• Why I chose BSc International Management at the University of Manchester

I applied to university during COVID, so there weren’t any open days. Instead, I visited each campus on my own, and The University of Manchester immediately stood out. I just had a feeling that I could see myself here and started to picture my life at the university . Even though I’d grown up in Manchester, walking around the university campus gave me a completely different perspective on the city. The atmosphere around campus, from the libraries and cafés to the renovated Alliance Manchester Business School, made it feel like somewhere I wanted to spend the next few years.

The course itself also really appealed to me. I liked how flexible BSc International Management was because, at 18, I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do but I knew I was curious and wanted to learn more about global business success . The variety of modules, options from Consumer Behaviour to American Sociey and Economy , meant I could explore different areas before deciding where my interests lay and choose more specific modules in my second and final year. 

One of the biggest reasons I chose Manchester was the opportunity to study abroad. The university’s global reputation and partnerships with leading business schools around the world made it an easy choice, as to me this was a once in a lifetime opportunity and more than I could’ve dreamed of. 

I also loved how many opportunities there were outside the classroom, whether through societies, sport, cultural events or sustainability initiatives.

Looking back, it was a mainly how the university made me feel when I first visited alongside everything I learned about the course, the city and the opportunities available that made Manchester the right choice for me.

 

•   A brief overview of my background before joining the programme

I grew up in a small town in Greater Manchester and studied Business, English Literature and Religious Studies at A-level. Business was always the subject I enjoyed most, and I knew it was the area I wanted to build my knowledge and a career in.

Outside of school, I helped my brother with his jewellery business, supporting its marketing, social media and website. Seeing what happened behind the scenes gave me an early insight into how businesses operate and sparked my curiosity about how brands grow and succeed. 

I’ve always been interested in the beauty and skincare industry, particularly how brands grow globally while embracing sustainability. Fast forward to university, and that interest naturally shaped my module choices, from Innovation and Markets in my second year to Brand Management during my exchange year.

Entrepreneurship was also something that influenced me growing up. Both of my grandfathers were immigrants who built successful businesses from the ground up, and although I never got a chance to meet them, their stories have always been a source of inspiration in my family.

I was also inspired by women making their mark in business and leadership. Seeing more women succeed in spaces that have traditionally been male-dominated made me believe there was a place for me too, and motivated me to pursue a career where I hope to do the same.

 

•     Memorable experiences or key takeaways from my time here

Without a doubt, studying abroad in Toronto was the highlight of my degree, and honestly one of the best experiences of my life so far. Moving halfway across the world on my own was daunting at first, but it pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best way possible. I made lifelong friends from all over the world, from Canada and Australia to France and Switzerland, and some of my favourite memories: trying new cafés and traditional food, watching basketball and ice hockey games in Scotiabank arena , celebrating Toronto’s 190th birthday , exploring different areas within the city such as Queen Street West, the beautiful Toronto Islands and also attempting to ice skate with locals who all seemed to be experts!

My Canadian friends also showed me parts of the city and nearby towns that I never would have discovered otherwise, and I was lucky enough to travel to places like Niagra falls , Banff, Chicago, New York and Los Angeles. Looking back, it’s amazing to think about how much I experienced, from walking across the frozen lake Louise to watching shows on Broadway and going to New York just for the weekend.  Academically, it was just as rewarding too. I took modules such as Managing Across Cultures and Conflict and Negotiation, where professors regularly brought theory to life by sharing their own industry experiences and making classes so engaging and exciting through different activities and lots of discussion with my peers. 

Another defining part of my time at Manchester was becoming a Student Ambassador. I applied just a couple of weeks into first year and went on to support Open Days, Offer Holder Days and outreach events for students from Year 7 through to Year 12. I loved meeting other ambassadors from all different courses, sharing experiences and making connections, and meeting prospective students, helping them picture themselves at Manchester by touring them around and happily answering any and every possible question they had.

These experiences completely changed my perspective. Growing up in a small town, I never imagined I’d one day be living in Canada, travelling across North America or building friendships with people from all over the world. They taught me to say yes to opportunities, even when they felt intimidating, because that’s often where the most rewarding experiences began. I not only graduated with a degree, but I left with lifelong friendships, greater confidence and independence, and the belief that the world is so much bigger than I had ever imagined.

 

• My career development since graduating

During my final year, I applied for lots of graduate schemes, but if I’m honest, I was more focused on getting a job than thinking about what I actually wanted to do. After a number of unsuccessful applications, I took a few weeks away from applying and decided to approach it differently. I spoke to family, friends and The University of Manchester Careers Service for advice and to practice interviews, applications processes and assessment centres. I also spent time reflecting on myself, what modules I’d enjoyed the most, what skills I had gained through previous roles and experiences and the feedback I’d received throughout my degree.

I realised I’d naturally been drawn towards HR and strategy-focused modules in my second and final year. I enjoyed and had built skills in solving problems, collaborating  with people and creative and strategic decision making. Once I understood what actually interested me, I was able to focus my applications on roles that suited me, making the whole process much more purposeful (and a lot more organised!).

I’m now excited to be starting a graduate scheme in HR Technology and Transformation this September. It feels like a bit of a full-circle moment because one of the reasons I chose to study business was that I’d always wondered what makes companies so successful. Now I’ll be helping organisations improve the way they work and support their people through technology, while continuing to learn myself.

Before I start, I’ve been travelling around Southeast Asia and solo travelling for the first time. It’s something I’d always dreamed of doing, and it’s been incredible experiencing different cultures, trying new food, meeting people from all over the world and exploring places I never imagined I’d visit (currently in Japan!). In September, I’ll also be moving cities for the role. Manchester will always be my home, but I’m excited for a new challenge and to see where this next chapter takes me.

 

• How the course supported my career development

One of the things I appreciated most about International Management was how broad the course was. In first year, I was introduced to a variety of areas in business, which meant I could explore my interests before choosing modules that suited me. By my second and final year, I naturally gravitated towards HR and strategy-focused modules, helping me realise the direction I wanted my career to take.

Studying abroad also played a huge part in my development. This experience strengthened skills like cross cultural communication, collaboration and adaptability and gave me confidence both professionally and personally. It has also inspired me to take up opportunities abroad in the future. 

Outside of the classroom, I made the most of the Careers Service by using the CV checker, practising interviews and assessment centres, and getting advice throughout the application process. I also really valued the constructive feedback I received from my lecturers. It helped me understand not only how to improve my work, but also recognise my own strengths, which gave me much more confidence when applying for graduate roles.

 

•   Advice for future applicants

If I could give one piece of advice, it would be to give yourself a chance. Don’t let the fear of failing stop you from trying something you’re excited or even just curious about. So many of the best experiences I had at university came from saying yes to opportunities that felt slightly intimidating at the time, whether that was becoming a Student Ambassador, studying abroad or simply turning up to an event where I didn’t know anyone.

You don’t have to do everything, but if something catches your interest, even just a little bit , go for it. Even if you tell yourself you’ll stay for 20 minutes or challenge yourself to speak to just one new person, you’ve already done something you wouldn’t have done otherwise. Some opportunities won’t work out, and that’s okay too. Every experience teaches you something about yourself, what you do/ don’t enjoy and what you’re good at or can build on. You’re far more capable than you realise, but you’ll never know unless you give yourself the chance to try.

Don’t underestimate your own abilities. University gave me opportunities that made me realise I could do things I never thought I was capable of, like speaking in front of lecture theatres full of prospective students and parents. I didn’t become more confident first and then do those things, I became more confident because I did them.

Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Your lecturers and tutors want you to succeed, and some of the most valuable feedback I received completely changed the way I approached my work. It helped me improve not just one assignment, but my approach to learning overall. I’d also encourage you to attend events, ask questions and find out what opportunities are available both within your course and across the university. Whether it’s studying abroad, joining a society, applying for internships, summer schools, awards programmes ,sports clubs, volunteering, reaching out to the careers or mental health service …there’s so much available across the whole university if you look and ask around!!

Everyone’s university experience will look different, so try not to compare yourself to those around you. Focus on your own journey, be present and celebrate the small wins as much as the big ones, from getting a great mark or winning a task to just sitting having coffee and conversations with friends and building new connections . University goes by fast. Believe it or not , you’ll even miss walking to lectures with your friends , getting caught in the rain and complaining about assignments. So be present, take care, trust yourself and remember that you never know where one opportunity might lead.

Related