How my course prepared me for the real world

Studying Business Management at the University of Birmingham has given me far more than a degree; it has equipped me with the skills, experiences and mindset to feel ready for the real world of work.

Learning to work in teams

Many modules include group assessments, from presentations and research projects to designing stands for event exhibitions, so collaborating with others quickly becomes second natures. Working in diverse, multicultural teams at Birmingham Business School has strengthened my communication and taught me how to navigate different perspectives, which is essential in today’s global workplace.

A year in industry

Between my second and third year, I spent 12 months as a Marketing Intern at LOOKFANTASTIC, Europe’s leading online beauty retailer, gaining hands-on experience in brand and content marketing while living in a new city and building my professional network. The Birmingham Business School Careers team supported me throughout the application process with CV feedback and practice interviews, which made a real difference in helping me secure what felt like my dream placement role.

Read more about ‘How I found my dream placement from the University of Birmingham’.

Connecting with industry experts

Birmingham Business School maintains strong links with employers and industry partners, which means guest lectures are a regular part of the timetable for many of our modules. Hearing from professionals about real campaigns, challenges and case studies shows how theories from lectures apply to the field and encourages critical thinking about gaps between theory and business reality.

Developing a responsible mindset

A core part of the business school’s vision is to promote curiosity and thought leadership for responsible business, and this is embedded throughout the curriculum. Learning about ethics, sustainability and responsible leadership has helped me understand what it means to create value for people and the planet, something employers increasingly prioritise when assessing graduates’ potential contribution to their values and long-term goals.

These experiences have helped me grow in confidence, build a strong CV and most important, feel genuinely prepared to take the new step into a career in business.