Why did you decide to study your undergraduate degree at WBS?

I chose to study Management at WBS due to the course structure offering the possibility of a placement year. When I was applying for university, I knew from the outset I wanted to do an industrial placement year to gain valuable work experience. WBS offered a range of business courses, and a range of modules within these, as well as the flexibility to complete a placement year which was exactly what I was looking for. 

What is the best thing about your course?

The best thing about the BSc Management course is the range of module choices available. When applying for university I knew I was interested in business, but I didn’t have any specific areas in mind. During my first and second year, I gained an insight into various business functions which has led me to discover what areas I’m most interested in. Therefore, in my final year, I have chosen modules in Marketing and Business Law.  

How did the modules within your course help you during your placement year?

The marketing modules I took in my first and second year have helped me during my placement year as I’ve been able to apply my knowledge from these modules into my role. My placement year has further developed my interest and knowledge in marketing, leading me to choose mostly marketing modules for my final year. Other modules focusing on the macro business environment also helped my commercial awareness skills during my placement year; for example how the impact of Brexit will affect UK businesses and the wider economy. 

Tell us about your placement year.

My placement year as an Online Sales and Merchandising Executive managing TUI’s cruise brand, Marella Cruises, has been hugely beneficial towards progressing my future career.  This year has increased my interest in marketing and developed my commercial awareness; for example, experiencing how external factors (like the weather and Brexit) really affect a business and subsequently its sales. I have found a role I enjoy which I hope to return to after I graduate, without this experience, I wouldn’t have known what kind of business or role I would be able to excel in.

During my placement year, I’ve completed half days in other departments to see what other roles I could be interested in and gained knowledge that has helped me in my current role. I’ve completed these half days in the following departments; Digital Marketing, Customer Relationship Management and Brand Marketing. I have also developed a good working relationship with the Commercial Director, who is one of the Board of Directors and as my mentor, he has provided valuable advice in regards to my career progression.

The workshops organised by the CareersPlus team when I was completing my placement applications were particularly useful in helping me secure my placement. I especially found the 1-2-1 sessions with the careers advisor useful when creating my CV and writing my cover letters as I found these were the hardest part of the application process.