As an international trader, Niki Cutts thinks that having a ropy
understanding of international law can have its disadvantages. It was suggested to me (by a lawyer) that I
spend two years in Vienna (part-time) studying for a Masters in International
Law.
It took almost two years to be able to
start the course, as the part-time course is only run every two years. So when
I was accepted and the course started, I already knew I would be starting my
own business a few months later. I hesitated to start the course, but
eventually took the plunge, encouraged by a management consultant who I know.
With no law background, I was at a
disadvantage vis-a-vis the other students. My only “piece de resistance” was
that I was the sole native English speaker, and as the course was taught in
English, at least I had the edge here.
Travelling to Vienna every two weeks would
have been comfortable on a bullet train, but alas, the Czechs need a great big
dollop of Europe’s structural funds to be rid of their “chuggers”. At least
though, the five hours each way gave me time to drain the brains of my super
smart Czech classmates, without whom I would have surely failed the course.
Time away from the new business and my
small kids wasn’t always easy. I seemed to be the only working mum with kids
that travelled. I just don’t think that women with kids would generally take on
such a commitment. All weekends with taken up with studying. In fact I would go
to sleep reading law, then wake up and immediately pick up the book.
However, eventually after the two years, I
passed the course. I am no way an expert, but the course has really helped me
in business through increased knowledge and credibility. Learning is life long,
it is often hard, but can be fun. You develop new professional networks and new
friends. Even with chaotic lives, finding space to develop personally is a
luxury we should insist on.
Niki Cutts has trading companies in Prague, a small property portfolio, as well as two kids. Juggling professional and work life can be challenging but possible.
Niki Cutts has trading companies in Prague, a small property portfolio, as well as two kids. Juggling professional and work life can be challenging but possible.