The Master’s Degree Became My Path to My Dream Job

“I love learning new things. That’s why I decided to pursue a master’s degree — one that would also update my knowledge and make it relevant. It turned out to be a really good decision, because the programme became the pathway to my dream job at LEGO.”

The words come without hesitation when Larisa Daniela Spinu talks about the Master of Science in International Business she completed at the IBA International Business Academy in Kolding. For her, the programme was exactly the right choice, even though the starting point was, as she describes it, “a bit tough”. When she enrolled, she had left an exciting job behind and had spent an extended period on maternity leave with her young child.

“But it motivated me to be a good role model for my child. I wanted to show that it’s absolutely possible to continue your education, even when you’re in your mid-thirties,” Larisa explains.

The solution was an online degree programme. It gave her the flexibility she needed to balance everyday life with her partner and young child. She chose the IBA, which offers online master’s programmes in collaboration with the UK-based Leeds Beckett University.

“I really liked that combination. A master’s degree from Leeds Beckett University is internationally recognised, while the IBA represents the Danish education system, which I’ve had very positive experiences with,” says Larisa.

When she moved to Denmark from Romania 14 years ago, it was specifically to study, and she had already earned a Danish bachelor’s degree in International Sales and Marketing. Since then, she has worked in sales across various roles.

The master’s programme at the IBA fully lived up to her expectations. Just as she had hoped, she recharged her batteries with new knowledge and engaged in many insightful discussions with both lecturers and fellow students.

“Even though we only met online, it was still very easy to interact with the rest of the class during lessons. And for me, it was absolutely perfect that my study group met on Teams in the evenings, after my child had gone to bed,” Larisa explains.

However, she admits that weekends could be demanding. Especially around assignment deadlines, she often had to turn down plans and social events.

“That’s when you have to remind yourself that the programme is only for a period of your life,” she says with a smile.

During her studies, she began working as a student assistant in the sales department at LEGO Education. From there, she progressed to a full-time role in Global Marketing.

“Neither of those opportunities would have happened if I hadn’t started the programme. During my master’s degree, I learned the theories connected to topics such as globalisation, stakeholder management, supply chains and sustainability, and that is the direct reason why I succeeded in getting a job at LEGO,” she says.

Take ownership of your own learning

Today, Larisa holds the title of Central Sourcing and Execution Specialist at LEGO. The mission behind her master’s degree has certainly been accomplished. That is why she also has this advice for others who are considering studying online:

“You need to take ownership of your own learning. That means being disciplined and maintaining momentum. Because if you make small amounts of progress consistently, you will eventually achieve great progress.”