Isabel Moir

Why did you choose your programme at Birmingham?

When I started my first year at Birmingham Business School, I wanted a degree that would challenge me academically while giving me opportunities to gain real world experience. Having never studied Business before, I came to Birmingham with a real curiosity about what the subject could offer. I chose Business Management with Marketing and a Year in Industry because I wanted to explore both the strategic and creative sides of business, while developing an understanding of how organisations make decisions, connect with people and respond to an ever-changing world. Looking back on my journey so far, it’s the opportunities outside of lectures that have shaped my experience just as much as coursework and exams.

What has your experience been like so far?

Getting involved in the Business School community has shaped my first year just as much as my studies. As the Business Society Undergraduate Representative, I helped organise academic and social events, including the annual Business Ball, where I was involved in everything from planning and design to financial coordination and collaboration across the team. Being involved in an event of this scale gave me real insight into what goes on behind the scenes of successful events and strengthened my ability to manage different responsibilities as part of a team.

In addition to this, I loved being part of the Marketing Society throughout my first year, and I am excited to return as President next year. Starting as a member and now stepping into a leadership role has been particularly rewarding, as I have been able to see the society from a completely different perspective and think about how I can contribute to its future.

How does Birmingham help connect your degree to industry?

One standout moment was a McCann work experience day, where my team pitched a solution to a live brand brief and won. Presenting ideas in a real agency environment made the experience feel incredibly rewarding, and it gave me a real taste of the collaborative, fast-paced nature of marketing.

Alumni talks throughout the year have also been incredibly inspiring, particularly hearing from the CEO of Saatchi & Saatchi, whose insights into the relationship between business, politics and social media reinforced discussions we’d already been having in my ‘Widening Business Horizons’ module about ethics and the responsibility businesses have in shaping society.

These experiences have encouraged me to think more creatively, collaborate with different people, and become more confident in developing and presenting my ideas.

What has the support been like during your time at Birmingham?

The support from Birmingham Business School has given me the confidence to create opportunities for myself.

As I look ahead to my second year, I am excited to continue building on these experiences, taking on new challenges and making the most of the opportunities Birmingham Business School has to offer.