feelings of uncertainty.

One concept introduced by Pernille was FOPO—Fear of People’s Opinions. Supported by a song from Danish artist Tobias Rahim (F’ing social angst), FOPO describes the anxiety that can arise from worrying about others’ opinions, whether in the classroom, during presentations, or while collaborating in group projects. This fixation on external validation can have a significant impact on well-being, preventing students from focusing on their own personal growth and achievements.

Hearing advice from former students can be invaluable during this transition. Pernille invited two alumni, Sebastian and Benjamin, to share their experiences and offer guidance. One of their key pieces of advice was to ask questions—when in doubt, speak out. Overcoming FOPO can be essential for fostering well-being and confidence.

Sebastian spoke about his experience as an intern with Pernille, where he learned strategies for managing stress in student life. Benjamin, meanwhile, highlighted his struggles with imposter syndrome as he transitioned from academia to the workforce. Both alumni emphasized that while overcoming FOPO and imposter syndrome can be difficult, their experiences could serve as helpful insights for the new master’s students.

The event concluded with a debate hosted by Karoline from Karriereklubben, featuring three additional alumni: André, Kasper, and Viktoria. They tackled three dilemmas centered on well-being. The first addressed finding a balance between work and academic life, the second explored navigating career paths, and the third focused on succeeding at CBS while managing social anxiety.

As the new master’s students embark on this chapter, the words of alumni and educators alike serve as reminders that while challenges may lie ahead, support and guidance are always available to help them succeed, and that the journey through CBS is a shared journey. Sometimes, a little help is needed from friends, and it can also be concluded that team work makes the dream work.

// Rachel Ellebye