I joined Alliance Manchester Business School as an MSc International Business student in September 2024, full of excitement and curiosity about what the year ahead would bring. Now, as I work on my dissertation and prepare to graduate this December, I am looking back with immense gratitude for an academic year that has been both professionally and personally transformative.

One of the most rewarding parts of my time at AMBS has been meeting my course mates. From the very start, I was surrounded by people from all over the world, each bringing unique perspectives and experiences. Our engaging courses sparked countless thought-provoking discussions, and I have learned just as much from my peers as from my lecturers. Some of my favourite courses were International Business Strategy and Marketing for International Business, both of which gave me a deeper understanding of global business practices through applied cases and inspired me to think critically about real-world challenges.

A standout moment for me this academic year was being selected as part of a five-student AMBS team to work on a consulting project with Zhejiang University International Business School (ZIBS) in China. The team included students from my course and from the MSc Innovation Management programme, and over the course of a month, three weeks working remotely and one week on-site in China, we focused on developing ESG solutions for a Chinese cobalt mining giant. This experience was an incredible opportunity to apply what I had learned in the classroom to a real-world context and to deepen my understanding of international business through hands-on, experiential learning. 

Another milestone was securing a full-time job that was my top choice role as I was looking at employment opportunities last fall, thanks in large part to the support from the AMBS Postgraduate Careers Service. Their guidance was invaluable, from CV workshops that helped me refine my applications to personalised one-on-one sessions that prepared me for the assessment centre. These resources made all the difference in helping me feel confident and well-prepared for the job market. Knowing I will be stepping straight into a role after graduation has taken a lot of pressure off and allowed me to enjoy the rest of my time in Manchester to the fullest.

Alongside my studies, I worked as a Marketing Assistant at the University of Manchester’s Students’ Union, travelled across the UK and beyond, and now find myself writing my dissertation from home in Belarus as I spend some much needed quality time with family. I will be returning to the UK in August as I prepare to move to London for work.

Overall, this year has been one of immense growth and unforgettable experiences. I had the chance to learn so much academically and engage in Manchester’s vibrant social scene, both at the University and beyond. I built lifelong friendships and, most unexpectedly, met my soulmate at AMBS, someone I cannot wait to share the rest of my life with.

Looking back, I feel proud of how much I achieved this year and how many opportunities AMBS gave me. I carry both nostalgia for this incredible chapter and excitement for what’s to come, but above all, I feel a deep sense of gratitude to this place that has shaped my journey in so many ways.

Written by Angelina, an MSc International Business and Management student.

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