5 ways I made the most out of attending a QS event

Just like preparing for an interview or an important meeting, doing a bit of homework before attending a QS Event can make all the difference, turning it from just another master’s fair into one that truly offers great value.  

Take time to check which universities will be there, how the event is structured, and how each option and event segment aligns with your personal goals. 

Viola said: “Before coming to the event, I had already done a lot of research, I basically knew every single programme by heart!” 

If you’ve done your prep before the event and have a solid idea of the type of degree, the type of university, and the country or the region you want to study in, asking questions specific to your situation will come naturally to you. 

According to Viola, all her preparation helped her ask more targeted questions, especially about GMAT scores, GPA requirements and CV expectations.  

She said: “The representatives gave me really valuable advice on how to strengthen my applications, information I definitely wouldn’t have found just by looking online.” 

If you want to make the most out of a QS event, it’s important that you make an effort to actively network and make connections with the people you meet there.  

Viola said: “I had the chance to connect directly with several university representatives and recruiters, and I was even able to get many of their email addresses and LinkedIn profiles.  

“What I really appreciated is that many of them encouraged me to reach out even after the event, so I could ask for more advice or details once I start working on my applications. It felt like a genuine opportunity to build valuable connections. 

“The network that QS Events create is amazing, and the opportunity to meet so many inspiring people in one place is something you definitely shouldn’t miss.” 

Even though almost all information about universities and their programmes is available at your fingertips these days, there will always be details you can’t fully understand through online research alone.  

That’s why it’s so valuable to take full advantage of meeting university representatives, professors, and even alumni at QS Events. 

For Viola, the QS Master’s Event in Munich was the perfect chance to meet the universities she’d been most eager to learn about in person.  

She said: “I thought it would be a great chance to talk to them directly and get a better idea of what they’re really like, beyond what you can find on their websites or brochures. 

“The event helped me go beyond the online research and really understand which universities felt right for me: not just academically, but also in terms of culture and values.  

“It also gave me a much clearer idea of how to structure my application and what steps to take next, which made the whole process feel much more concrete and achievable”. 

By the end of the event, Viola had turned her questions into a concrete next step, a goal every attendee should aim for. Taking time after the event to review your notes, shortlist universities, and plan your next steps will help you turn new insights into real progress. 

Viola said: “The event really helped me gain clarity and confidence about my next steps. I now know which universities are my top choice. I have a detailed understanding of each school’s application process and, thanks to the people I met at the event, I also received valuable feedback on how to make my CV more competitive.  

“I even know exactly what GMAT score I should aim for. So now, I have a clear and structured plan to make all of this a reality”. 

Viola’s advice to future attendees is simple: go, even if you’re still figuring things out. As she put it, QS Events “not only provide a chance to network with a bunch of incredible people, but also create an opportunity to get a personal impression of each university, through their values, the way they communicate, and what they focus on.”