Tell us a bit about yourself, and why you chose to study this course?

I’m Ellie, a final year student studying BSc Business Management with Marketing. My experience has been a challenging one with my first year of studies being online due to the pandemic. Despite that initial set back, I am proud of everything I have achieved so far. Alongside my studies I work part-time at Enterprise Rent-a-car as a Management Assistant following my placement year in 2023. Outside of University I enjoy travelling (having recently visited Thailand and India), along with socialising with friends and running.

I chose to study Business Management with Marketing as I could see myself working as a manager or owning my own business in the future. I knew the skills I would learn at Leeds Beckett would give me the appropriate life skills needed to apply to many jobs as a confident individual. I was also excited to socialise and meet new people who have similar interests to me. I decided to specialise in Marketing after enjoying the modules I studied at A-level, and as the first member within my family to attend university, I felt it was important for me to graduate with a business degree.

What would you say has been the highlight of your course?

The highlight of my course experience so far was the trip to India where I attended a two-week summer school at Symbiosis University, Pune. While on the trip I learned lots of new skills, explored the cities of Pune and Mumbai, and experienced Indian culture. On the trip I met new people who have now become friends.

Following the trip, we took part in the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge to raise money for students at an Indian Primary school that we’d visited on the trip, with the aim to provide them with new technology and sports equipment. Additional funds raised were donated to a local food bank in Leeds to help families suffering locally. My favourite modules so far have been in my final year, specifically the Business Strategy and Contemporary Brand Management modules. I was able to apply the skills and knowledge gained from the course in my job at Enterprise Rent-a-car. My skillset has grown massively throughout my time at Leeds Beckett, especially in the following business areas: customer service, marketing, and finance. Throughout my time here I have also become a much more confident individual. 

Have you enjoyed the practical opportunities on the course?

My favourite practical opportunity was the summer-school programme in India. After two weeks of teaching, exploring, networking, and volunteering, we were asked to create and deliver a presentation to the Director of Symbiosis University. I was encouraged to bring my knowledge, skills, and competences together with the other group members to deliver an engaging presentation. Another of my favourite practical experiences came during the Consultancy group research project; an opportunity for us to provide recommendations to a real-life client and present them to the company. Lastly, taking part in the ‘Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge’ was certainly an achievement, proving how resilient I have become as an individual since joining Leeds Beckett.

How has the course helped your own professional skills development?

The course has encouraged me to apply my time management, teamwork, and communication skills, helping to prepare me for a job after graduating. My placement year on placement at Enterprise Rent-a-car proved beneficial as my confidence has grown so much within a short space of time, especially since being offered a future role as an Assistant Manager if I decide to return following my studies.

Would you recommend this course to others?

I would highly recommend this course, especially to those who enjoy interacting with others, group work and presentations. I have really enjoyed my time at Leeds Beckett, especially this last year, following the full return to university campus with modules no longer being taught online. The option to add a placement year and work on a placement was fantastic. This additional opportunity has helped me to prepare for the working world.

What are your plans for the future?

When I complete the course and graduate in 2024, my plan is to continue working full-time at Enterprise Rent-a-car until the end of the year when I will then be going to Southeast Asia travelling, hoping to end in Australia and look to get a job there for a little while. As a solo traveller, I will be grateful for the confidence and communication skills I have gained from my studying and placements over the last four years.