Pavanpal Digpal is studying the BA (Hons) Business and Management course at Leeds Business School. Here, Pavanpal explains why he chose to study business and management and shares his experience and highlights from the course.

Course: BA (Hons) Business and Management

The course matched my future ambitions

I was already living in Leeds and decided to do this course as it matched my ambitions for the future. The length of the course was perfect and what really persuaded me was the option of a placement year, to work with companies to gain the experience and skills that you’ll need once graduated. The course covers key aspects needed within business, from the mathematical/financial side to the key day-to-day running of a business. 

Whilst choosing what I wanted to study at university (and even now!) I wasn’t sure exactly what I wanted to do after university. I personally believe that the Business and Management course can help open many doors as business is such a broad sector, where you can get many different types and levels of jobs. 

The group project gave me transferable skills for the future

As part of a group project with five other friends, we were given a task to produce an A1 poster and pitch to present ideas and solutions on how the return rate in the fashion industry could be reduced. The experience was fun and really interesting. There was plenty of research and creativity involved, as we didn’t want to use a solution that was already out there. Our presentation skills were tested for the pitch too!

In doing the research, I really got to grips with the fashion industry, how returns work, and the effects of returns both on the consumer and retailer side, which was really interesting. Through this, I also understood how advanced the world is getting in terms of artificial intelligence and its technological capabilities. I learnt a lot about how much of an impact COVID-19 actually had. The project highlight for me was definitely the stage where as a group, we had to come up with solutions - that was really challenging! The skills I learnt through the pitch such as presentation skills, communication and confidence also helped, and these are all transferrable skills that I will carry with me for the future.

The Business in Action module has been fun and exciting

My first year has brought a lot of good moments that I have enjoyed. Through assignments and seminar tasks, I’ve enjoyed developing my skills such as critical thinking, problem solving, analytical and communicational skills. An example would be the business simulation assignments for the Business in Action module, where we were told the task on the day. This was to test our abilities for the future, by creating a last-minute scenario so we had to use our intuition and creativity on the spot. The Business in Action module for me has been the most fun and exciting. By doing many presentations with friends and more interactive tasks, it really helps with your confidence. 

I’m still not sure what I would like to do after I graduate. Doing a master’s degree is an option for me, as well as looking for a role in a leading business group. I would love to work for an ethical company who match my ambitions and make innovative moves to help them grow into a hugely successful company. 

The course offers plenty of opportunities to show strengths and work on any weaknesses

As the modern business world is diverse with many challenges and opportunities, I think the course is perfect as it covers skills and knowledge of the different aspects within business and helps you develop as a person. Another reason why I think this course is ideal is due to the variety of tasks and assignments, from long written formal essays, to fun, interactive presentations, you’ll never be bored of repetition! The course offers plenty of opportunities to show your strengths and abilities, as well as work on and develop any weaknesses.

I have thoroughly enjoyed this course and would most definitely recommend it to any students who have an eye, desire and passion for business!