How to Talk About Your Education in EnglishSeries: English Communication for Indian Professionals, Homemakers & Entrepreneurs

Let me throw a challenge your way.

Imagine you’re in a job interview. The interviewer looks up and asks

Tell me a bit about your education background.

You pause, take a deep breath, and say

Uh. I studied BSc. That’s it.

Now fast-forward to a networking event: someone says,

Oh nice to meet you, What did you study?
And you just go:
I did B.Com. long back.

Sound familiar? You’re not alone.

Most of us have education stories, but we never learned how to talk about them fluently in English. Today, we fix that.

In this session, we’ll learn how to confidently talk about your academic journey-from your degree to your favorite subjects, and even online courses you’ve taken recently.

WHAT THIS SESSION WILL COVER

. How to structure your answer using the D.E.G.R.E.E. Formula
. How to keep it short, simple, or even detailed when needed
. Examples for:

• Engineers
• Graduates
• Homemakers
• Online learners
• Postgraduates (even those who studied abroad)

 Whether you’re in tech, teaching, finance, homemaking, or coaching-your education is part of your personal brand.
Let’s learn to talk about it with clarity and class.

Follow this structure to tell you academic story.

 The D.E.G.R.E.E. Formula

Letter	What It Stands For	What to Say
D	Degree	What did you study?
E	Educational Institution	Where did you study?
G	Graduation Year	When did you complete it? (Optional)
R	Relevant Subjects	What were your key subjects/areas?
E	Experience	What did you enjoy or achieve there?
E	Extension	Any further studies, certifications, online learning?

 Let’s find out what each letter stands for in:
D – E – G – R – E – E
Degree, Education, Graduation, Relevant Subjects, Experience, Extension

APPLYING THE D.E.G.R.E.E. FORMULA – 3 REAL EXAMPLES

 Example 1: Engineering Graduate Technical Professional

I completed my Bachelor of Engineering in Electronics from SRM University in 2016. My main subjects were embedded systems, communication networks, and microprocessors. I especially enjoyed hands-on projects-we even created a basic home automation model in our final year. After graduating, I took a short certification in Python, which sparked my interest in automation and data.

 Example 2: Commerce Graduate + Online Learner Working Professional or Freelancer

I did my graduation in Commerce from Delhi University in 2014. I really enjoyed business law and accountancy, and I used to participate in case study competitions. In the last few years, I’ve also done two certifications-one in digital marketing and another in financial modeling. These have helped me handle real-world business problems more confidently.

 Example 3: Postgraduate Degree Abroad MBA, International Exposure

I completed my MBA in International Business from the University of Manchester in 2018. My core focus areas were global strategy, marketing, and cross-cultural leadership. The diverse peer group and team-based projects gave me a lot of exposure. I also interned with a logistics company in the UK, which helped me understand the European market better. Since then, I’ve been working in global supply chain management.

Here are short versions you can use in daily conversations or introductions:

I studied B.Sc. in Physics from Calcutta University. I always loved the logic and structure in science.
I completed my B.Tech in IT from Amity University in 2019 and have recently completed a course in cloud computing.
I did a B.A. in Psychology. I’ve always been curious about human behavior-it helps me even today in communication and teamwork.
I studied commerce and later shifted into content writing. I’ve done a few courses online to keep learning.

If you are a homemaker, here’s how you can talk about education.

I have a degree in English Literature from Bangalore University. I was very active in writing and public speaking during college. Even after becoming a full-time homemaker, I’ve continued learning-Currently, I am learning English communication online.

I studied B.Sc. in Home Science and have always enjoyed organizing and planning. Now that my kids are older, I’ve started learning digital skills through YouTube and Coursera. Learning never really stops!

 Key tip: Use words like:

I’ve kept my learning active.
I enjoy learning new things online.
I’ve always been passionate about.

These phrases keep your tone positive, evolving, and growth-oriented.

ADVANCED VERSION – FULL ACADEMIC JOURNEY

My academic journey started with a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering from Anna University. I graduated in 2013 and focused on thermodynamics and product design. After working for 3 years, I pursued an Executive MBA from IIM Kozhikode to expand my leadership skills. I’ve always believed in continuous learning-so last year, I also completed a short program in Data Science from UpGrad. My education has given me both technical depth and strategic thinking.

Use this kind of answer in:

QUICK PHRASES & POWER WORDS

Here are some smart, fluent ways to talk about education:

I’ve always been curious about
That course really sharpened my understanding of
College was where I discovered my passion for
I believe in lifelong learning, so I also enrolled in
I built a strong foundation in
That experience helped shape my mindset around
I was actively involved in (clubs, debates, projects)

SPEAKING CHALLENGE – YOUR TURN!

 Say this out loud using the D.E.G.R.E.E. formula:

1. What did you study?
2. Where did you study?
3. What subjects did you enjoy or specialize in?
4. Did you do any projects, internships, or achievements?
5. Have you done any certifications or online courses recently?

 Speak your answer 3 times:

• First: just to get the words out
• Second: fix grammar or structure
• Third: improve tone and confidence

 Record your voice note. Listen to it. You’ll sound better every time.

COMMUNITY HOMEWORK – VIDEO TASK

 Record a 45-60 second video where you share your education journey using the D.E.G.R.E.E. structure.

Upload it in our learner group or online platform.
 Watch 2 videos from your peers and leave 1 encouraging comment each.

If you’ve done any online course or certification-mention it. It shows you’re proactive and growing.

Today you learned:

• How to confidently talk about your education
• The D.E.G.R.E.E. formula
• Real examples for engineers, graduates, homemakers, and postgraduates
• How to make your education story fluent, memorable, and relevant

 In the next session, we will talk about friends & colleagues.

Keep practicing, keep recording, and keep showing up. You’re growing every session