Grace (Han) Yang

My Graduate Story

My name is Yang Han and you can call me Grace as well. I’m now working at PwC as an HR consultant and management consultant. I chose Birmingham because of its global reputation for academic excellence and also because the city life is very vibrant. I thought that if I ever went back to China, the University’s reputation would also help me with my career.

I transitioned from computer science to human resource management, which was quite a big shift. The faculty were very supportive and gave me lots of real-world scenarios and case studies to adapt to, which I found very valuable.

A Day in my Life

In my current role as an HR consultant at PwC, I work with clients on management consulting projects, supporting them with HR-related challenges and providing strategic solutions.

My Journey to PwC

The HR Management programme at Birmingham included the CIPD pathway, which meant we had connections with HR professionals and opportunities to study lots of case studies. These were super helpful in building my confidence and practical skills.

We also had access to the Careers Service, which supported me with structuring my CV, preparing for mock interviews, and running 1-to-1 sessions. They also ran sessions on leadership skills and strategic thinking, which helped me prepare for my consulting career.

My Birmingham Experience

I really enjoyed the diverse student community at Birmingham. I made lots of friends from different countries, and we shared cultures together — sometimes eating at a British student’s house, then the next weekend at a German student’s house. These experiences were very interesting and memorable.

Birmingham’s Impact

Studying on the Human Resource Management programme with the CIPD pathway created strong connections with the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). This gave me access to professionals and societies where I could join discussions, understand the challenges real HR professionals face, and see how they solve problems. These experiences were directly relevant to my career now as an HR consultant.

My Achievements

I successfully transitioned my career from computer science to human resources, built a strong international network of friends, and developed the confidence and skills to work as an HR consultant in one of the world’s leading firms.

Advice for Students

My piece of advice would be: be brave. Don’t waste your opportunities and make the most of everything UoB offers. Be proactive — ask questions if you don’t understand, reach out to faculty, professionals, or even your friends. Use your time to make friends from different backgrounds and nationalities, and travel around to broaden your horizons.