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

I'm Kate-Lynd, a final year student studying BA (Hons) International Business. Whilst I have a strong passion for business, I enjoy fitness and renovating houses in my spare time. My passion for business started at a young age, with a fascination for how large companies operate across borders and influence the global economy and the world. This led me to choosing to study international business, where the complexities of cross-culture management, trade and global markets are featured.

In addition to this, the opportunity offered me with a chance to socialize and network with like-minded people from an array of different backgrounds. Whilst the first year of my degree was in lockdown, the encouragement and support from Leeds Beckett allowed me to regain my confidence and gain invaluable skills for the transition into adult life.

Alongside my academic studies, I have strong interests in fitness and travelling. This passion has inspired me to become a personal trainer, allowing me to merge my passion for business and fitness, enabling me to fund my travels and life as a student. This experience has been invaluable, teaching me how to utilise customer service and marketing. I’ve also learned about the legal obligations of running a business, carrying through learnings from my course.

What have been the highlights of your course experience?

The highlight of my course has undoubtedly been the people. My peers come from an extensive range of backgrounds and cultures each bringing unique perspectives and experiences. The diversity has allowed for enriched discussions broadening my understanding of business practices beyond just the realms of the course. Furthermore, the Leeds Beckett teaching staff and module leaders have been fantastic, offering real-world applications for concepts learnt within the course. They have encouraged critical thinking and encouraged us to consider multiple viewpoints, fostering an environment of curiosity and growth, which we can take into our roles after university.

How would you say the course helps you to utilise your previous experiences and skills?

The BA (Hons) International Business course has significantly helped me utilise my previous experiences and skills in several ways. My experience in analytical thinking and problem-solving was honed during high-intensity environments while working on helplines during Nightingale hospital through COVID-19. The course's various case studies and reports allowed me to apply these skills, analysing complex business scenarios and devising strategic solutions, mirroring real-world challenges.

Can you tell us about any practical opportunities on the course to apply your learning?

During my time at Leeds Beckett, I have had several practical opportunities to apply my learning, which made my educational experience even better. In addition to the consultancy module, the international business module, allowed me to gain a better understanding of how businesses begin operations in new countries. This project allowed me to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, enhancing my understanding of international enterprises and group work.

The sustainability module offered a different type of practical opportunity, in which after lectures and seminars we went out into Leeds to find real-world examples and relationships to understand the theories we had learned. This hands-on approach put the course into perspective and allowed for a more involved learning process, reinforcing the material while keeping it engaging and enjoyable— something my family still remembers me explaining to them over a year ago.

How has the course helped your own professional skills development?

The course has significantly contributed to my professional skills development, enhancing both my academic understanding and practical capabilities in several key areas. Through various coursework and case studies, I have sharpened my ability to analyse complex business problems and develop strategic solutions, a skill directly applicable to my future career. The course has also improved both my written and verbal communication skills, requiring presentations, reports, and group discussions. The coursework has enabled me to articulate ideas clearly and persuasively, which is essential in any professional setting.

Would you recommend this course to others, if so, why?

Yes, I would recommend this course for anyone who enjoys asking questions about the world and the business landscape. The BA (Hons) International Business course offers a comprehensive insight into the different areas of business from marketing, human resources, to accounting and finance. The variety of different modules opens your mind to how businesses operate across borders and how they are affected by different factors.

What are your plans for the future?

After graduation I hope to spend the summer continuing my passion for training clients whilst working as a personal trainer, in between travelling around Europe, and starting a graduate job in September. The skills and knowledge acquired over the years at Leeds Beckett have given me a strong foundation to peruse a career in business and I look forward to the future.