Undergraduate student and graduate profiles

Perhaps the best way to find out what it's really like to study at Alliance MBS is to ask our students first-hand.

We like to think that we open doors here at Alliance MBS and hope you will be inspired by their successes. You can read what our current students and graduates have to say about us in their profiles by selecting your preferences from the options below.

Course

Country

Sector

Student

Bhavna Dholakia

Bhavna Dholakia graduated in BSc (Hons) Accounting in 2012 and is now an audit associate at Deloitte in London

What made you choose your course at Alliance MBS?

When choosing a University I looked primarily at the course and how it ranked. Manchester seemed great as it's a very well respected university, and it had a degree which gave me a head start into a career in accountancy, which was exactly what I wanted. After visiting an open day, I knew that Manchester was the right place for me. The city was so vibrant and exciting, the shopping great and social scene never ending. All of the lecturers at Manchester were so welcoming and the course seemed perfect for me.

What did you enjoy most about your time at Alliance MBS?

Where do I even begin?! There certainly isn't one aspect I enjoyed more than others, I think everything I did during my three years at Manchester was worthwhile, fun, and helped me be the person I am today.

BSc Accounting was different from other courses in that I wasn't just one student out of 200; there was a small group of us, and as a result I really built up good working relationships not only with my peers, making some friends for life, but also with some of my tutors. In terms of my learning experience, this made a huge difference and I felt like I was always supported, challenged, and motivated to be the best that I could.

As a student, did you have a future career path in mind?

This course really sets you up with a good career path, and that's exactly why I chose it. It gives you the opportunities to develop the skills that accountancy and other firms are looking for. Even if you didn't want to go into accountancy, it gives you a broad skill set and there are many chances to network with the Big 4 and other firms to develop a practical understanding of business to help decide where your career lies.

What job have you gone onto since graduating?

I'm currently on a graduate recruitment programme with Deloitte as an audit associate in consumer business. I'm signed for three years (provided I pass my ACA exams) and will then qualify as a chartered accountant. My work is really varied, and my clients range from a hotel group to a chemical manufacturer and an advertising firm, to name a few. The type of work I'm doing involves lots of discussions with the finance teams of the client companies, in order to gain an understanding of their processes and transactions. It's very hands on, and you're given a lot of responsibility straight away.

Were there any particular elements within your course that helped to prepare you for your career?

I gained a strong understanding of business, accountancy, and audit (unlike a lot of accountancy degrees) and it set me up with the social skills that I needed for the workplace. Having knowledge of audit really helped me at the start of the job. It also meant that I knew what I was getting into when I started at Deloitte, compared to other business degrees which don't focus as much on practical audit skills.

What are your future aspirations?

I love working at Deloitte, and being there the past few months has shown me that with the ACA qualification there is so much I can do in life. I'd quite like to stay at Deloitte for at least 4-5 years, and then hopefully carry on climbing the corporate ladder, but I know that it's not for everyone, and if great opportunities come my way, then I may just have to take them!

Andrew Simner

Andrew Simner graduated from BSc Accounting in 2013 and currently works as an Audit Assistant for KPMG

Why did you choose to study your chosen course?
What factors made you choose the University?

Manchester was a large city, with lots of students and a well known university. I went to the open day interested in studying economics, but the presentation on that course was full.. so I was persuaded to go to the accounting talk instead and found it really interesting - a brand new course, 8/15 exemptions from ACA and the opportunity to take a business placement year in industry.

What did you enjoy most about your time at University?

The placement year was the best part - being able to experience my future career and decide whether it was for me without making a life long commitment. The facilities and societies were also excellent. I enjoyed meeting new people and the variety of units on our course which included group and individual study, projects, essays and exams were a good mix.

As a student, did you have a clear future career path in mind?

The course was very focused on training as a chartered accountant - this was confirmed after I had had the chance to do the industrial placement year. I am still not too sure what I am going to do with my ACA when I qualify though... there are lots of opportunities available!

What job/s have you gone into since graduating?

I did my work placement with KPMG and after graduating I have returned to them where I left off - I am just completing my second year as an audit assistant, have now passed 12/15 of my ACA exams and am starting to take on more responsibilities including charging audits and mentoring junior staff.

Were there any particular elements within your course that helped to prepare you for your career?

The support from the academic staff who had lots of relevant experience - particularly Mike Woodrow who helped us through the application process. Guest lectures by big companies like KPMG, PwC, Accenture etc. all gave a flavour of what the industry was like. Career skills and presentation skills developed in first year (particularly the group audit project) were particularly useful. The difference I noticed in my placement year between me and the graduates was that I knew what I was going to be doing and the hours/stress it could entail - which meant I was more prepared when those long days came around.

What are your future aspirations?

In the short term I am going to pass the ACA first time by next August, then I am going to try and stay within KPMG but move away from audit into a different department - currently tax is my preferred choice (but this changes quite often). Longer term, I am going to try and move into industry and perform some kind of management role... although I need to work harder and get more experience before I can achieve this.

Bansari Kamdar

Bansari Kamdar is in her final year studying BSc (Hons) Accounting and completed an internship in Mazars' audit department in her third year

What made you choose your course at Alliance MBS?

The University of Manchester being a red-brick university with an excellent international reputation and an ambitious plan of becoming one of the world's leading universities by 2015 were all factors that attracted me. My course allows me to receive maximum exemptions from professional accounting examinations, enabling me to accelerate my career. It has very strong links with the ICAEW and as an aspiring chartered accountant, it seemed perfectly geared towards my career.

Which course units have stood out for you and why?

I really enjoyed auditing - it was taught in small numbers, as the course unit is specific to students on BSc (Hons) Accounting. The greater lecturer-student interaction made learning even more enjoyable. The academics for this course in particular were very approachable; as experts in the accounting sector, they retained our interest in the field. I also received a lot of careers support and guidance, which was invaluable. By the end of the course, I was confident of my chosen career path.

Is there anything on your course that is preparing you for your future aspirations?

The university system places a lot of importance on self-study and this freedom allows the discovery of your own strengths and weaknesses. The academic element of my learning experience has already provided me with a solid foundation on which I can build a successful career, whilst my involvement in activities outside the academic sphere has improved my confidence.

Are you involved in any extra-curricular activities?

In my first year, I was a society treasurer, comms coordinator for AIESEC (another society) and a student representative. I learnt a lot and also grew as a person. In my second year, I participated in the Manchester Leadership Programme. I particularly enjoyed the volunteering element - it is a fantastic way of contributing to the wider community while developing leadership and other transferable skills.

Did you have any help applying for your internship?

I was kept well informed of any available opportunities. The UPP careers fair was an excellent networking event and allowed me to learn more about potential employers. Mike Woodrow, the placement manager on the course, guided me through the application process. I used the University's careers service to polish my application and interview skills.

Can you tell us more about your internship?

It was a fantastic learning experience; a chance to experience life as a working professional and gain a unique insight into the world of accounting. I have gained a better understanding of how audit works in practice and appreciate the value of auditors as service providers. I feel better equipped to maximise my learning curve and continue developing skills essential to the workplace. I am confident that I will adopt a more practical and critical approach in my final year.

What are your future aspirations?

My long-term career goal is to qualify as a professional chartered accountant at an accounting firm.

Ali Saleem Shakoor

Ali Saleem Shakoor is from Pakistan and graduated in BSc (Hons) Accounting in 2015. He now works as an Assurance Associate for PricewaterhouseCoopers in London.

What made you choose your course at Alliance MBS?

I chose BSc Accounting because it was one of the few courses that were affiliated with the Institute of Chartered Accountancy in England & Wales (ICAEW). It also included practical experience through a work placement which increased my chances of securing a graduate job. Moreover, the course offered eight exemptions from ACA professional qualifications.

I chose Alliance Manchester Business School because of its world-class reputation and brand. Manchester is one of the largest cities in the UK and The University of Manchester is so diverse, with students from across the globe and the opportunity to develop a fantastic network.

What did you enjoy most about your time at university?

The highlight of my university experience was my third year work placement at PricewaterhouseCoopers. I experienced how different it is in the workplace and the role that education plays in shaping your personality. I was also able to experience life as a Londoner as my placement was based in central London.

When I rejoined the University as a final year student, I was more organised and appreciated the importance of being involved in ongoing projects. As a result, I stepped forward and represented Alliance MBS at case competitions at regional and international level. I also took part in the CFA Global Research Challenge.

Did you have a clear future career path in mind?

I certainly had a clear vision of what I wanted to do. When I started researching universities I was looking for the ACA qualification. Finding a course which offered me several ACA exemptions as well as a work placement made it particularly easy to commence my career after graduation.

What job have you gone into since graduating?

Thanks to my work placement, I already had a job offer from PwC before I graduated. In addition to this role, I work as an advisor for my family business where I suggest practical improvements and shape future strategy. I developed strong project management and business analysis skills at university and these have been key to both of my jobs.

Were there any particular elements within your course which helped to prepare you for your career?

My work placement helped me to discover what life as an auditor would be like and decide whether I wanted a graduate job in the same field.

There were several group projects in the course which simulated real-life projects, such as an audit tender and company financial analysis project - the practical nature of these projects really helped prepare me for the real world.

What are your future aspirations?

To qualify as a chartered accountant in the next two years. I want to contribute to my family business by introducing new ventures, taking it to global dimensions and be a competent and respectable person in the field of trading. I hope to develop a proactive model for sourcing products through engineering supply chains.

Shaheer Shahidan

Shaheer Shahidan from Malaysia graduated in BSc Accounting in 2015. Shaheer is now working as a Network & IT Capex Planning & Reporting Associate at Maxis Berhad in Kuala Lumpur.

What made you choose your course at Alliance MBS?

I am originally from Selangor and have had an interest in accounting since high school. The fact that the role of accountants in today's world has become more demanding and the increasing demand for accountants in Malaysia have motivated me to pursue a career in this area.

The University of Manchester has one of the most prestigious Business Schools in the UK and is part of the ICAEW Undergraduate Partnership Programme (UPP). Also, the city of Manchester is so exciting for a football fan like me - Manchester is very well-known for its football teams.

What did you enjoy most about your time at university?

When I first arrived in the UK, it was a big challenge for me as English is not my mother-tongue and the UK has a different culture from my country. However, during my first few weeks in the University, I made friends with course mates from all over the world. There were only around 40 of us on the course which made it feel like a family.

There are a lot of clubs and societies at the University which enrich the student experience. I joined the Malaysian Student Society, Islamic Society and Table Tennis Club. I was also elected as a student representative.

As a student, did you have a clear career path in mind?

I knew I wanted to have a career in accounting, but that was all. During welcome week, the School organised a panel session with top employers such as PwC and KPMG to help convey the various career options. My academic advisor also gave me some advice on which career path to consider.

The careers service helped me to gain work experience through voluntary work, summer internships and an industrial placement. They provided guidance on CV preparation, interview sessions and assessment centres. I also had mock interviews with top accounting firms.

Thanks to this support I volunteered for a charity in my first year, did an internship with a finance company in my second year and an industrial placement with a fragrance company as a finance assistant. This real-life experience helped me to apply what I learned in the classroom to gain practical skills.

What jobs/s have you gone into since graduating?

I joined Maxis - a leading telecommunications company in Malaysia - shortly after graduation. My role is to assist users in planning their capital expenditure, helping them to achieve their targets. I prepare financial reports which focus on monthly variance analysis and revised capex outlook to be presented to the Chief Technology Officer.

Were there any particular elements of your course that helped to prepare you for your career?

In my final year group project, we had to analyse an oil and gas company including its business background, financial performance and financial outlook. Coincidentally, it was during the oil price drop crisis when we did the analysis which made it even more interesting. The group projects also developed my interpersonal skills and the associated meetings, delegation of tasks and presentations helped me manage my workload effectively.

What are your future aspirations?

I would like to work with companies from different industries as I am interested to see how they survive and prosper in today's economy. I also plan to qualify as a chartered accountant.

Asma Wali

Asma Wali is from Pakistan and studies BSc (Hons) Accounting. Asma is completing a 12-month internship as part of her degree, working as an Assurance Analyst at Ernst & Young (EY).

I was born in Lahore, Pakistan and moved to England with my family when I was 16. Originally, it was difficult to adjust to a new culture and education system but I have been fortunate to have very supportive teachers and friends.

Why did you choose BSc Accounting at Alliance MBS?

It provides a perfect opportunity to strengthen the theoretical knowledge gained at university with practical experience through a year-long internship. I understood the benefits of a placement year such as gaining employability skills, improving my confidence and developing professional networks. Another reason I chose BSc Accounting was that it provided maximum exemptions from ICAEW ACA exams as well as the opportunity to obtain the ICAEW CFAB qualification. I was excited by the thought of being part-qualified by the time I graduate.

Are there any course units that stood out for you?

There are various course units that have enabled me to perform well during my work placement as well as challenging my understanding of financial services. For example, studying Business Law enabled me to understand contracts and legal documents. This proved incredibly useful when I worked on contract disputes projects during my placement. Auditing also proved very useful as I understood the fundamental concepts and components of financial statements.

Are you involved in any extra-curricular activities?

I worked as a student brand manager for EY which helped me to understand the culture and structure of the company. This in turn helped me to gain a full-year work placement within their Forensics department in Manchester.

Volunteering as a student rep allowed me to form strong networks with staff and students. I am also on the executive committee of the Accounting Society, as careers officer. I organise events to give students opportunities to develop networks within professional services. Finally, I enjoyed the peer mentoring scheme, both as mentee and mentor, allowing me to enjoy the university experience to the fullest.

Can you tell us more about your internship?

I am working at EY as an analyst within Fraud Investigation and Dispute Services (FIDS). I have facilitated investigations for clients ranging from utilities to financial services and aerospace and have helped to resolve transaction based disputes and large multi-faceted contract disputes.

I have also worked on several audit clients carrying out detailed analysis on financial statements and spotting anomalies during the investigations. Working in assurance has seen me travel extensively to clients across the UK.

What skills have you gained from your work placement?

My communication skills have improved and I feel more confident in networking sessions and meetings. I have developed excellent organisational and time management skills through multiple projects. Above all, I have seen that maintaining a work-life

Lucy Thompson

Lucy Thompson graduated from BSc (Hons) Accounting in 2017 and completed her work placement as an Auditor at PricewaterhouseCoopers in Liverpool

What made you choose your course at Alliance MBS?

I chose to study accounting, as I wanted to do a course for which there was a clear career path post-university. I have always been interested in business and enjoyed maths at school therefore it seemed to be the course most suited to my interests. I liked the idea of having a placement year to experience what a career as an accountant would be like, and hopefully be offered a job for once I graduated. Also I knew Alliance MBS had a great reputation as one of the top business schools and a degree from there would be looked upon highly by employers.

Are there any course units that stood out for you?

I enjoyed the variety of course units that were available for me to study in addition to Accounting based course units, including Economics, Business Law, Human Resources and Finance. I particularly liked the fact that I was able to gain 8 exemptions from the ACA exams that I am required to do in order to become a Chartered Accountant. This has been really helpful to me, as I have found it challenging to be working and sitting ACA exams at the same time, therefore by reducing the number of exams from 15 to 7, I can concentrate more on my work.

Can you tell us more about your work placement?

During my placement year I worked for PwC as an Auditor. My role was the same as somebody on the first year of the graduate programme and involved visiting client sites and ensuring their financial statements were true and fair. Each day was different but examples of checks I would do included bank reconciliations, stock counts and verifying that debtors owed the amounts the company was reporting. Through my role as an auditor and also my time at college studying towards the ACA exams, I also improved my accounting knowledge, which really helped me once I returned to complete my final year at university.

What are your future aspirations?

I am returning to PwC in September to join the second year of the graduate programme. I will continue in my role as an Auditor and hopefully complete the final two years of the training programme to become a Chartered Accountant. I will then either remain at PwC or move into industry and gain further accounting experience. My ultimate aim is to eventually own my own company, but I need to decide what that will be first!

What is the best thing about...

...your course?

The best thing about my course was the people I met! I’ve made great friends who I will definitely stay in touch with, and the staff at Alliance MBS were really friendly and helpful too.

...your work placement?

The best thing about my placement was the insight it gave me into a career in accounting. It helped me to decide to pursue this career once I graduated, and it is particularly helpful that I can now join the second year of the graduate programme.

Jordan Rumley

Jordan Rumley is in his third year studying BSc (Hons) Accounting and will be joining PricewaterhouseCoopers’ business placement scheme before returning to complete his final year in 2017

What made you choose your course at Alliance MBS?

I was aware that Alliance MBS was one of the most prestigious business schools in the country and The University of Manchester was recently voted the #1 institution from which employers are likely to select candidates for graduate jobs (High Fliers Report 2015). I chose BSc Accounting because I liked the structure of the course. The work placement also appealed to me and will provide a great opportunity for me to apply my knowledge.

Are there any course units that stood out for you?

Business Strategy provided a good opportunity to analyse and compare a variety of business sectors and the strategic tools used by businesses within them. We applied this to current affairs to predict how businesses may continue to perform within their respective sectors in the future.

What is the best thing about being a student?

The huge amount of experiences and opportunities available to me. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time studying so far and I’m looking forward to continuing in September and completing my final two years.

Can you tell us more about your work placement?

I will be joining PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), working with a variety of clients and gaining a strong understanding of multiple businesses and how they operate.
I will support the senior members of my team and work alongside the client in testing whether the financial statements prepared by the client are true and fair. This may involve undertaking substantive testing, performing stock counts and examining company accounts. I will also begin to study towards becoming a chartered accountant by completing a number of ACA examinations.

How did you secure your work placement?

The application process included psychometric tests, a telephone Interview, assessment centre and partner interview. The tests focused on numeracy and logical reasoning and the telephone interview required me to demonstrate each of the five ‘PwC professional attributes’ - whole leadership, business acumen, global acumen, relationships and technical capabilities.
At the assessment centre, I was asked to produce a written report summarising a 20-page document and provide recommendations, and we worked on problems in groups. The partner interview lasted around an hour and I was asked more specifically about my passion for the profession and working for PwC in particular.

What support did you receive from Alliance MBS?

Before I started applying I had already benefitted from a lot of exposure to graduate recruiters. BSc Accounting students are given an abundance of opportunities to interact with top employers and gain valuable insight into what they are looking for. The School arranged mock interviews with a wide range of recruiters to give us a good idea of what to expect in a real interview with their company.

What are your future aspirations?

The placement will give me a great opportunity, working in the biggest accounting firm in the world. This will undoubtedly help me when studying in my final year and prepare me well for a graduate role in the sector. I hope to secure a graduate role with PwC and qualify as a chartered accountant working in the audit sector.

Andrew Scanlon

Andrew Scanlon graduated in BSc (Hons) International Business, Finance and Economics in 2013 and now works in Business Development & Asset Raising at Värde Partners in London

Why did you choose to study your chosen course?

The breadth of subjects you could choose enabled me to specialise in the areas of the course I enjoyed most.

What factors made you choose Alliance Manchester Business School (Alliance MBS)?

I chose Alliance MBS as it is internationally renowned as a leading school. The extra-curricular activities offered by the School allow students to excel and further increase their employability.

As a city-based university, it also offered a great social scene with many bars, clubs and restaurants. The overall experience of Manchester surpassed all of the other universities I visited. The culture of the city and size of the University is truly extraordinary.

What was your favourite academic experience?

My favourite course unit was International Business Analysis. This involved a group presentation on the challenges facing GlaxoSmithKline and an individual report on the collapse of Lehman Brothers in 2008. I used skills and techniques from other units to identify key challenges facing the pharmaceutical industry and investment banking in today’s economy.

Were you involved in any extra-curricular activities?

I was Vice-President of the Society of Finance, Accounting & Business. The society aimed to increase the employability of its members through a variety of events such as networking evenings with representatives from its sponsors, assessment workshops and social nights.

I represented Alliance MBS in International Case Competitions in Los Angeles and Belgrade. The competitions require top universities from around the world to present a strategy to a company that would address the issues it faces.

We had 24 hours to create our presentation and prepare for questions from the management of the company.

I was also elected as a Student Representative for my course, communicating feedback and concerns from my peer group to staff at Alliance MBS and the wider University.

What job/s have you gone into since graduating?

I have worked at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, one of the largest financial institutions in the world, and at Matterhorn Investment, a small hedge fund.

My current role is in business development and asset raising at Värde Partners, a global alternative investment adviser focused on investing capital and resources across multiple segments and markets. I am based at the group’s regional headquarters in central London.

Where there any particular elements within your course that helped to prepare you for your career?

The combination of finance and economics were crucial in providing a good knowledge base for my career.

What are your future aspirations?

My goal is to continue working in the investment management industry and progress to a senior role at my current fund, Värde Partners.

Ashwin Sinha

Ashwin Sinha graduated from International Business, Finance and Economics (IBFE) in 2013 and is now working for Ernst & Young in New Delhi

Why did you choose to study your chosen course?

A friend of mine was already studying IBFE and so I got more information about the course through her. I liked that the course was so diverse; as well as studying business, finance and economics IBFE students can take course units delivered by the School of Social Sciences. Studying politics and developmental economics in my second year gave me a better perspective on macroeconomics and I went on to study it in further detail in my final year.

What factors made you choose Alliance Manchester Business School (Alliance MBS)?

When I was choosing universities, I looked at the various courses offered and narrowed my search to the courses which interested me the most. The great international reputation and ranking of Alliance Manchester Business School only made my choice easier.

What did you enjoy most about your time at Alliance MBS?

There are 40,000 students at The University of Manchester, which translates into 40,000 different people with different personalities. The people at Manchester ensured that no matter what activity I took part in, I was thoroughly enjoying myself. Whether it was playing football or a night out, I always met new people.

I stayed in Victoria Halls on Upper Brook Street in both my first and second year, as I loved both the views and the location. It was great fun staying in halls. I played basketball, football and cricket, attended a lot of parties and made very close friends with my flatmates.

Did you have a particular career path in mind?

I worked during my time at university, which helped give me an idea of what I wanted to do after graduation. In the summer holidays between first and second year I interned at KPMG in New Delhi in their Financial Advisory Practice for 6 weeks. Then the next summer I interned with Tata Consultancy Services in London, in their Financial Consulting Practice for 10 weeks. I also worked for the University as a student ambassador. I gained lots of professional and social skills from these experiences and this helped me to create better reports for my final year dissertation.

What job/s have you gone into since graduating?

I am currently working for Ernst & Young in New Delhi. I am working in their Risk Advisory Practice on process and internal audits for a luxury automotive client in the Indian market and an American multi-level marketing company.

Were there any particular elements within your course that helped to prepare you for your career?

The diversity of my course meant that I was able to take course units that fell outside of my interests. This helped me learn how to perform well outside of my comfort zone, which was a great skill to learn. Also, the small class sizes meant that I had lots attention from lecturers and tutors. This was very helpful, especially in course units with a practical element.

What are your future aspirations?

I'd like to work for another two to three years and then complete an MBA in finance or economics.

Min Wang

Min Wang is originally from China and graduated from BSc (Hons) International Business, Finance and Economics (IBFE) in 2013. He is now studying at Oxford University's Saïd Business School

Why did you choose to study your chosen course?

I chose IBFE because the course provides an international prospective to the global economy and business. It gives you the opportunity to study a variety of subjects before making up your mind on which area you wish to specialise.

What factors made you choose Alliance Manchester Business School (Alliance MBS)?

The University and Business School itself enjoys an excellent international reputation; in particular, it's renowned in China. High business ranking and reputation made me eventually choose The University of Manchester.

What did you enjoy most about your time at Alliance MBS?

I enjoyed the challenge of intensive study as well as the multicultural environment. Just under 25% of students at the University are from outside the EU, so group projects and tutorials allowed me to share ideas and thoughts with all sorts of people from culturally diverse backgrounds. The thing I enjoyed most about Manchester was that it is so modern and vibrant. Living costs are relatively low and there are some fantastic Chinese restaurants, so it's an ideal choice for Chinese students.

Did you have a particular career path in mind?

I've always wanted to run my own business. In the summer holidays after second year I undertook an internship at Tung Global Financial Trading, where I worked as an Analyst Intern. I learned basic programming skills using R statistical tools and I also gained knowledge of stock selection.

What have you gone into since graduating?

I successfully applied to Oxford University's Saïd Business School where I am currently undertaking a Master's degree in Financial Economics.

What are you intending to do after you graduate from Oxford?

The standard route would be to either go into management consulting or investment banking. However, I'm still exploring my interests and am really taking advantage of the opportunity of being at Oxford with so many amazing people around.

What parts of your undergraduate degree have you found most helpful for Master's level study?

I wouldn't say any particular course unit because you can never really learn enough about one particular subject! I think the most important thing that I developed through undergraduate study was critical thinking skills.

Rahul Prasad

Rahul Prasad graduated from BSc (Hons) International Business, Finance and Economics (IBFE) in 2013 and now works as Assistant Manager for a trading house in India.

Why did you choose to study your chosen course?

My father owns a trading house in India and I wanted to help expand it to other countries, so I chose this course to gain a broad understanding of international finance (including foreign exchange), economics and how to make crucial decisions in an international business context.

The optional courses which were available in second and third year gave me the opportunity to expand my knowledge base to other subject areas such as international marketing and politics.

What did you enjoy most about your time at Alliance MBS?

Spending three years at university helped me to grow as person in to a responsible human being. I made friends from different parts of the world and doing group projects and assignments with friends from different countries, cultures and backgrounds helped me to develop the art of good communication. The sport facilities on offer to me as a resident of University Halls helped me to improve my cricket skills so much that I was picked to play in the Manchester District League. This is the phase of my life that I will cherish the most.

Did you have a particular career path in mind?

Yes; I chose this particular course as I have always wanted to be an entrepreneur and run my own firm one day.

What job/s have you gone into since graduating?

After my studies I worked in a marketing role at the University's International Office. After my graduation ceremony I joined my father's trading house with the aim of expanding the business to other countries.

Were there any particular elements within your course that helped to prepare you for your career?

I enjoyed modules which were assessed through group assignments as they helped me to develop the art of working with different types of people. Modules such as international finance, managerial economics and human resource management developed my critical thinking and communication skills which are very important when making decisions in my current role.

What are your future aspirations?

My aim is to become one of the best business tycoons. After the graduation ceremony I returned to India and joined the trading house which my father owns. As well as expanding the business overseas we are also playing a role in improving the Indian economy. After a few years of experience I would like to do a Masters in Business Administration to boost my business knowledge and help me to better administer my firm.

Waleed Haque

Waleed Haque is originally from Pakistan and graduated from International Business, Finance and Economics in 2011. He is now a Field Logistics Specialist at Schlumberger.

Why did you choose to study your chosen course?

My decision in choosing a course was not an easy one. I wanted to go for something that matched my aptitude for business-related subjects and gave me access to different industries. IBFE was a perfect fit as it not only includes business but also gives grounding in finance and economics.

What factors made you choose Alliance Manchester Business School (Alliance MBS)?

Naturally the university that the course was offered at also had to fulfil the primary criteria of being well-ranked which of course Alliance Manchester Business School had no issues fulfilling. The fact that Manchester has a large Pakistani community with halal food easily available was also a big plus. A good curry can go a long way towards helping you feel less homesick when you move away from home for the first time.

What did you enjoy most about your time at Alliance MBS?

Now this is a tough question because of the variety of things that I experienced as part of the many active student societies, like skiing for the first time, ice skating, charity fundraising and trips to the Lake District. But if I had to choose one it would be the friends that I made during my time at the University.

Did you have a particular career path in mind?

Honestly when I think about it now I had no clear path in mind, but when I came to the University and got exposed to the different fields available through other students and job fairs I started developing a clearer understanding of what I wanted to do.

What jobs have you gone into since graduating?

After graduating I secured a job with Schlumberger in their supply chain function. I started off as a logistics specialist responsible for delivery to its internal European bases. After a year's experience my areas of responsibility expanded to central West African clients along with the North Sea. Handling logistics for the African bases means you never have a boring day at work.

Were there any particular elements within your course that helped prepare you for your career?

The group work and presentation elements that are fused into the course structure. This experience is invaluable when going into a multinational multicultural environment. I believe because the course had given me ample practice I was able to successfully and quickly adapt into my role giving me an advantage over others.

What are your future aspirations?

For the time being I am focused on my career, but in the long run I would like to help support a charity initiative in Pakistan. It provides micro financing without interest as a means for poverty alleviation. I have been following the project for a few years and plan to get involved with exporting the model internationally.

Emily Ferguson

Emily Ferguson graduated from BA (Hons) International Business, Finance and Economics (IBFE) in 2005 and now owns her own shopping portal - 'Free to be Supreme'

Why did you choose to study your chosen course?

I really liked the diversity and flexibility of the course. There were so many different areas that I could focus my strengths on; having such variety across three different disciplines has given me a wider skill set. Understanding and learning about business and the economy as a whole made the transition from being a student to working life much easier.

What factors made you choose Alliance Manchester Business School (Alliance MBS)?

It was the only place where I could find a course that offered such a wide variety of subjects within the same degree and where there was also such a great student culture, with so much to see and do.

What did you enjoy most about your time at Alliance MBS?

I enjoyed the challenge of learning so many different disciplines, from marketing through to finance. My favourite course unit was Managerial Economics; in the final year we were put into teams to solve mathematical, economical and financial problems, whilst running a simulation business.

Did you have a particular career path in mind?

From as long as I can remember I have wanted to run my own business. It's in my blood; both of my grandparents were entrepreneurs and it was clear to me at a very young age that it was all I wanted to do. IBFE provided a solid platform to make it possible.

What job/s have you gone into since graduating?

I worked as an analyst at Barclays Wealth for five years to save the seed money and figure out the right idea to start my business. It was a high pressure client-facing role, with many moving parts. The role involved trading equities, meeting clients, understanding investments and structuring large credit deals.

In November 2011 I launched a shopping website called www.freetobesupreme.com - a personalised shopping experience. Our members can shop over 100 retailers and 1000's of brands based on their style profile. There's also exclusive promotions, trends in our stylist selection section and insider gossip from our resident stylist, Emily Rusby.

Were there any particular elements within your course that helped to prepare you for your career?

The financial aspect of IBFE really helped me become successful at Barclays Wealth and I have found it useful in managing the finances in my own business too. The overall experience of learning and challenging myself across three different disciplines and being independent meant that I was ready to set up my own business with no outside help and in my twenties.

Without the grounding of such a good degree I wouldn't have been as successful at Barclays Wealth and my ambitions to start my own company wouldn't have been possible.

What are your future aspirations?

To make 'Free to be Supreme' the largest shopping portal on the web...!

Hien Minh Luu

Hien Minh Luu is from Vietnam and is in his final year studying International Business, Finance and Economics

Why did you choose your course and Alliance MBS?

I was extremely impressed by its global reputation and high ranking among UK universities (in the Financial Times league table for instance). The School is truly one of the largest and best regarded business schools and it has been educating business leaders for many decades. Manchester is a dynamic city with energetic and ambitious students.

What's the best thing about your course?

The best thing about IBFE is that it has given us so many pathways to specialise in the areas which suit our strengths - economics, finance, international business or accounting. I've chosen finance and economics as this fits my academic interests and quantitative nature.

And being a student?

It's fantastic to have an academic advisor to help with academic matters arising throughout the course. Peer mentors provide social support to help you settle in quickly and easily. Studying in a dynamic environment with the support of world-class libraries and cutting-edge facilities is a marvellous experience.

How quickly did you settle into student life?

During welcome week, I received lots of useful assistance and information from staff as well as pastoral support from student mentors which helped me to orientate myself in my new and challenging environment. I also attended various activities, meetings and presentations organised by Alliance MBS.

What advice would you give to new first-year students?

Don't worry about the difficulties you may encounter in a new environment; be confident and strong. Try to explore some of the facilities available to you and participate in the various activities and events offered by the University to get the most out of your time here. You will soon realise that you are gradually changing for the better, particularly in terms of your employability.

Are there any course units which stood our for you?

Financial Decision Making in first year and Foundations of Finance in second year. These courses gave me a solid finance knowledge base, but also built the critical bridge linking the theoretical and practical aspects of finance through coursework based on real-life companies. Moreover, stimulating lecturers such as Dr Kevin Aretz have inspired me to enjoy the subject even more.

Are you involved in any extra-curricular activities?

I joined the Manchester Leadership Programme (MLP) and volunteered on a community allotment in Moss Side to raise funds for Forever Manchester. I also became a peer mentor, helping new students settle in. It is not an exaggeration that in Manchester, social activities and societies available to you are so numerous that you could never know absolutely everything that's going on.

What are your future aspirations?

I hope to start a masters degree in finance and economics after graduation. My internship last summer at Mazars LLP (a global accountancy and financial services firm) reinforced my aspiration to seek a career in finance, and a masters degree should give me a competitive edge over others in the job market. I would like to work in the UK for a few years to gain valuable experience before returning to Vietnam with the aim to restructure its financial system which is still underdeveloped.

Nikolay Piryankov

Nikolay Piryankov graduated in BA (Hons) International Business, Finance and Economics in 2010 and has recently co-founded Rare Pink, an online jewellery retailer

Why did you choose to study your chosen course?

I wanted a good balance between pure economics and other business disciplines such as strategy, finance and marketing. I chose Alliance Manchester Business School because it is highly rated but also because Manchester is widely regarded as being one of the best student cities in the UK.

What did you enjoy most about your time at university?

The highlight of my three years at university was definitely the international case competition that a small group of us trained for and travelled to Seattle to participate in. Training to be a better consultant and public speaker followed by an all-expenses-paid trip to the USA with friends and classmates - what more can a student ask for?!

As a close second I also loved the experience of co-founding and helping to grow the Manchester University Trading and Investment Society (MUTIS) to one of the largest and most prominent Alliance Manchester Business School societies.

As a student, did you have a particular career path in mind?

I did. I knew I wanted to be an entrepreneur - it was all I had thought about (in terms of a career) since I was about ten. I really wanted to grow my network at university and develop a wide array of skills.

What job(s) have you gone into since graduating?

After graduating, I joined the Manchester Masters graduate programme. Over one year, I studied for a masters degree and completed a series of three-month work placements at four different companies. The first of these was LOVE. - a digital and creative agency with clients such as Nike and Johnnie Walker. The second was at Expotel - one of the UK's largest travel management companies in the B2B sector. My third placement was at Dabs.com - an online retailer of consumer electronics. Finally, my last placement and current employer is Rare Pink - an online retailer of engagement rings, fine jewellery and diamonds; a company I have co-founded with two of my closest friends.

Were there any particular elements within your course that helped to prepare you for your career?

I was sceptical of the number of assessed team projects we took part in at first, but on reflection it is the social and leadership skills I developed working as part of a team that will most help me to grow our start-up business in the coming months.

What are your future aspirations?

I am currently living by the famous Silicon Valley motto, 'Fail fast, fail often!' In the next few years we plan to have grown Rare Pink to a globally trusted online retailer. If in the process I should fail (or succeed), I plan to move onto one of my other business ideas.

Find out more at: www.rarepink.com

Sean Crowther

Sean Crowther is in his final year studying BA (Hons) International Business, Finance and Economics and has already secured a graduate job at KPMG.

What attracted you to Manchester?

I was always aware of the heritage and presence that Manchester has, such as its huge music culture from bands such as Oasis and clubs such as the Warehouse Project and Hacienda. It's also home to two of the biggest football clubs in the world. I knew because of these things, and because of the reputation the University has for having the largest Students' Union and being one of the best universities outside London, that it would have the right work/life balance for me.

What made you choose this course and Alliance Manchester Business School?

Alliance Manchester Business School had a great reputation with my college tutors and on various rankings lists. I was also aware of the prestige of companies that held careers events here, such as banks and accounting firms and the opportunity to pursue a career in Manchester with one of those firms after graduation.

Are there any course units that have stood out for you and why?

I've always been quite a numerical and analytical person, so the finance related modules stood out for me the most; even more so because I could relate them to the worldwide financial crisis that had just hit. International finance, financial derivatives and financial markets and institutions helped me to understand the underlying situation and problems that were the catalyst for the financial crisis. I enjoyed learning about this in greater depth than just reading what was published in the newspapers.

Are you involved in any extra-curricular activities or societies?

Last year I was involved in the Manchester University Trading and Investment Society (MUTIS), which was fantastic for preparing me for the real world. I've also been involved in the Society of Finance and Business (SOFAB), leading a team of students in the CFA challenge, where the finals are in Madrid and Nebraska.

What are your future aspirations?

I've accepted a job offer from KPMG to become an assistant consultant for their investment advisory team, so firstly I want to study for the CFA qualification, which they will support me through. I would like to travel the world, working in various places such as Los Angeles, New York, Sydney or Tokyo, but I would also like to see what it's like working at a hedge fund at some point.

Is there anything on your course that is preparing you for your future aspirations?

The lecturers are all heavily involved in their teaching areas, are very approachable and bring in real-world situations, which is how I've been able to channel the academic things that I've learned into what is going on in the world at the moment.

Toby Schogger

Toby Schogger from London is in his final year studying BA (Hons) International Business, Finance and Economics

What attracted you to Manchester?

Manchester is a large city with a great student population. Everything from the University's credentials to the transport throughout the city made Manchester an exceptionally attractive place to study.

What made you choose this course and Alliance Manchester Business School?

The IBFE course is only available from Alliance Manchester Business School and seemed to fit my goals and academic interests. The credentials of the School internationally are exceptional, making career prospects high.

Are there any course units that you have studied which have stood out for you and why?

Financial derivatives was an interesting course unit, providing a deeper understanding and knowledge base for my career route into sales and finance. It gave me the opportunity to develop my numeracy skills as well as my economic and market knowledge.

Are you doing a dissertation?

Our mini-dissertation topic is on the collapse of Lehman Brothers and how government intervention has affected, and will affect the economic climate and recovery. This fits well with building analysis and research skills and you present your findings throughout the course unit.

What are your future aspirations?

I would like to go into a career that is client facing, with use of my financial knowledge. Completing an internship during my second year summer at an investment bank has cemented my career aspirations in this, or another related field.

Is there anything on your course that you think is preparing your future aspirations?

The economic and finance modules have given me an in-depth understanding of the economic climate and financial products that illustrate the capabilities of financial institutions. The business modules such as marketing have given me a broader business knowledge that is required in related industries and job roles.

Are you involved in any extra-curricular activities or societies?

I have been a member of societies including AISEC and MUTIS (Manchester University Trading and Investment Society). These provide business experience and have developed my economic knowledge.

What is the best thing about Alliance Manchester Business School?

Opportunities within the School are interesting; I have been on an international case competition in Paris as a result of being at Alliance Manchester Business School. Also, it is very easy to sort any problems with the support staff should they arise.

Lauren Ditchfield

Lauren Ditchfield graduated in BSc (Hons) International Business, Finance and Economics (IBFE) in 2012 and is now a Teacher of Mathematics (Secondary) at Broughton High School.

Why did you choose to study your chosen course?

I chose IBFE due to the range of topics it had to offer. I had a strong interest in current affairs and economics at college and IBFE gave me the opportunity to study all of my areas of interest in one degree.

What factors made you choose Alliance Manchester Business School (Alliance MBS)?

I chose The University of Manchester based on its stature and the fact that Alliance Manchester Business School separated itself from other competitors by offering such a unique degree.

What did you enjoy most about your time at Alliance MBS?

One of the most exciting parts of going to university is meeting new people and socialising. Additionally, IBFE attracted students from all over the world. It gave me the opportunity to meet new people from all corners of the globe. Due to the size of the University and it being in such a central location in Manchester, there is always something to do. The resources and support available were fantastic and I was never short of help when I needed it.

Did you have a particular career path in mind?

At the beginning - no. Well, not a crystal clear one anyway. I initially looked at going down the route of chartered accountancy and completed an internship at KPMG. However, at the time I was also carrying out volunteer work with students in my local area aged 11-16 and it was during this time that my career path turned to teaching.

What job/s have you gone into since graduating?

Since graduating I have worked in schools whilst completing my PGCE in Secondary Mathematics. I also spent some time working for my local council in an administrative role and have worked on Local and European Elections. I am now a Teacher of Mathematics at a local high school.

Were there any particular elements within your course that helped to prepare you for your career?

Quite simply - all of it. Being a teacher of mathematics, you are often asked about the real-life applications of what you are teaching. Having in-depth knowledge of the financial and economic world enables you to engage students in what they are learning and help them to understand the applicable areas of mathematics in real-life situations.

Additionally, being able to study maths and statistics course units within my degree enabled me to study the subject at a high level and develop my own mathematical skills and understanding.

Finally, it is great to be able to discuss economics and current affairs with students and to be able to answer those tricky questions - studying a degree with such a breadth of topics and modules has supported me in this.

What are your future aspirations?

My future aspirations are to further my career in teaching and progress to a more senior position within education. I would love one day to teach other students who are training to be teachers. With the skills I have acquired through my degree at Manchester, I aim to run clubs within schools surrounding economic debates and financial education.

Yann Schuermans

Yann Schuermans graduated with a BSc Hons in International Management. He now works as a Graduate Analyst (Corporate Finance/M&A) for the London Stock Exchange Group

Where are you originally from?

Brazil/ Belgian (dual nationality)

Why did you choose to study your chosen course? What factors made you choose the University?

I liked that it was a renowned 4 year programme that offered the possibility to go abroad. The option of going to Hong Kong was particularly appealing to me. I was also inspired by the quality of the faculty.

What did you enjoy most about your time at University?

I liked that The University of Manchester and the Business School caters to students from all over the world, and does so in a way that builds on this diversity. Moreover, the sheer size of the student body gave me ample opportunity to make new friends, learn from others, and expand my network.

As a student, did you have a clear future career path in mind?

No I did not. I was always very driven but sought to experience different internships in order to find out what I am truly passionate about. This drove me to work in oil, consumer goods, and eventually financial services, where I now work full-time.

What job/s have you gone into since graduating?

Upon graduating, I joined the London Stock Exchange Group’s graduate rotational programme. My first rotation was In Milan, Italy, where I spent 6 month working at the Italian exchange, Borsa Italiana. I am now in the institutional investors team, where I focus on accruing intel about the buy-side (hedge funds, asset managers, private equity funds...), and also recurrently engage with senior decision makers at various firms. I will soon begin my next rotation in the corporate finance/ M&A team of the exchange.

Were there any particular elements within your course that helped to prepare you for your career?

The course was extremely broad, which allowed me to get a wealth of experiences and meet people with all kinds of interests. This gave me perspective and helped shape my career aspirations. Going to Hong Kong was also really important, as it opened doors for me to learn about a different culture and work ethic, and to eventually pursue an internship at a leading bank.

What are your future aspirations?

I aspire to build a technical skillset in corporate finance, and to work in a Venture Capital/ Private Equity style of investor operating in Latin America. I feel very strongly about helping early-stage and growth companies receive adequate capital to achieve greatness, and I find it especially inspiring to do this in my home-continent. In the medium-term, however, I plan on passing my CFA exams, completing an MBA at a top school, and attempt to build my own business from scratch.

Johanna Kuehl

Degree course studied: BSc (Hons) IMABS

Year of graduation: 2015

Current or most recent job title: MSc Accounting and Auditing student (Financial Services Assurance intern)

Current or most recent employer: Erasmus University Rotterdam (EY)

Where are you originally from?
Germany

Where do you currently live?
The Netherlands

Why did you choose to study your chosen course? What factors made you choose the University?

I went to a Business High School for the last three years of my secondary education so I knew that I wanted to get a Management degree early on. I enjoyed the material covered in school and I thought this would give me a solid base for my future working life.

The three most important factors for me were the obligatory year abroad in North America, the choice of modules and the international reputation of The University of Manchester. I had lived in the United States before so I wanted to have the opportunity to go there again for a full year as part of my degree.
But the most important factor was the large choice of modules Alliance MBS.

What did you enjoy most about your time at University?

There are so many aspects I enjoyed, so I can’t narrow it down to one single aspect: Studying with students from all over the world, being a student representative, joining societies, playing Handball for the university team, and of course spending a year studying in the “southern part of heaven” at The University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill.

As a student, did you have a clear future career path in mind?

From the beginning of my second year I was fairly sure that I wanted to pursue a career in financial accounting. This decision was partly based on the two internships I had completed at that point, as well as the great lecturers I had in my financial accounting modules. I also attended several company events organized by the Careers Service which helped me to get a better idea of what working in my chosen area would be like.

What job/s have you gone into since graduating?

I am currently completing an MSc in Accounting and Auditing at Erasmus University Rotterdam in the Netherlands. I have received a full scholarship so I decided to obtain a Master’s degree before starting a graduate job.

But to gain some more practical work experience, I spent the summer interning with EY in Manchester, where I worked in the Financial Services Assurance department for 6 weeks.

Were there any particular elements within your course that helped to prepare you for your career?

I think my year abroad in particular has helped me to prepare for my future career because it gives me an edge over other graduates.
For example, my American university offered some very hands on modules, such as Negotiations and Advanced Spreadsheet Modelling (Excel), which are directly applicable to a graduate job.
In my two internships since coming back from the USA, I used Excel extensively and my colleagues and supervisors were positively surprised of how well I already knew this programme.

What are your future aspirations?

I will finish my Master’s Degree in 2016 so afterwards I would like to work for one of the Big 4 firms in the Assurance service line. During my career I also hope to get the opportunity to work abroad and be actively involved with one of the global organizations in the accounting profession.

Adam Stage

Adam Stage graduated in BSc (Hons) International Management with American Business Studies in 2003 and is now a senior government reporting manager at Lloyds Banking Group.

Why did you choose to study your chosen course?

I chose my course for a number of reasons. Firstly, the reputation of Alliance Manchester Business School and the vibe at the open day I attended. The location and the whole student ethos in Manchester really appealed to me. In terms of the IMABS course, the exchange year in America stood out for me.

I also studied my Masters at Alliance Manchester Business School - MSc Information, Systems and Organisational Management.

What did you enjoy most about your time at Alliance MBS?

There was such an international mix of people - even more so at Masters level. I enjoyed having the freedom and the time to read about all sorts of things in the world of management (but particularly innovative ideas) - I have little time to do so now. The same (having more freedom and spare time) is true of all sorts of hobbies too.

Did you have a clear future career path in mind?

No - and I still don't. Life is a journey which evolves. It's best to keep your mind and options open.

What job(s) have you gone into since graduating?

I spent a year 'temping' at Nottingham City Council as personal assistant to the Lord Mayor and Sheriff of Nottingham and then travelled to China to teach English with English First. I then returned to Alliance MBS to complete my Masters before joining Lloyds TSB and Lloyds Banking Group where I have worked for the last five years.

If I look back over the course of my adult life then undoubtedly the two years spent abroad (in Indiana, USA, and Tianjin, China) have been the most rewarding in terms of personal development - particularly in China where I had to adapt from teaching school children aged 3-5 years to senior business executives in back-to-back lessons. The idea of teaching before I went away was terrifying but I decided to do it as one of those 'I can do anything' moments!

Were there any particular elements of your course which have helped to prepare you for your career?

Understanding my personal working / learning style has been of great benefit. Having difficult conversations in team working situations and learning to have reliance on others. Adopting a thorough approach and presenting multiple sides to a debate before making recommendations.

What are your future aspirations?

I think my next step will take me towards a consultancy - in the field of performance improvement - to see and understand organisations' cultures elsewhere, both from the consultancy and client perspective. I would like to expand my skillset into areas such as new business development, and there is more opportunity to branch out like this within a consultancy environment. I could then use my consultancy experience to gain access to other industries. I also aim to maintain a varied working life to stay abreast of unique opportunities as they arise.

Jon Moore

Jon Moore graduated in BSc (Hons) International Management with American Business Studies in 2007 and now works for the University of Liverpool as an international officer

Why did you choose to study your chosen course?

The reputation of not only The University of Manchester, but Alliance Manchester Business School itself was definitely a big draw for me. The course I studied also included the opportunity to study at The University of Massachusetts - Amherst for an academic year. I saw this as a way to make myself more employable and learn from others with a different perspective on my chosen subject.

What did you enjoy most about your time at Alliance MBS?

The degree programme I studied on gave me a good understanding of many of the factors involved in management science, but allowed me as I progressed to undertake course units that fitted with my own research interests such as corporate social responsibility, ethics and business law.

Did you have a clear future career path in mind?

I knew that I did not want to be stuck in an office 9am-5pm Monday-Friday and looked for roles that allowed me to get away from the desk. My job now requires me to travel and in just over a year I have been to Malaysia, Hong Kong, Kenya, Canada and Brazil to name a few.

What job/s have you gone onto since graduating?

I have worked in a variety of roles in higher education ranging from increasing university participation from students from low socioeconomic backgrounds, undergraduate and postgraduate recruitment of students in the UK and developing marketing communications and plans aimed at prospective students.

My role now is to manage the recruitment of students from the Americas, East Africa and Norway. This involves forging partnerships with key stakeholders based in these countries and developing links with schools/colleges as well as government bodies.

Where there any particular elements of your course which you feel prepared you for your career?

I use elements of my degree in all aspects of my work; I draw on process and project management skills as well as the marketing theory I learned on the programme. The transferable skills I gained such as team-working, research and communication have also proved invaluable to me in the work I do.

What are your future aspirations?

I plan on staying in higher education for the foreseeable future and develop my skills in strategic marketing and partnerships.

David Staunton

David Staunton graduated from BSc (Hons) International Management with American Business Studies in 2010 and has been appointed as a strategic analyst for Deloitte.

Why did you choose to study this particular course?

I wanted a course that stood out from the endless business degrees available and after reading about the course and the range of partner institutions in the USA, it was too good a chance to miss. My time at the University of Southern California (USC) made me a more rounded person and I've talked about it non-stop in various job interviews. The educational experience set against the backdrop of living in Los Angeles made it one of the best years of my life.

What factors made you choose Alliance Manchester Business School?

It's a fantastic place to be a student - the sheer number of students you see on Oxford Road makes you feel part of a huge student collective. The city itself has everything a student could ever want, from watching top-class sports to the biggest music events. I was never short of something to do.

As a student, did you have a clear future career path in mind?

I knew that my degree was going to be a great platform for any career but I didn't decide on management consulting until my third year at USC. The practical courses there helped me to understand the industry much better and I found myself carrying out consulting work for the largest skate park manufacturer in the USA as part of one of my classes.

What job(s) have you gone into since graduating?

One of my professors put me in touch with a job opening at Cable and Wireless Worldwide, a FTSE 100 telecommunications company. I worked there for seven months in supplier relations, managing a £15 million budget across ten key suppliers. This valuable work experience helped me to land an analyst role within Deloitte's strategic consulting arm - I start in September 2011.

Were there any particular elements within your course that helped to prepare you for your career?

I certainly feel that the year studying abroad was the element that made me stand out. American universities are focused much more on working in groups studying real-world companies and producing business plans and presentations rather than essays.

During my final year, I took part in international case competitions around the world from Copenhagen to Vancouver and Los Angeles. It's a great way to pit yourself against other students from top universities. I presented a strategic recommendation to Disney's senior executives and our team got to the final round which had never been achieved before.

What are your future aspirations?

My role at Deloitte will help me to prove to myself that I can work for one of the largest corporations in the world alongside the most talented colleagues. To know that I can contribute to top-level projects in such a competitive industry is testament to the self-belief instilled in me by my degree.

David Tester

David Tester graduated from BSc (Hons) International Management with American Business Studies in 2010 and is now a Graduate Management Trainee at Marks and Spencer.

Why did you choose to study your chosen course?

Having visited friends at the University who started before me, I realised that Manchester was a great city in which to study. I knew I wanted to study business and when I saw the international courses I knew they were for me, especially as they are some of the leading international business courses in the UK.

What did you enjoy most about your time at university?

For me, my year studying abroad at New York University was the best experience. Having the opportunity to live and learn in one of the best cities in the world was incredible. I was also a part of the team representing Alliance Manchester Business School (Alliance MBS) at the University of Southern California International Case Competition in Los Angeles. We spent six months training in case analysis and presentation skills. We reached the final meaning we got to present our business solutions to executives of the Disney board - and this was the furthest Alliance MBS had ever been in the competition.

As a student, did you have a clear future career path in mind?

I applied to a number of graduate schemes in various industries. I was offered a role at Marks and Spencer and it seemed the right decision having always worked in retail part-time throughout my studies.

What job(s) have you gone into since graduating?

I have been training as a commercial manager at Marks and Spencer. The scheme lasts for a year and covers various areas of the business while gaining exposure to the business's five KPIs; sales, service, standards, people and costs.

Were there any particular elements within your course that helped to prepare you for your career?

General management theories have provided a sound basis for entering into a management position as it offers the opportunity to put theory into practice. It has also brought to life theories studied around motivation. The quantitative analysis skills that I developed in my first year have been a key element to monitoring sales and cost performance within my current role, and I only wish I had carried on with financial modules throughout the rest of my studies.

What are your future aspirations?

To work within the international expansion team of a large retailer, seeking out new territories and devising effective strategies for driving business growth in those areas.

Do you have any advice for new students?

First year is tough because everyone is there having a good time. Absolutely get involved, but getting the best results possible in my first year helped me to secure my first choice destination for my year abroad.

Franceska Lewis

Franceska Lewis is in her second year studying BSc (Hons) International Management with American Business Studies (IMABS) having completed the Manchester Access Programme.

What attracted you to Alliance Manchester Business School?

I knew that I wanted to study at a local university and had completed the Manchester Access Programme, which helped towards the funding of my course through an Opportunity Manchester Scholarship. I am so grateful for this opportunity - not only to come to an extremely well thought of university but to enable me to take the step into higher education and to grow my confidence. It has allowed me to continue to study a subject I love as without financial aid I may not have been able to come to university at all.

Why did you choose this particular course?

I've always been really interested in business and have known that I wanted to choose this as a career since school. Alliance Manchester Business School has an excellent reputation and the range of courses offered was superior to other universities. I chose IMABS to give me the opportunity to study outside the UK - to experience another culture and further my career prospects.

Were there any particular elements within your course that helped to prepare you for your career?

I think my course really prepares you for working life as it teaches you to work hard for your goals and hopefully achieve them at the end. If you're willing to work hard at university and get a good degree, then you are willing to work hard at your job.

Are there any course units which stood out for you?

'Law in a Management Context' has led me to think about my career in greater detail and hopefully this is the path I can take in the future.

What is the best thing about...

...your course?

The opportunity to spend a year abroad learning about different cultures and also as this is a flagship course, I know I would not be able to gain this degree at another university.

...Alliance Manchester Business School?

The wide range of courses to choose from and a variety of course units that give you a good insight into what you want to do in your career.

...Manchester?

The city has pretty much everything you could hope for. It also has a large student population so you meet so many different people.

...being a student?

The long summer break has to be the best bit but having a degree does give you an advantage when applying for jobs and shows that you are committed to your work.

Where do you see yourself in the future?

After graduating from university I hope to gain work experience in either human resources or employment law and finally to secure a job in consultancy.

Kieran Doyle

Kieran Doyle graduated in BSc (Hons) International Management with American Business Studies and worked at Google and YouTube before joining an exciting startup - DICE - in London

Why did you choose to study your chosen course?

I chose the course for three reasons. Firstly, I was attracted to IMABS because it offered a wide range of modules. After the first year, you can begin to specialise or continue studying different aspects. This flexibility was definitely attractive.

Spending a full year abroad was a huge draw. The prospect of studying in North America made the course my first choice - I knew it would stand out on my CV. Alliance MBS has links with some of the most highly regarded business schools in the world and many of these were available as an exchange.

Lastly, Alliance MBS' reputation was a reassuring factor. I had been impressed by the open day and had friends studying there who recommended the School.

What did you enjoy most about your time at Alliance MBS?

My year abroad was the best experience of my life. I studied at the University of British Columbia (UBC) in Vancouver and would encourage anyone who has the opportunity to take part in an exchange to do it.

Being immersed in a different culture benefitted me both personally and academically. I went skiing every weekend in Whistler, had a stunning view of the city, sea and mountains from my halls, and could easily travel to other parts of Canada and the USA. At the same time I was learning about business from a North American perspective and could benefit from the different teaching styles the two universities offered. I made some great contacts who I still keep in touch with to this day.

What job/s have you gone into since graduating?

I moved to Dublin to work at Google in online advertising sales for two years, before moving back to London where I transferred to the YouTube Partnerships team for a further three years. I'm now in a marketing position at DICE, a live music discovery and ticketing startup still based in London.

Were there any particular elements within your course that helped to prepare you for your career?

One of the great benefits of the course is experiencing both UK and North American approaches to business. Alliance MBS taught valuable management theories and a grounding in marketing which became my specialism when I returned from Canada. I also enjoyed the more hands-on, practical approach at UBC - for example, pitching business ideas in entrepreneurial classes and taking part in the Google Online Marketing Challenge, which helped to secure my job at Google. Digital marketing is still at the core of my role at DICE, so those skills are still very much relevant for me now.

What are your future aspirations?

Leaving the comfort of a big company wasn't an easy decision but I decided that I wanted to learn new skills at a startup that would inevitably involve more responsibility.

In the early stages of your career I think it's important to look at things in 2-3 year cycles and ask whether you're still learning and happy with your current trajectory when each one comes to an end.
The prospect of starting my own venture one day certainly appeals to me, however right now I'm enjoying the challenges and unpredictability that come with working at a startup.

Liam Whitehouse

Liam Whitehouse graduated in BSc (Hons) International Management with American Business Studies in 2013 and is now a Management Consultant at KPMG

Why did you choose to study your chosen course?

The reputation of Alliance MBS attracted me initially, it consistently ranks amongst the highest in the world for research, teaching and student experience. The sport, nightlife and music culture were a huge draw for me and in my opinion Manchester is the best city in the world to be a student. Visiting on the open day confirmed all of this.

Another major factor was that my course offered a year abroad and in the end that's what my choice came down to. A great selection of universities was offered, all of which had rigorous academic courses as well as something different in terms of experiences and culture; an opportunity too good to turn down.

What did you enjoy most about your time at Alliance MBS?

It's difficult to pinpoint a particular moment as I genuinely loved all of it. First year was exciting and a steep learning curve; second was even busier as we explored our topics in much more detail; my third year was spent abroad and was a once in a life time opportunity; and my final year was a celebration of all things Manchester, with the satisfaction of graduating at the end of it! My time in Manchester was incredible and my year abroad was unforgettable; I wish I could come back and do it all again!

Did you have a clear future career path in mind?

I came into university thinking I would go into finance, but I soon realised the choice wasn't as clear cut in my mind. As a result I kept my module choices varied, used the staff at Alliance MBS and the career services to learn more about the subjects I was taking, and explored my personal interests to see what really made me tick.

What job/s have you gone into since graduating?

After graduating I helped a set-up a public speaking company and I loved it. It was exciting to be part of something new and have an opportunity to apply my studies to a real-life business project.

I then received an offer from KPMG and currently work in Management consulting; specifically in the strategy team of the IT advisory department. My role is to liaise with the senior leadership of our clients and develop an assessment of their current IT infrastructure, investment plans and operational needs. In short, we establish where companies are, where they want to be, and how they can make that transition. It's very hands on and I have been pleasantly surprised with the levels of responsibility I have been given.

Were there any particular elements of your course which have helped to prepare you for your career?

As a result of the portfolio of modules completed at Alliance MBS I finished with a strong understanding of economics, finance and business. My year abroad helped a lot as I became more confident in myself and my abilities. These skills helped no end in my application and particularly in the final interview.

Additionally, joining a number of the societies within Alliance MBS and getting involved was really valuable in terms of learning skills that are essential at work. Team work, negotiation, problem solving, public speaking, project management, budgeting etc...

What are your future aspirations?

I have loved my first 15 months with KPMG and my primary short-term goal is to complete my CIMA qualification. After that I would like to progress through the company, gaining experience with different sectors and clients.

All in all I'm very excited with how things are unfolding; and for that I owe a lot to Manchester.

Sebastien Galperti

Sebastien Galperti graduated with a BSc (Hons) International Management with American Business Studies degree and now works at Mastercard Advisors in consulting and financial services

Why did you choose to study your chosen course? What factors made you choose the University?

I decided to study International Management with American Business Studies (IMABS) because I wanted to understand how the US economy, the largest in the world, works and the role it plays on multinational corporations. The course offers the opportunity to learn about the US’ history and business environment and to spend a full year living and studying there. IMABS was an easy decision!
The University of Manchester’s reputation was another major attraction. Its extensive list of Nobel Prize winners and myriad of opportunities for students are second-to-none. There are so many cultural, social, academic and sporting clubs that there is something to do for everyone. I was part of the University’s tennis team and AIESEC, the largest youth-led organisation.

Manchester is one of the best student cities in the world. It is also conveniently located within the UK and Europe - a short train ride to the north and south of the UK, and a short flight away on a low-budget airline to many top European destinations.

What did you enjoy most about your time at University?

The opportunity to represent Alliance Manchester Business School at a business consulting case competition in Seattle, USA, which was sponsored by the University. Months of training have proved to be extremely beneficial. It helped me build confidence as a public speaker as well as create the opportunity to meet students from various programmes and backgrounds. It was a great opportunity to spend time in an extremely vibrant environment with like-minded people, with a global mindset.

As a student, did you have a clear future career path in mind?

When I applied I was undecided as to what career path I wanted to pursue. Alliance Manchester Business School, as well as Stern Business School, provided a great opportunity for me to explore a variety of subjects and disciplines and offered a glimpse into potential career paths. Further discovering my passion for problem-solving, data analysis and communication through this course, I decided to work in consulting upon graduation.

What job/s have you gone into since graduating?

Since graduation, I have gone into consulting within the financial services. At MasterCard Advisors, I get the opportunity to work on projects for banks, merchants, governments as well as in-house.

Were there any particular elements within your course that helped to prepare you for your career?

Plenty: simply the range of business-related courses such as strategic marketing, business law, advanced corporate finance, project management; the faculty coming from various academic and corporate backgrounds; and highly competitive, fun students, helped shape my eventual career in consulting.

What are your future aspirations?

Having Chinese-French family background and having acquired education in Hong Kong, the US and the UK, I want to bridge the East and the West. As an ultimate goal, I would like to take on a global role within a multinational organisation that involves working with a variety of markets, operations, people and cultures.

Jamie Bryan

Jamie Bryan graduated in BSc (Hons) International Management with American Business Studies in 2003. He now lives and works in New York, USA.

Why did you choose to study your chosen course?

I chose IMABS for the opportunity to study business in the USA. In my mind, there was no better place to study business. Beyond that, I chose the University because it had one of the best reputations for studying business in the UK, plus I loved Manchester as a city.

What did you enjoy most about your time at Alliance MBS?

I got to know, and learn from, a lot of really smart people; not just my lecturers but my coursemates too.

The year studying at UMass was everything I hoped it would be. I got to experience a whole new country and culture, learned a huge amount, and made lots of new friends. If anything, the experience outside of the lecture halls in that year was more valuable than the one inside them.

Did you have a clear future career path in mind?

Not really, at least not at first. By the time I got to my final year, though, I was itching to get out into the real world and start earning some money. Being surrounded by lots of ambitious peers definitely helped focus my mind too.

I have to give a lot of credit to the careers service - they really helped me to realise that a career in advertising could be a really rewarding one for me.

What jobs have you gone into since graduating?

I applied to the graduate schemes of some of the UK's biggest ad agencies, and got into Ogilvy's. I worked for Ogilvy, first in London and then New York, as an account manager.

After that, I came back to London to work for LBi, then an independent digital agency, but since acquired by Publicis.

After a couple of years in London I was offered an opportunity to move back to New York to help establish LBi in the US.

Were there any particular elements of your course which have helped to prepare you for your career?

Looking back, the year in the US absolutely shaped my career. I probably wouldn't have sought out moves back to the US if it hadn't have been for my time on exchange. In the first instance and in a broader sense, being surrounded by smart and ambitious people who knew what they wanted and had the confidence to go and get it made a big difference. After that, what I learned about how businesses operate has definitely helped me advance.

What are your future aspirations?

At this moment in time, to be the managing director of an agency. Longer term, starting my own business is something that appeals, but so does going client-side into a broader marketing role... two very different things!

Soonoh Ka

Soonoh Ka is studying BSc (Hons) International Management with American Business Studies having completed the NCUK International Foundation Year at IEN in Seoul, South Korea.

Why did you choose to study your chosen course?

I wanted to have a guaranteed opportunity to work or study abroad as part of my course. In addition, as I plan to return to South Korea after graduation, the worldwide reputation of Alliance Manchester Business School (Alliance MBS) was another important factor.

I have been assigned the University of Southern California which I had put as my first choice. I considered the performance and ranking of the business school as well as the campus life. USC is famous for the Trojans, and is the perfect place to experience American sports - there's the Trojans football team, the LA Dodgers' and LA Lakers.

One of my most memorable experiences at Manchester was cheering the University's football team in the local match against Manchester Metropolitan University. I am really looking forward to supporting the Trojans against UCLA. Watching the Korean Derby between Ryu's LA Dodgers and Choo's Texas Rangers in the Major League would be unforgettable.

What has been your favourite academic experience or course unit and why?

Case Studies in Management, which was introduced in the first year, was very interesting. We collected all of the relevant management information for an industry before the seminar and made an oral group presentation. You had to prepare well for each seminar. This core course unit will develop many skills such as presentation, analytical and communication skills, required in any career.

Are you involved in any extra-curricular activities?

I was a committee member of the Manchester University Korean Students' Society (MUKSS) this year.

What is the best thing about...

Your course?

It can be tough studying in Manchester because I am far away from my home country. However, I know that a year abroad in the US will make me more motivated to study hard in my final year back in Manchester. I've learned how to have difficult conversations in team situations and to trust others, as well as adopting a thorough approach and presenting multiple sides to a debate before making recommendations.

Alliance Manchester Business School?

The School has vision and passion. The staff never stop thinking about how they can provide better opportunities for students' future careers, how they can be one of the top business schools in the world and how they can improve individual course units. Moreover, my academic advisor is great and gives me advice on any topic.

Manchester?

Manchester is the perfect place for University life. There are two major football clubs, huge shopping centres and fantastic nightlife. Manchester is very central in the UK and you can travel around conveniently by train and bus. There's also an international airport 14km from the campus. Most importantly, you can live right next to the School to save time travelling and concentrate on studying.

Being a student?

I get student discount everywhere; in the football stadium, museum, shopping centre and even McDonald's. Even outside the UK, you will get discount with your student card. In Paris, I visited most attractions free of charge.

Kirsty Lee

Kirsty Lee graduated in BSc (Hons) International Management with American Business Studies and now works as a product manager for an established startup - EyeEm - in Berlin

What made you choose your course?

I chose IMABS at Alliance MBS because of the prestigious reputation of the University in the UK and abroad, in particular the Business School. IMABS is pretty much the only course of its type available in the UK, and the specialisation in American business studies made it a perfect choice for me as I knew that I wanted to live and work in the USA in the future. My choice was further reinforced by the mandatory year abroad at a partner institution in North America. I also liked the University itself - the fact that it is based on a campus but is so close to the city at the same time.

What did you enjoy most about your time at Alliance MBS?

Meeting and living with awesome people. Being independent and having the freedom to make all my own choices. Having a great job as a student ambassador. Having the opportunity to be able to extra-curricular things I enjoyed and finding like-minded people to do them with - from organising a hall of residence ball to volunteering at a Spice Girls concert - each week brought a new opportunity that I wouldn't have otherwise had.

As a student, did you have a career path in mind?

I chose management because it gave me the chance to explore many areas of business so I could figure out what I liked and what I was good at. But when I graduated I didn't have a specific career path in mind. The careers service were a massive help, providing talks and workshops, organising free events and most importantly, advertising a wealth of paid and volunteer opportunities. They actually played a major role in helping me find my first full-time job after graduation.

What jobs have you gone into since graduating?

As soon as I graduated, I moved to France and started working in marketing for a tech startup. I then moved on to Berlin, one of Europe's biggest startup scenes. It was there that I discovered product management, a relatively new discipline in the field of management. Skip forward a few years and I'm now an experienced software product manager at an established startup in the photography industry, and am really enjoying this role.

Were there any particular elements within your course that helped to prepare you for your career?

Everything, from public speaking to time management, team working, networking and negotiating skills. Most of all I learned to be independent and confident. Business is a very competitive field to be in, and I soon learned to fend for myself. Living abroad during my year in Florida also played a massive part in helping me prepare for a career outside the UK.

Where do you see yourself in the future?

I definitely want to develop my skills as a product manager further - and subsequently move into senior or more specialised roles.

I've been working in Europe since I graduated, so I'd love to branch out a bit and live and work somewhere a bit farther afield. I also see a period of travel as being inevitable at some point in my future - whenever the time is right.

Hannah Salton

Hannah Salton graduated in BSc (Hons) International Management in 2009 and is now a Graduate Recruitment Manager at international law firm Allen & Overy in London

Why did you choose to study your chosen course?

I enjoyed business at A-level and wanted to continue studying management. Manchester has a great reputation academically, as well as being a fun city to live in. I also really wanted the opportunity to study abroad as part of my degree.

What did you enjoy most about your time at university?

The variety and freedom to choose different course units and the social life. I got to try out everything from finance to marketing and organisational behaviour, to find out what I enjoyed the most. I also met some brilliant people who I'm still great friends with now.

As a student, did you have a particular career path in mind?

I didn't at the time, and the ideas I did have have changed a lot since starting work. While it's helpful to have a rough idea, I didn't think it was important to have a clear path planned out. A lot of people I know that did have changed their mind anyway.

What job/s have you gone into since graduating?

I went straight to work at BT on a two-year rotational graduate scheme which I really enjoyed. I worked in roles in marketing and HR and ended up securing a permanent job in the graduate recruitment team at the end of my scheme.

After being promoted to manager and staying for a further three years, I felt it was time for a new challenge and I joined the law firm Allen & Overy in 2014, where I manage a team and am responsible for graduate recruitment for the UK.

Were there any particular elements within your course that helped to prepare you for your career?

I liked the variety it gave me. I had the opportunity to try various aspects of business to find out what areas I was good at and also enjoyed.

The opportunity to study abroad at Copenhagen Business School was life-changing. This experience undoubtedly developed my skills a great deal-personally, academically and professionally. It was fascinating living and studying in a completely different culture. I have found that the global element to my degree has helped to prepare me for working in an international company.

What are your future aspirations?

For now, I enjoy the challenge of my current role at Allen & Overy. In the long-term, I am interested in progressing my career into the coaching area.

Chris Bickerstaff

Chris Bickerstaff graduated in BSc (Hons) International Management in 2012 and has just landed his dream job as an executive trainee at Jardine Matheson in Hong Kong.

Why did you choose to study your chosen course?

I wanted a broad course which allowed me to pick and choose which direction I took but the biggest swing was the year abroad. I have always been a keen traveller and the opportunity to live and study in Asia/Australia seemed a truly life-changing experience, as well as something that makes you stand out to prospective recruiters.

I also decided very early that I wanted a city-based university rather than campus-based and knew Manchester was a big student city with a lot of variety, nightlife and sport.

What did you enjoy most about your time at university?

Nothing can compare to my year abroad in Hong Kong. It's hard to do justice to it in words, but I met people from around the world, travelled through the mountains in Central China and lived a life of constant excitement in one of the most electrifying cities in the world.

It's these kinds of experiences that define a person and make them more rounded and individual. These factors would set me apart from the others an incredible amount when it came to job applications.

What job/s have you gone into since graduating?

I began work at Gazprom Marketing and Trading as a settlements analyst. My job was on the power (electricity) desk, supporting the traders and operators, settling, reconciling, invoicing and paying for all of the power the company traded. I learnt so much about how a business runs and all the politics, crises and problems faced.

In Hong Kong I will be working as an executive trainee for Jardine Matheson. In short, they buy companies, gut the managerial design and build their own unique infrastructure. The idea is to prepare you to become a future executive of one of the companies they own and earn your CIMA during your first few years.

How did you course prepare you for your career?

Industrial Economics was my favourite course unit as it applied market designs to modern industries, such as reputation-based companies (Amazon), auction websites (eBay), platforms (Facebook), as well as exploring mergers and acquisitions, and the impact of intangible assets such as managerial talent.

A number of course units related to international marketing, MNCs and global management gave me a baseline understanding of how to approach clients from vastly different cultures, and the dangers of ethnocentrism. This has helped me to become more culturally sensitive, and will stand me in good stead for beginning my career in Asia, where elements of Confucianism and collectivism play large parts in everyday life.

What are your future aspirations?

I want to look back at my life when I am 50 or so and know that I took every opportunity that I could have. When I look at my gap year, my choice of university, going abroad to Hong Kong and subsequently starting a new life and job out there, I feel so far I have, and hope I will continue to take these chances. I want a career where I look forward to every week of work and don't really know what's around the corner, so I'm hoping my job takes me to those places.

Lucie Hinton

Lucie Hinton is in her third year studying BSc (Hons) International Management and is completing her exchange year at the National University of Singapore

What attracted you to Manchester?

I wanted to study in a vibrant city outside London. Manchester has excellent transport links including an international airport, good rail, metro and bus links. There are so many places to visit in Manchester and the surrounding areas and it is rich in heritage and culture. It has a fantastic nightlife as well as a wide range of places to shop, including one of Europe's busiest shopping centres, the Trafford Centre, and specialist independent shops and markets.

What made you choose this course at Alliance MBS?

I spoke to many people that worked in a variety of companies and Alliance MBS kept cropping up as being second to none and highly prestigious. The School has extensive international links and I felt the third year abroad would give me real-life experience of studying in another country which would be extremely valuable in the future.

How are you finding the exchange year?

I am studying at the National University of Singapore for my exchange year. So far the experience has been fantastic; a real eye opener at how Asian culture works. Studying here is a very different experience to the UK and so has enabled me to expand my skill set. The exchange programme has given me the opportunity to meet and work with students from across the globe and share knowledge.

Are there any course units that have stood out for you?

So far I feel the work psychology unit has stood out. This is because it has given me an insight into the way people behave in the workplace depending on various factors such as their personality, age and gender. I have found it interesting to look at how managers adapt in order to motivate and get the best from their team.

What are your future aspirations?

Having completed a variety of work experience placements in various industries, marketing and consultancy are two areas that stand out for me. Gaining insight into consumers' minds and how various marketing methods shape consumers' decisions is something I hope to look at in more depth as a future career. I hope one day I can work in a global company using the international aspects of my degree to aid me.

Is the course preparing you for your future aspirations?

There are many elements of each course unit that will be useful in preparing me to run my own business, including the range of work from independent essays to group presentations. These are teaching me the importance of fundamental business qualities needed in today's competitive business world such as teamwork, communication skills and an ability to work under pressure.

Are you involved in any clubs or societies?

I was appointed as treasurer of the Ski and Snowboard Club last year. I was in charge of all the finances; forecasting budgets, paying suppliers, negotiating contracts with sponsors and holiday companies as well as running a full annual schedule of activities. The extra curricular activities available at Manchester allow students to enhance their knowledge and skills and in my case apply the theory of my business degree in a real life business situation.

Neil McGregor

Neil McGregor graduated in BSc (Hons) International Management in 2008 and is currently working as a consultant for Deloitte Consulting in London.

Why did you choose to study your chosen course?

I had narrowed my search down to a management degree at a few universities and was also keen to do a work placement to extend the degree to four years and gain more practical experience. After visiting Manchester I was sold on the city and opted for a degree with an exchange year instead of a work placement. I actually ended up getting both by organising a work placement as part of my university course on exchange.

What did you enjoy most about your time at university?

The exchange year was a major highlight. Despite the amount of work, final year was actually my favourite time at university. There was a great sense of community amongst the returning exchange students. We had all matured whilst away and this ensured that we made the most of our time back in Manchester, working hard and obviously celebrating accordingly at the end of a deadline!

As a student, did you have a particular career path in mind?

In choosing a management degree you know the sort of job you would like to go into but I hadn't chosen a specific industry or job title. The careers service was very helpful in this respect. Also, the various company presentations and guest lectures at Alliance MBS gave me a better idea of what I did and didn't want to do, plus contacts to follow up with when making applications.

What job(s) have you gone into since graduating?

After graduating I joined Deloitte and have been there for the last three years. I started in technology consulting and have since moved internally to supply chain consulting.

Were there any particular elements within your course that helped to prepare you for your career?

The broad range of subjects I studied definitely helps me in new client situations, ensuring that I have a broad understanding and can put issues into a wider business context.

My exchange year was a fantastic experience and the taste of consulting and associated work placement were invaluable in securing a job at Deloitte. Also, specialising in supply chain modules in my final year gave me a good background for my recent transfer and I actually used some of my lecturer's contacts to support the transition, some of whom I am working with today.

What are your future aspirations?

To complement my International Management degree with some more international experience! I've got as far as Leeds, London and Surrey so far but would like to work on more international projects in the future, maybe moving abroad at some stage. More generally I aspire to be successful, happy and one day experience the thrill of a tube ride on my surfboard!

Philip Bennett

Philip Bennett graduated in BSc (Hons) International Management in 2010 and has since held several positions at H&M, most recently as financial manager for the West Coast of the USA in Los Angeles.

Why did you choose to study your chosen course?

I originally planned to study chemical engineering at Manchester. However, when I came across this course, I was instantly drawn to its international aspect and approach to business. I chose Manchester due to its courses and reputation, but also as it has one of the largest student populations and caters so well to students!

What did you enjoy most about your time at Alliance MBS?

Definitely the most enjoyable and exciting time was my year abroad in Prague. Whilst it was not what I imagined, it was not only fun but educational and taught me a lot about myself which I find applicable to life every day. During my time at Manchester, it was student life that I enjoyed every day, being able to mix with lots of different people. I also enjoyed how we could select the areas of business we wanted to pursue further, through a wide variety of course choices.

Did you have a particular career path in mind?

Not until my final year. I had some clues, but as I started applying for jobs I started to gain more knowledge about what was out there. Even then I ended up doing something I didn't expect.

What job/s have you gone into since graduating?

I worked part-time at H&M whilst studying, and luckily I have managed to develop this into my career. I started working as an area controller (responsible for the profitability of a geographical area of stores) in Birmingham, before moving to London to do the same role, and then moving into merchandising.

In 2014 I moved to H&M's Global HQ in Stockholm and became the project leader for a new way for customers to leave feedback for stores, rolling this out globally. In 2016 I became regional controller for West Coast USA, based in Los Angeles and leading a team of seven area controllers to develop profit and sales in over 130 stores.

Were there any particular elements within your course that helped to prepare you for your career?

The international aspect of the course gives you an open mind which is essential for going far in business. Dealing with such a variety of cultures is a great way to start learning how to interact with different people and build relationships.

The analytical side of the course has helped me to make sense of figures. The course teaches you how to constructively convey an argument which is essential for getting your point across in business.

Living abroad as part of the course really prepares you for moving to a new city and starting afresh. It has really helped me when moving to a new city for a new job, and I know that it will be much easier for me to live abroad in the future.

What are your future aspirations?

To continue my international adventure with H&M, but grow within leadership positions.

Arthur Richier

Arthur Richier from Paris, France is in his final year studying BSc (Hons) International Management and spent his exchange year at the National University of Singapore (NUS)

Why did you choose to study your chosen course?

Having grown up in London I was looking for a new setting; a lively city with a large student population. The University of Manchester stood out as it gave me the opportunity to mix educational excellence and pleasure within a great surrounding in terms of the University's facilities and the city's entertainment.

The opportunity to study one year abroad coupled with the School's prestigious reputation made the BSc (Hons) International Management course my top choice when it came to choosing my degree subject.

Where did you spend your academic exchange year?

I always had my sights on Asia, and I was delighted to be accepted at the National University of Singapore for my exchange year. The infinite possibilities to travel, the blend of many cultures and the diversity of the food all made it good reasons to go.

Furthermore, I obtained an internship in Singapore whilst I was studying and was able to stay four more months as a working professional during the summer, experiencing the Lion City from a different perspective.

What was the best thing you did whilst on exchange?

Witnessing the Singapore Formula One Grand Prix, with the cars passing by barely a couple of metres away from the crowd, as they race in between the city's light skyscrapers at night was the most fabulous memory.

How will your exchange year help you in the future?

Following my year abroad I was able to learn more about the South-East Asian culture and this has helped strengthen my decision that I wish to start my career in this region of the world.

Can you sum up your exchange year in one sentence?

Nothing could have prepared me for the amazing experience I lived; saying yes to everything was the best decision I made.

What has been your favourite academic experience?

The consultancy project available to final year students will probably be by the end of the year the highlight of my degree. Not only do we learn more about ourselves through personality testing and personal support, we also contribute to a real organisation and are assessed on the process. It allows us to bypass the theory and use what we have learned in a practical way.

What are your future aspirations?

I wish to find an employer whose values I believe in, and be part of a winning team, before eventually setting up my own business... you've guessed it - preferably in Southeast Asia!

Gabriele Kraujelyte

Gabriele Kraujelyte from Lithuania studied BSc (Hons) International Management and completed a summer internship at Happn - a tech start-up based in France

Why did you choose to study your chosen course?

Undoubtedly, the high ranking of Alliance Manchester Business School in business-related studies played an important role. Also, having been raised in a big city (Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania), I valued the fact that the School was located in such a vibrant and culturally-rich city as Manchester.

I wasn’t too sure which specific area of business to go into and international management seemed to provide a broad range of topics. In addition, the year abroad was of particular interest to me as I have always been keen on travelling. Finally, I didn’t want to move too far from home and the course enabled me to benefit from studying in Europe.

Tell us a little about your summer internship - how did you apply?

I really enjoyed my exchange year at IESEG in Lille and wanted to enrich my experience by doing a summer internship in France. I’ve always been interested in joining a start-up company and had kept an eye on the local start-up scene.

One day, as I was browsing online, I found a list of the most successful start-ups in France. Happn turned out to be one of them. The application process was quite smooth. I sent them my motivation letter and a CV. Then I had a few phone interviews and one task to complete and I received a job offer.

Could you describe a typical day as an intern?

As Happn is a start-up, a strict hierarchical structure doesn’t really exist there, so I was given a multitude of different tasks.

My main responsibilities were to respond to customers’ enquires, moderate the application’s usage when necessary, take part in bi-weekly meetings in which my team and I used to raise suggestions on how to improve the app, etc.

What did you enjoy most about your internship?

Before my internship at Happn, I was working at home in Vilnius. Compared with my previous work experience, I particularly enjoyed the fact that I was able to express my opinions even to the senior level managers. I wasn’t able to do in my previous positions.

Do you have a particular career path in mind?

I am planning to join a start-up company when I graduate. Having experience in customer service and product development, a position in one of these areas would be of great interest to me.

Are there any particular elements of your course which you feel are helping to prepare you for your future career?

I feel like the year abroad has been really beneficial for my future career. It has helped me to become even more adaptable when being exposed to different cultures, which is highly important to me as I am planning on working in an international environment

Amy Day

Amy is studying BSc (Hons) International Management and completed a part-time Marketing and Communications internship while on her study abroad year in Australia

Why did you choose to study your chosen course?

I opted for business because it covers a range of subjects I am interested in and ultimately I want to work in Marketing. I chose BSc (Hons) International Management specifically because I wanted to study and live abroad for a year!

Tell us a little about how you got your internship?

I was on my exchange year in Melbourne and realised that the hours are a lot less than in Manchester, so it made sense to apply for a few internships that would give me hands on practical experience in an area I am interested in pursuing as a career.

On the University of Melbourne’s career website I saw a Marketing and Communications Internship vacancy at a local charity that helps refugee and migrant children. I applied, was interviewed and then found out I had the role. In terms of support when I was applying, Melbourne University careers service was really good at helping me adjust my CV and covering letter to meet Australian expectations.

Could you describe a typical day?

As the internship was with a not-for-profit it meant I was given real responsibility from the get-go. Typically, I would spend my morning planning and scheduling social media posts. In the afternoons, I would make necessary updates to the website, write blog posts or prepare, plan and write our bi-weekly e-newsletter. When the Refugee Migrant Children Centre had a specific fundraiser, I would also be involved in the promotions side of the event.

What was great about this internship was that it was a real commitment. I came into the office for two days a week (14 hours) and as the internship lasted for 9 months it meant that I really got to understand the sector and marketing side of not-for-profits much better.

What did you enjoy most about your internship?

I loved that I was helping a charitable organisation and that I was developing my own skills. My internship taught me how to code websites, how to measure social media engagement and how to deal with organisational change.

One of the things I enjoyed the most was the fact that the internship happened in an international setting, I think it’s really valuable that I gained experience overseas as it means I have had the chance to work abroad. The internship also meant I made a new bunch of friends, all of whom had lived in Australia for longer than I had, and thus it was a really nice way to get to know Melbourne better.

Do you have a clear future career path in mind?

Yes, my goal is to get a job in the marketing sector so that I can continue to develop my skills in a sector that I find incredibly exciting.

Samuel Cooke

Samuel Cooke studies BSc (Hons) International Management and completed an international exchange and internship in Hong Kong

Why did you choose to study your chosen course?

The exchange year was a huge driving force. As the world continues to become highly globalised, employers look for adaptable graduates with a global mindset. The wide range of course units that I have been able to choose from in my second and final year also appealed and the University stood out due to having the perfect mix of both campus and city.

How did you secure your international internship?

During my exchange year in Hong Kong I attended many networking events. I met someone that worked for an Executive Search firm, Stanton House, who was looking for an intern. I sent my CV over and was invited for an interview with the Managing Director.

Could you describe a typical day on your internship?

My role as a Research Analyst Intern involved supporting the Head of Asset Management to fulfil mandates from leading clients in the APAC region. I would gather a shortlist of potential candidates to fill positions, such as a Portfolio Manager, and prepare the candidate for interviews. I also conducted research and analysis of various trends including China’s outbound real estate investment.

What did you enjoy most about your internship?

Gaining a thorough understanding of the departments and positions available across financial services and asset management was really interesting. However, the most enjoyable part was getting to know candidates and learn about the career paths they had taken to get to where they are now.

Do you have a clear future career path in mind?

I am still undecided. I do however have a strong interest in the financial services and consultancy industry and have began looking at graduate positions with leading global firms. Spending a year in Hong Kong as part of my degree has made me question where I wish to kick start my career.

Have you had a part-time job whilst studying?

Yes, during my studies I have worked at Reiss. Having a part-time job has allowed me to support my studies and build upon several skills. For example, I’ve been able to build effective customer relationships by adapting to individual needs whilst also gaining an understanding of the fashion retail industry... and of course the staff discount came in handy!

Are there any particular elements within your course which are preparing you for your future?

Studying at Alliance MBS provides you with many opportunities to prepare for your future career, whether this be various assessment methods such as presentations and group work or events put on such as mock interviews.

The careers service at the University is also hugely helpful along with the annual careers fairs that take place with some of the world’s top employers.

Having an academic advisor has also proven to be useful at times, providing guidance and helpful advice.

Saif Alnaser Shubana

Saif Alnaser Shubana is from Libya and graduated in BSc (Hons) International Management in 2010. He is currently on Alliance Manchester Business School’s MBA programme

Why did you choose to study your chosen course?

We live in an increasingly international and interconnected world, and looking at business issues from a single perspective will not give you the ability to understand the most important trends. The course was very varied, with an emphasis on delivering the core skills and knowledge to succeed in a changing world.

The University of Manchester enjoys a reputation as a place where things aren’t just talked about, but they are actually done. This learning by doing philosophy is unique in that the academic work is mostly centred on real business issues, and students are encouraged to be creative and innovative.

What did you enjoy most about your time at university?

The exchange year was undoubtedly the highlight of my time at university. I was selected to go to the University of Sydney, and the opportunity to meet new people, travel and learn different perspectives was invaluable. It was a year I’ll never forget.

As a student, did you have a particular career path in mind?

Towards the end of my degree, I’d made the decision to start my career in Libya. I was interested in emerging markets, and took the chance to relocate to experience the economic development that was on-going in Libya. More specifically, I was interested in a strategic marketing role, and fortunately found an ideal position at an ideal company.

What made you undertake your MBA at Alliance Manchester Business School?

The school’s 18-month MBA is longer than many other schools, but that’s exactly what makes it appealing. The range of live consulting projects is unique and they offer the perfect opportunity to experience first-hand the business issues affecting senior management in a number of organisations.

Were there any particular elements within your course that helped to prepare you for the MBA?

The academic rigour of the undergraduate course has definitely helped in preparing for the MBA. While I am doing many similar topics, at MBA level they are approached in a much more practical way. Having that core management knowledge allows me to better appreciate how they’re applied in different settings.

What are your future aspirations?

I intend to continue my career in the strategic management role, although I am now concentrating on applying my skillset with different clients and different issues within a consulting firm. I am still attracted to emerging markets and Libya in particular, and intend to relocate to Dubai to focus on the issues most affecting the Middle East and North Africa region.

Chloe Nightingale

Chloe Nightingale graduated in BSc (Hons) International Management in 2016 and completed a summer internship at Unilever at the end of her exchange year at VU Amsterdam

I spent my year abroad at VU University in Amsterdam, which was my first choice. The university is reputable and the city looked like it would be a fun place to live with a great culture and lifestyle. At the end of my year abroad I completed a 12-week supply-chain summer internship at Unilever.

What did the application process involve?

I completed an online application form which was followed by a 30-minute phone interview based on the company’s ‘core competencies’ and knowledge of the firm/specific discipline. Lastly, there was a selection day with a series of interviews and case studies led by senior members of staff.

Please describe a typical day during your internship

I was in charge of setting up a new paperless system on the factory floor. I would arrive at around 8.30am and change into my factory uniform (hair net, white overalls, goggles and earmuffs) before setting up my desk and checking emails etc. Depending on my schedule I would then either have a day on the factory floor (training operators, setting up new equipment etc) or working in the office (doing admin, coercing with clients, writing manuals etc). I finished at 4.45pm checking everything was set to run smoothly over the night shift.

What were the highlights of the internship?

It was interesting experiencing working in a factory as opposed to an office. I really enjoyed the responsibility of managing my own project and seeing it all come together, making real improvements to the efficiency of the factory.

Has this experience informed your career plans?

Working in a real business environment brought the theory I learnt in the classroom alive by seeing it applied in a real life context. It has definitely given me an insight into what it would be like to work for an international corporate company.

What subjects did you study on your year abroad?

I chose course units in human resources, strategy and logistics. We were also allowed to pick a few ‘out-of-the-box’ such as social sciences and arts.

What were the main differences between Alliance MBS and VU Amsterdam?

The grading criteria was tougher in Amsterdam with a pass mark of 55%. I found it quite challenging so it taught me good discipline and many new academic skills useful for final year. The teaching style was pretty similar but the student life was completely different as the Dutch students don’t tend to live in halls, meaning halls consists of mainly international students. Each weekend there was a different festival or fair to go to. Everyone was super fun and welcoming. The friends I made in my accommodation are friends for life.

Did you travel during your year abroad?

I travelled to various other place in the Netherlands independently, a few German cities including Berlin, as well as Copenhagen and Barcelona. There were also always opportunities to go with the university.

Philippe Schuler

Philippe Schuler from Luxembourg graduated in BSc (Hons) International Management in 2013 and is now an Account and Community Manager at tech startup Wakelet while also studying his Masters degree at Copenhagen Business School

Why did you choose to study your chosen course?

I wanted to study management in the UK and spend a year abroad at a top global business school. Alliance MBS has a prestigious global reputation and its facilities are second-to-none. Manchester is an inspiring, lively, multicultural city that offers everything a student needs - a cosmopolitan city centre, access to sports and the arts and an unrivalled student nightlife.

Where did you spend your academic exchange year?

I chose the University of Hong Kong because of its rich history and heritage as being the best university in Asia. Studying in a vibrant financial hub, seen as the gateway to Asia, enabled me to learn a new language, meet people from across the world, travel and experience education in a different environment.

The exchange year broadened my horizons, I made friends for life and travelled to places I would never have imagined I would visit. It set the foundations for an international career, where I am open to face new challenges, adapt to new environments and can communicate with people from around the world.

What did you enjoy most about your time at university?

My greatest joy during my time at university was to spend time with friends, whether this was within the classroom, in extra-curricular activities or while doing sports. Friends are what makes university so special and I am lucky to say that my friends from university are and will be friends for life.

As a student, did you have a clear career path in mind?

To be very honest, unlike many other students, I did not know what my future career path would entail. Rather than jumping into a specific sector or business after graduating, I decided to do an internship and be involved in a friend's startup for two years to find out what I really wanted. After gaining valuable professional experience, I then opted to go back to university to specialise in supply chain management.

What job/s have you gone into since graduating?

I joined Adidas Group as an intern in their headquarters for six months. I then opted to join Wakelet, an exciting tech startup based in Manchester, to help the company grow and make a difference to the city. Even though I am now studying in Denmark, I continue to be involved in the startup and will continue to do so for many years to come.

Were there any particular elements of your course which you feel helped to prepare you for your career?

Certainly the range of course units helped me to get a great overview of what business is all about. Business is so diverse and ever-changing, so it was great to be taught courses that reflect today's business world from different angles.

What are your future aspirations?

I am currently studying a Masters degree in Supply Chain Management at Copenhagen Business School in Denmark and aspire to work within the humanitarian logistics sector. My ambition over the next few years will be to meet new people, gain practical experience in various business fields and to grasp opportunities when they arise. I am fortunate to have experienced education in an international context and aim to pursue an international career after my studies.

Amy Sellers

Amy Sellers graduated in BSc (Hons) Information Technology Management for Business in 2010 and now works for Churchill China Plc as a marketing communications assistant.

Why did you choose to study your chosen course?

When I first started the difficult task of looking at degree programmes, I knew that I wanted to do something IT-related. However, my abilities did not lie in the technical programming language side of IT. When I came across the ITMB degree, I saw that there was a greater mix of IT and business. It seemed a more appealing prospect to learn about IT in a wider business context.

The University of Manchester was an easy choice to make; its reputation alone was what first attracted me to Alliance MBS, but after attending an open day and seeing the strong links with high profile companies, my mind was made up.

What did you enjoy most about your time at Alliance MBS?

University is a massive learning curve. Moving away from home and standing on your own two feet is a fantastic experience. I loved cooking for myself, making new friends and being independent - not only looking after myself but in my university learning too. I think some people go to university thinking it will be a walk in the park, but as me and my coursemates soon found, this is not the case. It is an intense experience, but one which I enjoyed and gave me valuable life experiences which have prepared me for life after university.

Did you have a career path in mind as a student?

I honestly didn't know what I wanted to do. Having business mentoring and frequent contact with experienced business professionals on my degree helped me decide which path to take.

What job(s) have you gone on to after graduating?

I am currently working in a manufacturing company as a marketing communications assistant. I have a really varied role, from producing literature for our products, to project managing trade fair stands at a variety of exhibitions. However, my main role is in the web, which stemmed from my interest in digital marketing and websites. I am currently project managing a new website build for the business. In a short space of time I have gained a lot of responsibility in my role.

Were there any particular elements of your course which have helped you so far in your career?

The most valuable part of my degree was the amount of work that I had to do. This really prepared me for the reality of the working world. I am constantly busy in my role and have been glad that I had a jam-packed degree where I had to learn to be organised and manage my time well.

The business skills that I learned have been invaluable. Presentations to business delegates and lecturers alike boosted my confidence and prepared me for representing myself and my ideas confidently in the workplace. The soft skills that the ITMB degree provides you with have been as, if not more, important as the hard skills.

What are your future aspirations?

In only 10 months in my current role, I have achieved so much and been given a large amount of responsibility.

I want to keep this up, build my skill set and in the near future become part of the management team.

Ben Maughan

Ben Maughan graduated in BSc (Hons) Information Technology Management for Business and is now co-founder of an online startup - Add to Event

Why did you choose to study your chosen course?

I wanted to learn how to use technology to start up my own business as technology was always something I was very interested in.

I chose Manchester because I knew socially it had a lot going on and a big part of going to University for me was meeting lots of new people, increasing my social network as well as having a great time of course.

What did you enjoy most about your time at Alliance MBS?

The people I met there - I don't think any other experience can give you that. I met people from all kinds of different backgrounds, but everyone I came across had the same hard-working ethic which was great to be around. I also enjoyed being a member of the ski and surf societies, as well as Manchester Entrepreneurs.

Did you have a career path in mind as a student?

All I knew was that I wanted to do my own thing and not follow the standard corporate route; university gave me the confidence to give this a try.

What job/s have you gone on to after graduating?

After leaving university I fulfilled a dream I'd had for a while to travel to Canada and do a ski season. Whilst out there I began designing websites and then came back to England and set up a limited company with my brother Tim. The first company - Maughan Digital - was a digital agency which focused primarily on Drupal web design and development.

Around this time I also got into organising events with friends. We found that finding event suppliers was an unnecessarily difficult process so through our digital agency we decided to build a web application to solve this. This proved to be hugely popular so we decided to put together a strong team and are now focused on our event marketplace, Add to Event, full-time. We're now looking to scale our team and are busy recruiting for our south London office.

Were there any particular elements of your course which have helped you so far in your career?

Learning about the importance of user friendly, accessible technology and how it can impact a business was an important lesson for me. Also the whole general experience of working on projects in teams and honing my presentation skills was invaluable.

What are your future aspirations?

Our mission with Add to Event is to revolutionise the events industry and provide a platform where anyone can organise an event, no matter what size, with a single request. I'm pleased to say we're making some great progress.

Find out more at:
www.addtoevent.co.uk

Patrick D'Souza

Patrick D'Souza graduated from BSc (Hons) Information Technology Management for Business in 2010 and is now working for Credit Suisse as an IT Strategy Consulting Analyst.

Why did you choose to study your chosen course?

I chose my course on the basis that it had a solid mixture of business, IT and soft skill development. Coupled with its exclusive employer support, the course gave me an excellent platform to prepare myself for the 'real world'.

Coming from London, I really wanted to experience another city. With the University's reputation amongst employers and the quality of teaching and research, along with the city's diverse culture, no other university stood out like The University of Manchester.

What did you enjoy most about your time at Alliance MBS?

The diversity and the range of opportunities that the University and city offered made my time extremely worthwhile, challenging and exciting. I took part in the Sports Volunteer Scheme for three years, which gave me the chance to gain national qualifications to teach sport within the local community, which was not only valuable experience, but also great fun. But best of all was the friendly environment that gave me the opportunity to meet a diverse range of people and allowed me to create a great close network of friends, all of whom I am still in close contact with.

Did you have a clear future career path in mind?

When I first started, not at all. However, with the support of the University, its resources and its close link with employers, I was able to make the step in the right direction.

What job(s) have you gone into since graduating?

In my penultimate year, I applied for summer internship schemes and with the support of the University's careers service, I was able to get through interview rounds and gain an offer from Credit Suisse. The internship was challenging but at the same time exhilarating, so when Credit Suisse offered me a full-time position after I graduated, I happily accepted.

Were there any particular elements within your course that helped to prepare you for your career?

The soft skills gained from the modules that were unique to my course, as well its employer involvement really helped - it made the course really stand out above the rest. In addition to this, the careers module that I undertook in my second year kicked off my drive to get a summer internship, and it also allowed me to realise how useful the University's careers service is.

What are your future aspirations?

With the wide variety of opportunities Credit Suisse offers, I hope to develop my skills through the training offered, primarily gaining a professional qualification in Project Management.

In addition to this, I hope to move abroad via the internal mobility opportunities and gain more responsibility by leading a global team and/or a large project.

Richard Allin

Richard Allin graduated in BSc (Hons) Information Technology Management for Business in 2010 and has since joined eBay as an intranet intern.

Why did you choose to study your chosen course?

For me, one of the biggest selling points of the ITMB degree was the direct involvement of companies such as IBM and Logica. I felt that the degree offered the richer blend of team skills, technical knowledge and industry awareness that employers were looking for.

What did you enjoy most about your time at University?

One of the best things about university has to be the social life, especially in Manchester. I was there for three years and saw only a small fraction of what the city has to offer. I had some incredible experiences, especially in student accommodation in the first year, and I really feel like I've made friends for life.

In terms of studying, the biggest and most rewarding challenge was making that jump from sixth form to degree level. I felt that, especially working on my final year project, there was a greater sense of depth and freedom in being able to focus on your interests. It's really interesting to see how my friends from the ITMB degree have gone on to work in different fields such as education and IT consultancy.

As a student, did you have a particular career path in mind?

I had a very broad idea of where I would like to be in 5-10 years, but I didn't have an exact plan. Since then, I've realised that because this industry is constantly changing, it's important to build up transferable skills to adapt and stay flexible.

What job(s) have you gone on to after graduating?

After graduation I successfully applied for the position of intranet intern with the product services and technology team at eBay.

Were there any particular elements of your course which have helped you so far in your career?

The first thing that comes to mind was being able to meet employers on a regular basis and talk to them about my projects. In my current job, I've worked on three fairly large projects which have all involved delivering project proposals to senior members of staff. I think getting into the habit of doing this in my degree took some of the pressure off when I started work. I definitely feel more at ease making recommendations and giving my opinion in meetings as well.

I also think building my team working skills has been a major element in preparing me for work. I completed a lot of team projects and presentations at university and the skills I've developed have been invaluable.

What are your future aspirations?

For the immediate future, I want to build up some more practical experience, either through internships or short-term contracts. My long-term aim is to establish a career in IT and business consultancy and hopefully return to Alliance Manchester Business School at some point to do an MBA.

Stuart Chapman

Stuart Chapman graduated from BSc (Hons) Information Technology Management for Business in 2010 and now works for Logica as a Digital Marketing and Social Media Executive.

Why did you choose to study your chosen course?

The ITMB degree course stood out for multiple reasons. Firstly, the mix of business and IT modules attracted me. They come hand in hand in today's digital world so having a solid understanding of both was important to me. Also, the fact that so many influential IT and business companies were involved in the course was a real eye-opener. Finally, these benefits combined with the reputation of Alliance Manchester Business School made it a very attractive opportunity. I knew it could be something special and I wasn't disappointed.

What did you enjoy most about your time at Alliance MBS?

Meeting so many interesting people - fellow students, lecturers, course leaders, mentors and employers. I now have such a strong network of contacts. I have friends who work for the likes of Google, Credit Suisse, PwC, IBM, SAS, Logica and Accenture to name but a few.

Did you have a clear future career path in mind?

I had a rough idea of the type of company I wanted to work for and the areas that interested me but I tried to keep an open mind. I love technology, thinking of new ideas and building something powerful, which is why I enjoy digital marketing so much.

What job(s) have you gone into since graduating?

My first job was an internship at Connect2Media. Headquartered in Manchester but with offices globally, they develop, publish and distribute cutting-edge games. I ran their social media activities. This required implementing a social strategy that matched their business, including updating social media channels, running competitions, implementing a new blog platform and producing monthly metrics reports.

I then joined Logica and within a week I landed the role of Social Media Analyst, working directly with the Global Social Media Manager. I soon realised that both my skills and the confidence I gained from the ITMB degree were having a really positive impact on my career. My role expanded, and I found myself working with digital teams across the world and consulting internally on the topic of social media. I am currently supporting Logica's Future IT and Cloud theme carrying out global digital marketing activities. It's an exciting, interesting and rewarding area to be working in.

Were there any particular elements within your course that helped to prepare you for your career?

Three elements come to mind. Firstly, having a mentor from the BBC was invaluable. Building relationships with potential employers has taught me the value of networking and learning from others. Secondly, the mix of technical and business modules has provided me with an understanding of the full lifecycle of projects. Finally, working effectively in a team is a necessity in today's business world and ITMB ensured I had the skills to do this.

What are your future aspirations?

I really want to continue to gain as much experience as possible in digital marketing. Looking ahead, I'd like to progress into a management role in the area of digital and social media. This aspect of business today really interests me.

Thomas Simpson

Thomas Simpson graduated in BSc (Hons) Information Technology Management for Business in 2010 and now works for IBM as a business and technology consultant.

Why did you choose to study your chosen course?

I wanted something which would offer me the best of both worlds in terms of business and IT. I didn't want to spend all my time programming, nor did I want to focus purely on business theory. ITMB promised lots of real, hands on projects and was backed by over fifty top employers. This gave me the assurance that I would develop valuable skills which the IT industry really needs, improving my graduate job prospects. I was also attracted to the city - a world apart from the quiet town I came from, Manchester promised new friends, a range of activities and lots of fun!

What did you enjoy most about your time at Alliance MBS?

Without doubt, the University's societies. From my first day, I got involved with numerous societies and met many new friends, doing some really cool things. I was involved with the Student Scout and Guide Organisation - from rock climbing to canoeing, I have had chance to indulge my adventurous side. I also had the chance to give something back to the community leading a local Scout group and helping to run a camp in Essex for 10,000 people.

What job(s) have you gone on to after graduating?

I joined IBM's graduate scheme as a business and technology consultant and have already been exposed to both technical and business focused tasks. Working on a large government department bid, I have been involved with writing the proposal and data analysis. I have also had the chance to lead a multi-million pound project to acquire, design, implement and migrate to IBM's new office in the North West.

Perhaps one of the most useful services the University has to offer is its careers service. I was able to research different professions and employers and make the right choices for me. A range of helpful guides on CVs, interviews and assessment centres helped me get my dream job on IBM's summer internship programme, Extreme Blue. The Manchester Gold mentoring scheme was a great way to focus my aspirations for the future. In my second year, I took part in the Manchester Leadership Programme. This offered me a completely different module from my usual studies which I thoroughly enjoyed. Each week an inspirational leader from the community shared their thoughts on what leadership meant to them. We also volunteered for 60 hours within the local community, putting the theory we learned into practice.

Were there any particular elements of your course which have helped you so far in your career?

The team projects have helped me develop my 'soft' skills. Employers expect you to not only have a great degree but also excellent communication, teamwork, leadership, creativity and problem-solving skills. Thanks to my degree, I feel confident presenting to large audiences both inside IBM and in the wider world.

What are your future aspirations?

I aspire to continue making a difference to society through IT innovation. As we become a more and more digitised society, I hope to have played a key role in designing and implementing some of these systems. My aim by the time I retire is to become the IT director or chief information officer of a fortune 500 company.

Fred Esere

Fred Esere is studying BSc (Hons) ITMB with Industrial Experience and completed his placement year with the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG).

Why did you choose to study your chosen course?

I wanted a degree that would give me not only a solid understanding of fundamental technological concepts, but which would also equip me with core business skills, that would set me up to effectively utilise technology for business purposes.

The deciding factor for me was the level of employer involvement. Organisations that are known for being the best at what they do were personally involved in designing the ITMB course. In the first year, we had industry experts delivering weekly guest lectures on the latest technologies they were working on.

The projects I would embark on, the events I would attend, the things I would learn and do, left me with an offer I could not refuse.

Can you tell us more about your placement role?

My role at LOCOG was primarily concerned with the management and delivery of technology systems to support the operation of a designated area within the Athletes Village. I also worked closely with other functional areas to ensure that the technology services they required were captured and delivered as expected.

What skills did you gain from your placement year?

My project management and delivery skills developed greatly, partly due to having key deliverables and an unmovable deadline to work towards. I also learned to work with stability under a high degree of pressure.

What is the best thing about...

...your course?

The way it has prepared me for life after university, empowering me with the fundamental skills that I need to be able to do anything I would like to do.

...your work placement?

The beauty and power that comes from working together for a single purpose.

...being a student?

The process of learning and the empowerment it brings - that is something I will take with me for the rest of my life. The different friends, from all around the world I have made at university have also been wonderful.

What are your future aspirations?

I would like to improve the quality of life for those who have not had the same opportunities I have had. I would especially like to do this using technology and hope to focus on this for my final year project.

There has been a great degree of change in me since I came to Manchester, I understand and believe that I can actually make positive changes in the lives of others.

During my time in Manchester, I have been given a lot; I intend to spend the rest of my life finding ways to give back.

Tom Saunderson

Tom Saunderson is a third year BSc (Hons) Information Technology Management for Business (ITMB) student and is currently completing his work placement with Logica.

What made you choose this course?

The ITMB course has been developed with input from major employers so that its graduates have the precise skills that they want. It offers a great balance between the business and technical focus and aims to integrate you into the real world.

Why did you decide to study at Alliance Manchester Business School?

Alliance Manchester Business School is one of the leading business schools in the country and one of the best universities which offer the ITMB course. Of course Manchester as a city was also a major attraction.

Are there any course units that have stood out for you and why?

The team project modules are the standout units for me. They focus on a year-long group project with interaction from employers at two dedicated employer events on campus. These events allow you to showcase your team project and gain guidance, feedback and alternative ways of thinking from the employers. During our first year, we also had several 'guru lectures', hosted by employers; each with a different thought-provoking business focus.

Did you have any help applying for your internship?

Part of our second year included a dedicated course unit on careers and professional development which focused on gaining graduate positions as well as internships.

The sessions covered topics such as CVs, assessment centres and psychometric testing; all extremely useful when applying for internships.

Who are you working for this year and what is your role?

I am working for Logica, a leading business consultancy and IT company. My main role is as an applications analyst for a large client, CE Electric. The project I am supporting aims to upgrade the client's user-operating system to Windows 7. I analyse existing applications, potential consolidation, rationalisation and upgrading as well as report creation. It is a very interesting and challenging project as the change is becoming very complex

What skills have you gained so far on your internship?

I have developed my communication and report writing skills and apply these to different situations - the language I use with a project manager differs completely from speaking to a developer. I have honed my skills in project management and its challenges. For example, resourcing, motivation, creation of project documents (plans and risk registers), holding meetings and conference calls.

What are your future aspirations?

My future aspirations are to move into project or programme management or high-level consultancy.

I think I would like to move into the banking sector.

Matt Rigby

Matt Rigby graduated in BSc (Hons) IT Management for Business with Industrial Experience in 2015 and now works as an Interactive Experience Consultant for IBM in London.

Why did you choose to study your chosen course?

When I first started looking at universities I sat in countless computer science talks, certain that was the course I wanted to do. After working out what the course involved I soon realised it wasn't for me. However, one of these talks introduced me to ITMB which was definitely for me.

I applied to five different universities (up and down the country) all of which offered ITMB. The University of Manchester stood out to me for a number of reasons.

Firstly, It's a research-led university so I knew I would be taught by leading academics. Secondly, Manchester focused predominantly on management, with technology integrated into the course units. The majority of the course units were taught in their world renowned Business School which was very different to other universities - that was perfect for me. Last but not least, the city - it's brilliant and one of the best places I have ever been to. I love it so much so when IBM told me my first client would be based just outside Manchester, I couldn't wait to come back.

What did you enjoy most about your time at university?

You've probably already gathered how much I love the city - it caters for everyone I know. It's big but has the northern vibe and culture, which admittedly I miss down south.

However, one of most enjoyable parts of my time at university was the course itself. It's small, giving you the opportunity to get to know everyone not only in your year, but across all years. This is so useful when asking for advice about jobs, presenting etc. Furthermore, the course provides you with an enormous amount of interaction with employers. This really helped when applying for jobs, as I had a large network and the employer-related projects provided me with so much to talk about in interview.

As a student, did you have a clear future career path in mind?

No - when I started I really wanted to be an IT manager in a large international company. However, after a number of discussions with employers this soon changed and I focused on the consulting route.

What job have you gone into since graduating?

I have started working as an Interactive Experience Consultant for IBM, where I also completed my work placement. After training, I took up a role on a public sector project and now work with closely with this client on a weekly basis - spending most of the week in their offices.

Were there any particular elements of your course which helped to prepare you for your career?

In my final year I applied to take part in CaseIT - an internationally recognised case competition. We were trained in analysing case studies, presenting and a range of other technical and business skills. We travelled to Vancouver where we had 24 hours to solve the unseen case. We presented our gamification idea to a number of employers over the course of two rounds. CaseIT was a great experience and one where, to this day, I'm still using the skills I learned.

What are your future aspirations?

Even though I am enjoying where I am working and the skills I am developing, I do want to run my own company at some point, as well as work for an SME. I'm just hoping a bright idea will come to me in the future.

Daria Savilova

Daria Savilova is from Russia and is in her final year studying BSc (Hons) Management (International Studies).

What attracted you to Manchester?

I was attracted by the high ranking of Alliance Manchester Business School. Also, Manchester is quite a large city with a lot of opportunities to enjoy student life but at the same time it is not as large or as expensive as London.

What made you choose your course?

Management is a very broad and flexible course and it is possible to attune it to your own interests. It is a very large course that gives good opportunities for networking. Also, I was not sure what career path I wanted to follow and management jobs are always in high demand.

Are there any course units that have stood out for you and why?

I particularly enjoyed operations management with Paul Cousins. He does not teach from books but from his own experience, which makes the course very interactive and practical. It was structured around a group project which has given me good examples of teamwork to talk about in interviews, as we came up with our own business and faced challenges as a group.

I also enjoyed foundations and applications of marketing and retail marketing. Dominique and Anna Goatman are both very good lecturers. Anna came up with practical projects, exploring the retail industry while observing shoppers and comparing outlets - we observed the theory we had learned in action. She took seminar groups around the city and showed how different parts of Manchester are marketed, backing up the tour with theory.

Are you involved in any extra-curricular activities or societies?

I am the president of the Russian Speaking Society, which promotes cultural awareness by bringing together Russian speakers and those who are interested in Russia. It has been a great experience; it is like having your own business. There is a great level of responsibility but it is very rewarding. You gain a lot of connections and learn how to organise yourself and lead a committee.

What is the best thing about...

...Alliance Manchester Business School?

The number of careers events that are held here throughout the year. You have better business awareness and plenty of opportunities to interact with potential employers before applying for jobs.

...Manchester?

There is so much going on in the city all the time. Also, Manchester International Airport offers direct flights to almost every corner of the world, so there are good opportunities to travel while you are a student.

...being a student?

The amount of societies and activities you can get involved in, especially if there is something you always wanted to do but never had chance to, from photography to tennis or languages. Finally, it is about the fun you have and the people you meet. You will graduate with a huge network of talented people around the world.

Sarah-Jane Edwards

Sarah-Jane Edwards graduated from BSc (Hons) Management (Marketing) in 2010 and now works for Astley Dye & Chemical Co. as a Marketing Manager.

Why did you choose to study your chosen course?

In all honesty I had always wanted to study law and had intended to do so until I went on a week-long course at Oxford whilst in sixth-form. This resulted in me wanting to stick to debating for fun rather than pursuing it in academia. At the time I had just received my AS level results in which I had performed particularly well in business studies so this became my new direction. This shift in career choice put Manchester at the top of my list. The management course that Alliance MBS offered allowed me the opportunity to further explore my interests in a wider field whilst providing the option to specialise. I had the best of both worlds; I was able to pursue my interests by taking course units in law and alongside this I was afforded the time to explore a variety of subjects of which Marketing became my new focus, passion and ultimately career.

What did you enjoy most about your time at University?

Manchester. I enjoyed everything about Manchester; the city, the University, the student life, the heritage and the innovation all perfectly blended into a compact and lively city.

As a student, did you have a clear future career path in mind?

Yes and no. As I learnt more from my course about various areas of study I learnt a lot about what I didn't like and only by doing so could I realise what I did like. I pieced together in my mind exactly what I wanted to do but it wasn't until after I completed my Masters and spent 12 months in industry that I found a job that utilised all of those aspects.

What job/s have you gone into since graduating?

After I graduated I completed a Masters and worked at various local companies completing four internships over a 12 month period. Once I finished my postgraduate course I started working for a local company as a Marketing Manager and I have been there since. I am based in Manchester but my role is working with our South African subsidiary and I split my time travelling between Manchester and South Africa.

Were there any particular elements within your course that helped you prepare for your career?

The holistic nature of the management course at Alliance MBS helped me to define what I wanted my career to be and the theoretical foundations of the course that I went onto specialise in provided a solid foundation of marketing theory to build on practically when I began my career.

What are your future aspirations?

To continue to learn, improve and further my capabilities. University taught me that every day is a school day no matter what your experience and I like to think that having a job is the same as studying; an exchange of knowledge to further both parties involved. I love my job, and I am constantly learning, I want to continue to do so and aim to give as much back to the company as I have gained and would hope to do so throughout my career.

Elizabeth Stapley

Elizabeth Stapley graduated from BSc (Hons) Management in 2012 and successfully applied to the human resources graduate scheme at Centrica.

Why did you choose to study your chosen course?

Manchester sold itself to me the first time I came to an open day; nowhere else matched up to the standard Manchester set. I chose BSc (Hons) Management due to its broad and flexible nature - I was keen to keep my options open in terms of what area to pursue and to try new disciplines of business. Alliance Manchester Business School also has a fantastic reputation, not just within the UK but internationally, which is particularly beneficial as I would like to work abroad in the future.

I liked Manchester as a city and it gave me the opportunity to live in a bustling city centre; something I had always wanted from my university experience. I particularly like how it is so cosmopolitan and there is plenty to do with numerous shops, bars, restaurants and theatres. You name it, Manchester has it.

What is your fondest memory of Alliance MBS?

I have done so much that I would not otherwise have had the opportunity to experience, including the Manchester Leadership Programme, volunteering for the Olympics, the Sports Volunteer Programme and even living independently. I met so many people; I don't think I will ever be in an environment like that again.

I really enjoyed my course units; they were interesting, intellectually stimulating and I learnt something new every time. I particularly enjoyed the human resources and organisational psychology units, hence choosing this as a career. If I had to pick one thing that stood out for me, it would be my dissertation. I felt a huge sense of achievement seeing the finished product bound and submitted. It was a really proud moment to finish my three years with.

What job(s) have you gone onto since graduating?

I have started an HR graduate scheme with Centrica, a leading UK energy company. I will complete a variety of placements including a stint in a British Gas contact centre, generalist and specialist HR roles in recruitment, learning and development, communications and HR business partnering. There is also scope to take part in corporate social responsibility roles, organising and planning fundraising events, which would allow me to see the wider business.

Were there any elements of your course that helped prepare you for your career?

There are so many skills that have been incredibly useful, including team work, communication skills, presentation ability, organisation and time management to name but a few. Some HR-specific subjects have also been very useful as I have entered a job with knowledge of HR practices, employment law and business principles. Moving to a big city also helped to prepare me for my graduate scheme as I will be in many different places within a short timeframe.

What are your future aspirations?

I am starting a career in HR and at this moment, my goal is to progress to a senior leadership level within talent development, recruitment or organisational change. I hope to reach this level through holding multiple positions in many different industries. I am very keen to work abroad too, experiencing different cultures and developing some language skills. I am also hoping to complete the CIPD qualification as part of my graduate training and would one day like to develop this into a masters degree.

Jack Coffin

Jack Coffin graduated in BSc (Hons) Management and is now on the combined Masters and PhD programme at Alliance MBS

What attracted you to Manchester?

As I was born in London I am used to big, vibrant cities. Manchester has everything a student needs to keep them interested but also has a small town atmosphere. This is my fourth year here and I am yet to be bored.

What made you choose your undergrad course at Alliance MBS?

The reputation of Alliance MBS was important to me, plus the fact that the University is on a campus in the middle of the city which is a rare combination. The course was broad and offered a lot of flexibility, which was important to me as I wasn't sure what I wanted to do. I suppose you could say I was afraid of academic commitment...!

What made you stay at Alliance MBS?

After my undergraduate I was still in love with Manchester and the lifestyle of the city, so when I was offered the chance to study for a PhD I couldn't turn it down. The programme is world renowned, but also gives me the chance to do what I love - namely research and teaching. A PhD isn't for everyone but Alliance MBS also has a lot of other options for students who feel that further study would benefit them.

Were you involved in any extra-curricular activities?

There are lots of opportunities across the University to get involved in societies and volunteering, both of which I tried in my first year. However, what I really took advantage of were the opportunities only available to Alliance MBS students.

Most exciting of all was when I applied for the case competition, where I was trained in public speaking and how to analyse cases before being taken to Seattle for a week to compete against international universities. That week was genuinely unforgettable and I had the greatest time throughout the entire process.

What is the best thing about...

...your course?

My course was brilliant because there was a lot of variety; I never got bored. There was a great mix of theory and practical elements, so I always felt I was learning something useful. My Masters course is fantastic because it pushes me every day, not just intellectually. I am a completely different person from when I came to university. Hopefully it's for the better!

...Alliance Manchester Business School?

The staff are brilliant; the administrators are helpful and understanding, while the academics were engaging and inspiring. I felt very little distance between myself and the staff. Alliance MBS employs people who are very down-to-earth.

...Manchester?

Nightlife, art, restaurants, architecture, parks, cinemas... Everything you need to keep you busy and all within walking distance. It has the perfect balance, injected with all the youth and energy of thousands of students.

...being a student?

Having some time to find out who you are. Unlike going straight into a job you have time to experiment with all the crazy student societies on offer, to travel, make new friends from all over the world and all walks of life, to study something you enjoy... to have all the experiences which make life interesting.

What are your future aspirations?

I am hoping to gain my PhD and move into teaching and research in an academic field, or to go into consulting.

Katie Brown

Katie Brown graduated from BSc (Hons) Management in 2010 and is now working for Siemens as a Communications and Online Administrator.

Why did you choose to study your chosen course?

I really enjoyed Business Studies most out of all my subjects at A level and had a fantastic teacher who really got me enthused about business. I shortlisted Manchester as the Business School was high in the national league tables and also had all the other criteria I wanted in a university; city life, great sports facilities and a good careers service. I chose Manchester in the end as I just had a good gut feeling about the place, which is important when you're deciding where to be for the next three years - you need to be somewhere you're happy.

What did you enjoy most about your time at university?

I really enjoyed my course as it gave me a breadth of subjects and a huge choice in my second and third years to take it in whichever direction I chose. I think the fact that it wasn't all essays and exams helped; I got involved in many really interesting projects where I had to head out into the shops of Manchester and do some first-hand research for myself, as well as case studies on businesses and products.

I had a fantastic time at university from meeting so many people and getting involved in clubs. As well as my halls being very sociable right from the start and organising nights out for the freshers, the Business School societies also organised events. I joined the Manchester University women's hockey team which also had a great social life, where I met many of my best friends.

Did you have a clear career path in mind?

My career plans have gone from finance to supply chain management and now to marketing. The University's careers service helped me hugely in getting where I am now. In my first summer, I got onto a volunteering programme in Tenerife and an internship researching renewable energy in my second; both advertised through the careers service.

What job(s) have you gone onto since graduating?

After graduating I applied for the Manchester Graduate Internship Scheme; another scheme organised by the careers service. I saw a placement at Siemens in Manchester, which I was interviewed for and was successful. I have been in my role for 18 months and am now interviewing for two permanent roles at Siemens as well as the Co-operative Graduate Scheme.

How did your course prepare you for your career?

As a whole the course helped me prepare for my career because I understood the basic principles of how a business worked, which gave me a huge advantage in interviews. The marketing and project management course units help me hugely in my current role and other course units built numerical, analytical, communication and team working skills, which are vital in the workplace. A management degree prepares you really well for a whole range of different careers.

What are your future aspirations?

I hope to take the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) qualification and one day become a marketing manager.

Kwaku Afrifa

Kwaku Afrifa graduated in BSc (Hons) Management in 2011 and has secured his dream job as an Analyst at Goldman Sachs in London.

Why did you choose to study your chosen course?

One of the main reasons was the flexibility of the course. Due to the vast range of modules available, I was able to study exactly what I wanted. The course enabled me to specialise as much or as little as I wanted. It also allowed me to do a dissertation - a study into the economics of the Barclays' Premier League - in my final year.

Regarding my choice of University, a key factor that influenced me was that the University was highly recommended by friends. The University was also the Times' University of the Year when I applied. Finally, being from London, the lower cost of living in Manchester was a big attraction as well.

What did you enjoy most about your time at university?

Meeting so many new people from so many different backgrounds. I met some really great people during my time at university. In addition, the social life of a student at Alliance MBS is exceptional. There is such a variety of offerings that there really is something for everyone.

A particular highlight was being selected to represent Alliance MBS in the McGill International Case Competition in Montreal. To represent the University in an international competition was such an honour. It was an amazing experience; all expenses were paid and it was genuinely one of the best weeks of my life. The training I received throughout final year, in preparation for the event, has also proved incredibly useful in life.

Finally, as with most students, I thoroughly enjoyed the independence.

Were there any particular elements within your course that helped to prepare you for your career?

Although frustrating at times, the fact that so many course units had group work was really useful. There is a big emphasis on teamwork in all graduate roles and, thanks to the course, I had a lot of experience of working in teams and managing people.

The experience of working in good teams and bad teams alike helped put me in good stead in interviews when they wanted to know about my experiences.

My course also had several finance modules that helped prepare me for a career in finance.

What job have you gone onto since graduating?

I completed the Goldman Sachs Sales & Trading Internship at the end of my final year to explore all the different roles available at the bank. By the end of the internship I found my dream role and thankfully I was offered a graduate role, which I have since accepted. I am now an Analyst at Goldman Sachs as an Equities Sales Trader.

What are your future aspirations?

I am really lucky to have a job that I thoroughly enjoy and am passionate about; it really is my dream job. I am currently in the process of buying a flat in central London with another University of Manchester graduate, which is the next step. The plan is just to enjoy the journey over the next couple of years, continuously learn, have as much fun as I can, put in the hard work and see where it takes me.

Oliver Beecroft

Oliver Beecroft graduated from BSc (Hons) Management in 2011 and is now working as Project Manager for Mitie

Why did you choose to study your chosen course?

The course I chose was broad and therefore allowed me to study the full range of management subjects. I mainly specialised in marketing but units from other areas allowed me to gain a varied knowledge base. This helped me to keep my options open after graduation. The main factor in selecting Alliance MBS was due to its reputation as one of the world's leading centres for business and management studies. I knew that employers would recognise the wealth of knowledge passed on by leading specialists in their fields.

I particularly enjoyed carrying out my dissertation in the final year, which looked into the difference in employee perceptions of branding and customer perceptions of branding in the business-to-business context. My dissertation advisor kindly provided the contacts to gain valuable information for this project, which was based on a Knowledge Transfer Partnership company of the University of Manchester. In addition to this, my advisor was supportive throughout the whole project and helped me to achieve my goals.

What is your fondest memory of Alliance MBS?

My fondest memory of Alliance MBS was the opportunity created for us to gain a unique combination of academic study and volunteering through the Manchester Leadership Programme. It stood out from other units as it provided us with an insight into some of the key challenges facing 21st century society and the voluntary work was extremely rewarding. If I had not been encouraged to do voluntary work then I may have never experienced this. Once I had realised the benefits this had to society, I have continued to help out with a number of charities.

As a student, did you have a clear future career path in mind?

When I graduated, I was uncertain as to which professional area was best suited to my skills. Securing a place on a graduate scheme provided me with first-hand experience of the different areas of Mitie which proved to be indispensable in reaching the right decision on where to focus my long-term attention.

What job/s have you gone into since graduating?

After graduating I worked as a Graduate Leader at Mitie, this is a scheme aimed to attract and develop the next generation of senior management. I then went on to become Integration Manager for Mitie Healthcare, before moving into Digital Strategy. I then worked as a Business Development Manager, still at Mitie Healthcare. I am now working as Project Manager for Mitie Integrated Facilities Management.

Were there any particular elements within your course that helped prepare you for your career?

Alliance MBS developed my workplace skills alongside other achievements, such as the Manchester Leadership Award, which made me much more employable.

What are your future aspirations?

Through determination and exposure to contracts and developments within Mitie I am to be in a position to progress to Director level within three years.

Hannah Stables

Hannah Stables is in her final year studying BSc (Hons) Management (Marketing) - her summer internship at KPMG resulted in a permanent job offer for after graduation

Why did you choose to study your chosen course?

I know that there are many job opportunities available from having a business-related degree, so I wanted it to be relevant to my future aspirations. Management with a specialism was most apt because it lays down the basics of business with an opportunity to choose a specific area to focus on. I chose marketing as a specialism as it is enjoyable, and once I had established that it didn't matter what degree I did in order to go into accountancy, I thought it best to choose something fun and exciting. Manchester was my first choice; it seemed to tick all the right boxes for me with its nightlife, size and shopping.

Tell us a little about your summer internship

The KPMG internship was advertised via the careers service, fairs, student reps and their website. The key is to apply early, as positions fill up quickly. I applied for mine in July and managed to get an offer by November. The application process involved an online application form, numerical and verbal reasoning tests, a telephone interview, and an assessment centre. Although it was stressful at times it definitely paid off.

During my second year, I worked as an event promoter for KPMG which allowed to me to get to know some of their employees and ask for tips on the application process.

Could you describe a typical day?

I interned for 8 weeks in the audit department and worked on a number of financial service clients. This involved helping to conduct an interim report for each company. I spent half of my time on away jobs, travelling all over the south of England. My day to day job involved testing the financial controls the firms have in place and making sure their accounting and operational systems worked properly.

Another task was to look at the complaints system a company had in place, making sure they are followed through by the right person dependent on their severity.

I would also read through the clients' board meeting notes and highlight areas that may affect the KPMG interim audit - for example, changes to the FSCS Levy all Banks and Building Societies have to contribute to.

What did you enjoy most about your internship?

The most enjoyable aspect of the job was getting to know potential future colleagues. They all had the same level of ambition and drive. Being in teams of people with a "work hard, play hard" work ethic made the whole experience ideal for me.

What are your future aspirations?

At the end of my internship I was offered a job and I didn't hesitate to accept. I will train on the ACA course to gain my accountancy qualifications whilst working in the financial service audit team in Birmingham. My plan once qualified is to accumulate all the knowledge I have gained from my degree and from KPMG and to set up my own company.

Are there particular elements in your course which you feel are helping you to prepare for your career?

Every course unit is in some way related to my future career. Once I grasped the basics of management in my first year, I could apply it to anything. The KPMG assessment centre involved writing a business report on a company - I could apply the models and analytical tools I learned in class to the case study. I will be required to write reports and analyse information throughout my ACA exams; my course is most definitely preparing me for it.

Zhonglun Nie

Zhonglun Nie graduated from BSc (Hons) Management (Accounting and Finance) in 2013 and is currently working for Lazard in investment banking.

Why did you choose to study your chosen course?

I chose to study BSc Management because I had a general interest in business and the programme seemed very flexible. I was initially interested in marketing but the exposure I had to a wide range of course units during the first year made me understand my interests more clearly and as a result I chose accounting and finance as my specialism.

What made you decide to study at Alliance MBS?

The main reason I chose to study at Alliance Manchester Business School was because it is highly reputable. It is consistently ranked amongst the top European business schools. Secondly, Manchester is such a vibrant city and perfect for student life. The wonderful music, exposure to different cultures and food, and most importantly, the two world famous football clubs Manchester United and Manchester City are just some of the things that make Manchester great.

What is your fondest memory of Alliance MBS?

It has to be my participation in the University of South California Marshall International Case Competition. The dedicated training we received from professors and staff within the University was incredibly useful. I also had the opportunity to work with some of the brightest minds within Alliance MBS and to compete with other universities and business schools from around the world in Los Angeles.

As a student, did you have a clear future career path in mind?

Initially I was generally interested in the business world and had the idea of being in a marketing related role, however, the course has enabled me to gain the exposure to a wide spectrum of business related topics and finally determine my true interest which is around finance and strategy.

What job/s have you gone into since graduating?

I worked as an intern for PricewaterhouseCoopers and now work for Lazard in investment banking.

Were there any elements of your course that helped prepare you for your career?

Aside from the academic knowledge, the wide range of extra-curricular opportunities were really beneficial in preparing me for the future. From being a peer mentor, an active volunteer, to representing Alliance MBS in the USC Marshall International Business School case competition, these kinds of opportunities are available and all you have to do is to reach out for them. These opportunities broadened my horizons and taught me a wide range of skills (e.g. presentation, public speaking, teamwork etc.) which I continue to benefit from.

What are your future aspirations?

I aspire to take my diligent and hardworking ethics down a more entrepreneurial avenue one day - and hopefully return to China and start my venture. The ideas never ceased to come to my mind and I feel that all I need is to be at the correct place at the correct time, with a decent amount of preparation which is what I am working on at the moment.

At the same time, I wish to engage with economic research but from a more practical and industry-related perspective, in order to fulfil my dream of being able to speak on the World Economic Forum one day.

Clifford Fleming

Clifford Fleming graduated from BSc (Hons) Management (Marketing) in 2013 and is currently Campaigns & Citizenship Officer at Manchester Students' Union and National Co-Chair of the Young Greens.

Why did you choose to study your chosen course?

I left school with the highest academic achievement in my year for both business & communication skills and graphic design. I decided it was in my best interest to go into graphics, but changed my mind after applying and decided marketing was my thing. After doing some research I had my heart set on Manchester!

What has been your fondest academic experience and why?

My favourite academic experiences were probably doing my dissertation and a course unit called 'Critical Consumption and Ethics in Marketing'. The lecturer on the course unit was also my dissertation supervisor. I loved delving into the different theories behind consumption and marketing. Looking at the broader context of things is what I love, and both my dissertation and the critical consumption course unit challenged my knowledge about society.

How did you become involved with politics?

I'm currently National Co-Chair of the Young Greens, the youth branch of the Green Party. I got involved with the Young Greens in my second year at the University after living in a house with a Communist and a Conservative I was hooked into politics. Reading more theory and paying attention to national news made me more intrigued. I looked up the different political parties and realised the Green Party was the most progressive in the UK. I then decided to join Manchester Young Greens society, ended up on the committee as the PR and Media Officer, went on to found Young Greens North (a network for groups in the north of England) and then ran for national Co-Chair which I won!

What does your current role as Campaigns & Citizenship Officer entail?

My work in Manchester Students' Union is largely around helping students campaign to make a change at the University or in society. I facilitate student campaigners in developing their skills and helping them raise awareness on all sorts of issues; from campaigning against the privatisation of the NHS to campaigning against the marketisation of Higher Education. The citizenship part of my role is largely about encouraging students to engage with politics and, working alongside the Community Officer, I'm currently leading a campaign asking students about issues they face in their communities and what Manchester City Council can do to tackle these issues.

What is your proudest achievement since being elected to the post?

My proudest achievement was the re-launch of the campaigner training programme, Activist Academy. I invited a panel of speakers (including climate change activists and the former British Ambassador to North Korea) to speak about their experiences campaigning and the importance of leading in activism. It was a fantastic event where lots of students from different societies were able to network and gain new ideas.

What are your future aspirations?

I'd like to stay involved in politics but I'm also looking at hopefully working for an NGO. I'd love to work for Amnesty International or any organisation like that, at some point in my life.

Saeol Lim

Saeol Lim is originally from Seoul in South Korea and graduated in BSc (Hons) Accounting in 2013. She now works as a Senior Associate at PricewaterhouseCoopers in London.

What made you choose your course at Alliance MBS?

I strongly believe that understanding accounting and finance is one of the most essential abilities to be successful in the business world. I was particularly attracted by the BSc Accounting degree at Alliance Manchester Business School because I was aiming to qualify as an ACA. The course was ideal as it involved studying accounting and finance-related course units, as well as gaining a large number of exemptions for ACA papers.

I really liked the fact the the course was relatively small, so I could interact closely with other students and academic staff. Also, many of my professors and tutors were working in professional fields which I believed would be helpful for my career.

I chose Alliance Manchester Business School because the School is very well known across the world. I wanted an international career, so it was very important to have a well recognised degree.

Moreover, the School is incredibly international with students and staff from 80 different countries, which I believed would widen my outlook.

What did you enjoy most about University?

I was involved in different societies and that was very enjoyable while I was at university. I met people from all over the world, including both undergraduate and postgraduate students. This really shaped my views towards to my career, world, culture and everyday life. They became really good friends to me and an important part of my life.

As a student, did you have a clear career path in mind?

I was clear about my short-term career path, which involved qualifying as an ACA. However, while studying at Alliance MBS I was encouraged to think about my long-term future career plan, which is to have my own business.

What job/s have you gone into since graduating?

I joined PwC as an ACA trainee auditor for their assurance department and have since been promoted to senior associate. I am based in their central London office where the main clients are mid-tier companies - I am exposed to a variety of businesses and have a great deal of responsibility.

I completed a 3-month internship with PwC in South Korea prior to securing my graduate role. I worked for their global banking and finance team and was in charge of resolution and recovery planning.

Were there any particular elements within your course that helped to prepare you for your career?

I found it extremely helpful talking to Mike Wood, my course coordinator and lecturer, about graduate careers. He was very helpful in terms of talking me through the various stages of a job application as well as giving me insight, information and advice for my future career.

Damaris Brown

Damaris Brown graduated in BSc (Hons) International Management with American Business Studies in 2013 and now works for Global Radio as a brand executive

Why did you choose to study your chosen course?

I chose to study IMABS for a mixture of reasons. I wanted to study business, and more specifically, marketing, but I also really wanted to study abroad. IMABS allowed me to do both; to choose marketing subjects and study in America for a year. I chose Alliance Manchester Business School because IMABS sounded like a great course, and the University itself has such a brilliant reputation.

What did you enjoy most about your time at University?

Manchester is a brilliant city to live in, and I really enjoyed my time there. I loved studying on a campus, and only being a short walk from the city centre. I became involved with a couple of clubs and societies while at university, which was great fun and allowed me to meet a totally different group of people. The course itself was very interesting. I studied a wide range of subjects and developed skills that have proved extremely valuable in the workplace.

Finally, studying abroad was the most amazing experience. I was very fortunate to go the University of Washington, which is a great college just north of Seattle city centre. It was an incredible year; I learned so much about marketing and business, I travelled to some amazing places in America, and I made friends who I am still in touch with now.

As a student, did you have a clear future career path in mind?

I knew I wanted to study marketing, but that was about as far as my plan went. It wasn't until my final year of university that I realised music marketing was something I was really passionate about, so that's when I started to get in touch with people in that industry to look for jobs.

What job/s have you gone into since graduating?

Two months after I graduated I moved down to London and began working at Global Radio as the Brand Executive for Classic FM - and I've been there ever since.

Were there any particular elements within your course that helped you prepare for your career?

The great thing about IMABS is that it is quite broad in the beginning, but you can gradually tailor it to your needs as you progress through the course. This has proved very useful to me in my work, as it gave me a good grounding in a variety of management subjects, as well as more specialist skills in marketing.

I learned about management accounting and business law during my first two years on IMABS - this proved very useful when I had to budget and write competition terms and conditions in my current job. As I work in marketing, I use the skills I learned during my final two years on IMABS (through studying a range of marketing topics) almost every day.

What are your future aspirations?

I hope to continue working in music marketing, as this is something that I'm passionate about and I really enjoy. I feel very lucky to have stepped into a job that I love straight out of university.

Nadine Wilkinson

Nadine Wilkinson graduated from BSc (Hons) Management in 2012 and currently works as a Villa Manager in Bonifacio, Corsica

Why did you choose to study your chosen course? What factors made you choose the University?

I began studying marketing but changed to general management after the first year - I enjoyed being able to choose from such a wide range of subjects that are all relevant and necessary elements of the business environment.

I chose Manchester as it is one of the biggest student cities in Europe and Alliance MBS is a great business school. It also has a stress-free bus route from accommodation to lectures which is a huge bonus in first year. (Great shopping centres, restaurants and the warehouse project were also large factors.)

What did you enjoy most about your time at the University?

There is never a dull moment. You meet new people all the time as it is such a popular university city. If you're ever bored just go to Sainsbury's in Fallowfield and you are bound to bump into at least 10 people you know.

As a student, did you have a clear future career path?

Absolutely not - by final year everyone begins to obsess about the 'graduate job/scheme' but it is really important to make sure that it is in an industry that you are genuinely interested in- if you are unsure which direction to go in don't panic and take the time to research the different career options properly - two hours a night spent doing this is probably more beneficial in the long run than two hours spent on a job application.

What job/s have you gone into since graduating?

After leaving Manchester I worked in a private boutique ski chalet in Val d'Isere as a host/concierge. I then spent the summer working as a villa manager for a flagship property in the Algarve, Portugal. It is an exciting and hectic industry which enables me to travel to some amazing places and work with high profile clients and this year I have spent the spring/summer in the Côte d'Azur, and I am now living in Corsica, where I am a villa manager, managing a small team of staff and coordinating the smooth running of the property and its grounds.

Were there any particular elements within your course that helped to prepare you for your career?

Alliance MBS enables students to study quite independently and as such effective time management is essential. Although the support structures were there it is ultimately your own decision how much to revise and how much extra reading to do. It has a working environment that cultivates a mature approach to being self-motivated which has definitely helped me in the role that I am doing today.

What are your future aspirations?

I am thoroughly enjoying the career path that I have taken. It is definitely more of an unusual lifestyle than most other jobs as I often live on-site and am on call 24/7. It has given me the opportunity to travel to some great countries and I am keen to pursue my career in the private home sector - in the position of household/property manager.

Erim Lally

Erim Lally studies BSc (Hons) International Management with American Business Studies and spent her exchange year at Emory University in Atlanta, USA

Why did you choose to study your chosen course?

I always loved America and was interested in moving there one day. The chance to spend one year there was the deciding factor in choosing this course. Also, I wanted to stay in a city and Manchester seemed like a great option.

Where did you spend your exchange year and what made you choose this institution?

Emory University, because it is a very prestigious university and in a big city.

What was the best thing you did on exchange?

Got a job at the end of the exchange and lived there on my own accord. I'm a social media enthusiast and secured a summer internship as a social media and search associate at BKV marketing agency in Atlanta. I messaged the company's HR director and explained that I was looking for a job in social media over the summer.

I spoke to the HR director over the phone, and then she asked me to come in for an interview with the social media director. They offered me the job the next day. There was a lot of paperwork that had to be done and I needed to apply for a social security number, which took 5-10 business days to come through, but it was so worthwhile.

My responsibilities included assisting in social media initiatives such as organic and paid campaigns, reporting and analytics for brand campaigns, researching trends and news in social media for the agency's own social messaging calendar and assisting the search team when necessary.

Which course unit has stood out for you and why?

I would 100% recommend everyone studying at Emory University takes the 'Negotiations' course unit at Goizueta Business School. It taught me so, so much about negotiating etc. and gave me the opportunity to enhance life skills that I use on a daily basis.

How do you think your exchange year has changed you?

I am a lot more independent and streetwise. I have learnt how to adapt to my surroundings and start a new life not knowing anyone. This will definitely help me when starting new jobs, travelling abroad and in networking situations.

Can you sum up your exchange year in one sentence?

The making of me.

How do you think your exchange year has changed you?

Law - I never studied it before and fell in love!

What are your future aspirations?

I'd like to perhaps work in property with my father but first I'd like to work for a large, international company in their digital marketing team.

I gained a greater understanding of American business through my year abroad and summer internship and will be applying to graduate roles in marketing next year.

Christopher Sackey

Christopher Sackey graduated with BSc (Hons) Management in 2012, and now works as a Multi Skills Coach at US Sports Institute in New Jersey, USA.

Why did you choose to study your chosen course?

I have always been business orientated. I chose Management because I wanted to learn a little about a lot of subjects so I could then decide what I am best suited to. I wanted a change in terms of the city I lived in, I knew Manchester was a popular university with a good reputation, academically and socially.

What did you enjoy most about your time at University?

I enjoyed meeting new people from different backgrounds and cultures. I also really enjoyed learning new things to do with business/organisations and the knowledge the courses I took gave me. I really loved Manchester as a city, it has everything you would expect from a major city, and where I stayed was literally within walking distance of all shops and entertainment venues. It is similar to London but because it is smaller it is not as chaotic, which is definitely a positive. I would highly recommend Manchester as a place to study because it is a great University and the social scene is really good too.

As a student, did you have a clear future career path in mind?

I did not have a clear career path in mind; I thought by taking this course, as there were so many different subjects, there would be a few that I was particularly drawn to. This would then help me decide where I wanted to be.

What job/s have you gone into since graduating?

I worked in the travel industry at Thomas Cook for a year, and I am currently employed by the US Sports Institute, based in New Jersey as a multi sports coach. Coaching typical American sports to children such as baseball etc. but also some typical British sports, like football, tennis etc.

Were there any particular elements within your course that helped to prepare you for your career?

Working in groups/teams at University has helped as I do a lot of teamwork in my current role. The experience I gained from University has undoubtedly helped me to function as a team member successfully. I wouldn’t say there were any specific elements of the course which helped me prepare for my career but I think the transferable skills I learnt definitely helped me to get where I am now, because you cannot underestimate the importance of teamwork in anything you do in life. Right now I am currently running my own company CS Sports Solutions Ltd trading as Foundation Sports Camden, so all the business principles I learnt in the Management course I am using on a daily basis to keep this company ticking.

What are your future aspirations?

My future aspirations are to run my own business within the sports coaching industry. When I return to England, I am planning to buy into a franchise and deliver coaching sessions (mainly in football) to schools and also during halfterm and summer holidays. I am hoping to have it all ready to go by the beginning of next year.

Olivia Naden

Olivia Naden graduated in BSc (Hons) Management (Marketing) in 2016 and joined Pendragon Plc as a Business Management Graduate Trainee

Why did you choose to study your chosen course?

Marketing utilises my creative side, and I am fascinated by how adverts are formulated, created and delivered to influence others. I chose Manchester because I loved its vibrancy and culture. It is a place that I was familiar with prior to university, but I wanted to explore it in more depth. This desire, combined with studying at a reputable Business School, felt like a win-win. The open days highlighted the array of opportunities, facilities and quality teaching and research.

What did you enjoy most about your time at University?

Meeting a range of diverse people, which deepened my knowledge and understanding of different cultures. The University really facilitated my interests through its student societies; I was on the committee for Manchester Entrepreneurs, and represented the University on the netball team. The nightlife was another highlight, both on campus and in the city. There’s great development in musical talent, concerts for every genre of music and a thriving arts scene. Manchester lives by its industrious and pioneering heritage; something which is also conveyed through the University’s innovation.

As a student, did you have a clear career path in mind?

I always knew that I wanted to be in business or marketing but my decision lied in whether to work for a small company or large corporation. I completed a summer internship at a start-up after my first year, through networking at Manchester Entrepreneurs. The summer of my second year revolved around an internship with Greene King - an incumbent in the hospitality sector. The careers service was brilliant and helped me with my application and advice for interviews. They also provide great opportunities through the Manchester Graduate Internship Programme (MGIP).

What job/s have you gone into since graduating?

I am now starting a business management graduate scheme with Pendragon PLC, the leading car dealership franchise in the UK. I am working within the Stratstone brand which sells premium cars. I’m placed in a Porsche dealership and will rotate between different departments to gain a fundamental understanding of the business. There’s a mentoring and training scheme which exposes opportunities to develop my career within Pendragon PLC.

Were there any particular elements within your course that helped to prepare you for your career?

My course used a lot of case studies, which provided a practical insight in a highly theoretical subject. It allowed me to relate to the theory and engage in discussion; playing the role as managers. It enabled me to understand how a business functions and the repercussions of any decisions made. This led to a mindset of critical analysis and logical reasoning which is imperative to my graduate role. I enjoyed continuous learning and accepting new perspectives. I can now confidently challenge the status quo to improve a situation, which is an invaluable skill.

What are your future aspirations?

I want to develop my career within Pendragon and to also develop myself as a person. I always had a motto in life to be the best that I can be. Perhaps one day I can have a Porsche of my own!
Vocationally, I ultimately desire to be in a position of influence, where I can achieve a successful legacy. In the short-term, the housing ladder is my next challenge in life, so I am saving up to renovate my dream cottage!

Nicolas Singh

Graduated 2017
BSc Management (Accounting and Finance)
From Singapore
Took a summer internship working at HSBC as an Investment Banking Summer Analyst, and was offered a position on a Graduate scheme with HSBC.
Now works in London as Investment Banking Analyst

Why did you decide to come to Manchester?

I grew up in Singapore - whilst I wanted to be in a big city, I didn’t want the experience to be exactly the same. Manchester seemed like a good fit.
I looked at three things: the city, the social life, the academic rigor of my course, I found that Manchester ticked all of the boxes. Also because Manchester is a campus university there is a collegiate culture unlike anywhere else.

Did you manage to see Manchester before you came here?

I didn’t, before I picked I looked at a couple of online photos. I also heard good things about the University from a friend in Singapore that came here. So I decided to choose Manchester and it turned out pretty well.

What did you think when you first arrived?

Overwhelmed in the sense that I had never lived in the UK before. But everyone was really friendly and welcoming. I knew straight away – being in halls, meeting my new friends – that I had made the right choice.

How did Manchester help you achieve your career goals?

I think that one thing that sets Manchester apart from other universities is you can take modules outside of your course so you can explore things beyond your discipline. I took a psychology, sustainability, and gender inequality modules. This developed me as a person and how I think, it gives me something interesting to discuss when I meet with senior colleagues away from the workplace.

Manchester also has a fantastic careers service – everyone was welcoming and friendly – the guidance was invaluable. The student network here is also quite impeccable – the finance society was very welcoming when it came to application processes.

There are also the people I met. You get to know people from different countries, different cultures. You get to know all these different perspectives, which has definitely helped me.

So it was lots of things – the student life, the academics and staff.

So the people that you met were important as well?

Definitely. I met the closest group of friends, and we are still friends, years later. The people here have had such a positive impact in my life.

How did you find getting into your career after you graduated?

Before I went to university I decided I wanted to work in finance, so I used my time at Manchester to pursue that career path. The finance society and careers service helped me prepare for applications and interviews so I started reading up on the industry and the companies I applied for. This helped distinguish myself from other people applying. After a long application process I was offered an internship at HSBC over summer at the end of second year. After these 10 weeks I was fortunate enough to get an offer to work there full-time after graduation.

What would you tell a student who was aspiring to come here?

Don’t be afraid to take the opportunity, come to a world-class institution that’s balanced in so many ways – the academics, the city and student life.