Why did you choose this course and university?
I chose to study business management because it felt like a natural progression from my GCSEs and A‑levels, where I consistently enjoyed the subject and performed well.
I've always been interested in what makes organisations work, how decisions are made, and how people influence business outcomes, so studying management felt like the right foundation for the kind of career I wanted to build.
I only seriously considered the University of Brighton after attending an open day. The atmosphere was welcoming, and the teaching style felt practical and engaging. Compared to other universities, Brighton had the most genuine, human feel to it, and that has remained true throughout my degree.
What was the application process like?
I applied through UCAS and focused my personal statement on my interest in business, how much I'd enjoyed the subject at A‑level, and what I'd taken from the open day.
The open day was the real turning point - one speaker delivered a talk so passionate and energetic that he captivated the entire room. Although he never taught me, he was a fair reflection of the lecturers I've had since.
I also remember receiving confirmation of my place about an hour before my A‑level results, which was a huge relief. Opening that acceptance email confirmed that Brighton was the right fit.
How is the course structured and assessed?
The course comprises six modules per year, with core modules in years two and three, and a range of optional modules that allow you to build your own specialisms.
One of the most impactful modules for me was 'International Management', where my group acted as consultants to a regional distributor of frozen foods exploring export opportunities in Saudi Arabia.
It was a unique challenge - we had to understand international regulations, cultural norms, certifications, and supply chain considerations before we could even begin developing a viable entry strategy. With regular feedback and guidance, we eventually found our rhythm, and the project became quite enjoyable.
That module was assessed through a presentation to the senior leadership team and an individual report building on our group findings.
Other modules have been assessed through exams, reports, group projects and more unusual methods, including assessment‑centre‑style tasks in the 'Managing Teams and Developing People' module, which we would later reflect on.
The variety of assessment methods makes the course feel aligned with real working life and has helped me build confidence in communication and stepping into leadership roles.
Tell us a bit about your consulting and volunteering work alongside your studies.
I'm currently consulting for The Bavard Bar, a monthly event in Eastbourne. I've been working with the owner to improve his promotional activities:
- analysing current efforts
- conducting research
- creating promotional materials
- producing evidence‑based recommendations that are both feasible and sensitive to his needs.
One of the more unusual approaches involved securing a feature piece in local newspapers, inspired by the success of the sister event in Hastings. It's been incredibly rewarding to work with a local business and see tangible changes resulting from my input.
Alongside consulting, I take pride in my charity work and in challenging myself in new ways. I previously volunteered weekly at Princess Alice Hospice and, more recently, have raised money through charity runs, including a sponsored 10k for Mind UK.
After graduation, I plan to complete the London to Brighton cycle for the British Heart Foundation (BHF), which my family has done before and will be a fun way to raise money for a great cause.
How have you balanced your time between your work, study and other commitments?
Time management has been a challenge at times. Not long ago, I was simultaneously studying for three exams, training for the Mind 10k and preparing for a Level 3 CISI (Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment) qualification - and fitting everything in was difficult.
But those intense periods tend to last only a week or two, and it's manageable to make short‑term sacrifices elsewhere.
For the most part, it's been very possible to stay on top of my course, pursue other activities and maintain a social life.
Why has LinkedIn been central to your journey so far?
LinkedIn has been fundamental for me, especially in building confidence. While networking is valuable, I've used it as a space to find my professional voice and discuss topics that I'm genuinely interested in.
I post regularly about personal finance, especially behavioural aspects such as:
- debt
- inflation
- pension habits
- policy changes
- savings.
While these topics aren't for everyone, I've found a small community that engages with my content and challenges my views. It's helped me consider different perspectives, learn from others and feel confident discussing subjects I care about, regardless of who's listening.
Why do you think it's important for students to be present on LinkedIn?
I think the usual advice (that LinkedIn is all about networking) is true but incomplete. Yes, it can create career opportunities, but it also offers much more. Students can use it to explore a professional niche, stay up to date with industry news, or simply keep in touch with people from different parts of their lives. Networking is crucial, but the platform can also be a space for curiosity and self-expression.
What advice can you give on curating a professional profile?
- Make your profile something you're proud of. Invest in a professional headshot, write a thoughtful bio, highlight projects you're pleased with and follow people you're genuinely interested in. Many people find LinkedIn overwhelming at first, but once you've laid the groundwork, your feed quickly becomes more interesting and insightful.
- Talk about things you actually enjoy. It may be a professional platform, but it's still full of humans. If you're not interested in corporate strategy or finance, you don't have to force it. Share your hobbies, interests and passions, and you'll find people who resonate with them.
What other employability initiatives have you been involved with, and what skills did you develop?
The initiatives that have tested me the most have been networking events. Last year, I attended both the London Business Show and the Bright Network Festival. Meeting representatives from a range of industries was valuable, but the biggest impact was on my confidence. Walking into a room full of strangers isn't my strong suit, but after a few events, you realise everyone is there for the same reasons. The worst that happens is you don't click and move on - but when you do connect with someone, it can make the whole event enjoyable and worthwhile.
What has been the highlight of your time at the university?
It's been the people I've worked with. Whether it was collaborating on consultancy projects or preparing for presentations, the mix of personalities and strengths in each group made the work more interesting and often more ambitious. It's a dynamic you can't replicate on your own, and it's taught me a lot about how teams function and how I function within them.
Briefly tell us about your plans for after graduation.
I'll be looking for consulting or financial‑planning roles in London, while also taking on any freelance consulting opportunities. I want to build a combination of technical skills that keep my work in demand, and soft skills and experience that help me stay effective and motivated.
I may also pursue further qualifications, including the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation and the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Level 3 Award, which is more of a hobby than a career path.
What are your longer-term career ambitions?
In the long term, I'm aiming for a career that sits at the intersection of business strategy, communication and helping people make better decisions.
I'm still exploring the exact role that fits me best, but I'm drawn to work that involves:
- problem solving
- presenting ideas clearly
- supporting organisations or individuals to improve their performance.
My degree and consulting experience have shown me that I enjoy roles where I can analyse a situation, communicate insights and see the impact of my work.
What tips would you give to others about making the most of their university experience?
- Take the time to understand yourself. University is a great place to try things out. With hundreds of societies, new people, and a new environment, it's the perfect opportunity to test the waters with new hobbies or interests.
- Remember, your lecturers are human, and they want to help. Many of the opportunities I've had, including this interview, came from simply engaging with lecturers on a human level. If they trust you'll make the most of an opportunity, they'll often keep you in mind.
- Track the value. At the start of my degree, I kept a notes tab of everything I experienced outside my course, from bouldering to eating goat (neither of which I loved). Looking back, the list is priceless and serves as a reminder that the value of the university experience isn't just academic.
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