Shuwei's journey through the ITMB programme
Meet Shuwei Shi, a BSc (Hons) Information Technology Management for Business (ITMB) with Industrial Experience student from China. She is graduating in 2026 from the Alliance Manchester Business School (AMBS) and has shared what her journey has meant to her.
Over four years, she experienced firsthand how quickly the business landscape can evolve, driven by technological innovation and shifting market dynamics. She emphasises that staying ahead of emerging trends requires a commitment to continuously updating one’s knowledge.
“Through my studies, I also discovered that learning fuels curiosity. The more deeply I engage with a subject, the more motivated I become to explore it further. Although learning can sometimes feel repetitive or frustrating, especially when grappling with complex concepts, I have come to understand that persistence through discomfort is a fundamental part of growth.”
Becoming the ideal graduate
Developed in collaboration with leading global employers, the ITMB programme at the University of Manchester is designed to create “the ideal graduate”—someone who can manage the technologies driving today’s workplace while shaping the direction of organisations for the future.
Looking back at her time on the programme, Shuwei recalls that her favourite unit was Business IT Architecture in Year 3, taught by Dr. Pedro Sampaio. In this course, she was part of a three-month team project where her group designed a cloud-based solution for a legacy Crime Fighting System.
“Throughout the course, I learned the importance of translating business requirements into structured architectural models and ensuring that every design decision could be traced back to business goals. The most exciting part of this course was being able to immediately apply the models we learned in practical scenarios and work as a team to understand how each model supported the overall solution. It was challenging but also engaging and highly rewarding.”
Shuwei also developed a strong interest in the practical application of artificial intelligence (AI), which became a recurring theme throughout her studies. The programme’s focus on emerging technologies, combined with hands-on projects and industry insights, gave her the opportunity to explore AI in real-world contexts.
Reflecting on this experience, she explained: “At AMBS, we are regularly supported through workshops, challenges, and industry-led events that focus on practical AI skills, such as prompt engineering and building AI agents. As a result, AI becomes something we actively use and explore, which helps strengthen both our technical skills and strategic thinking. During my placement at Lloyds Banking Group, my manager emphasised that AI is an augmentation tool, not a substitute for judgement. The real differentiator is knowing how to ask the right questions, validate outputs, and apply critical thinking.”
Building networking and industry connections
An important part of the ITMB programme is the networking opportunities. Students can participate in the ITMB showcase and recruitment events, business society activities, and exclusive industry events featuring leading companies such as Amazon, Bank of America, Fujitsu, Lloyds Bank, and Procter & Gamble. Shuwei recognises the importance of these events in helping students explore different areas of business, gain industry insights, and build professional connections.
She shared: “My dissertation focuses on applying AI in investment management. By attending an investor guest speaker event organised by the University of Manchester Business Society, I gained deeper insights into asset classes and portfolio strategy. The speakers also shared their experiences of using technology and data analytics within investment management, which strongly resonated with me as a student studying IT and business.”
While on the programme, she also completed two internships:
- Baillie Gifford, Technical Infrastructure Intern, Edinburgh (2025)
- Lloyds Banking Group, Data Analyst Industrial Placement, Edinburgh (2024–2025)
Life beyond the classroom
University life is about far more than lectures and coursework. Shuwei has used her time at the University of Manchester to explore opportunities beyond the classroom.
She participated in two theatre productions, both supported by the Manchester Confucius Institute, based on the real-life experiences of Asian people living in the UK.
The first show, Behind the Curtained Door, was performed at the Universities of Leeds and Nottingham, and Edge Hill. The second show, Another Life, was performed at the University of Manchester, with a script written by graduates who majored in Theatre.
Reflecting on this experience, she said: “As an international student, I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to be exposed to diverse cultures and meet people from around the world. Bringing my own cultural background to others through theatre has been an unforgettable and meaningful experience. I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to the individuals whose real-life stories inspired these productions. It was an emotional journey filled with love, authenticity, and heartfelt expression.”
This experience highlights the opportunities that life in a vibrant, culturally rich city like Manchester, and at a diverse university like the University of Manchester, can offer students. Beyond the classroom, students can access a wide range of societies and extracurricular activities, allowing them to grow both professionally and personally.
Next steps
Now, as Shuwei approaches the end of her studies, she is both excited and open to the professional opportunities ahead.
Reflecting on her journey, she remembers feeling anxious when she first decided to enter the field of business, but she emphasises that uncertainty has never stopped her from exploring new areas and challenging herself: “Do not limit yourself. It does not matter whether you already have a clear direction or not. Growth comes from experience, practice, and stepping outside your comfort zone. You may be surprised by where you eventually find yourself.”
After graduating, Shuwei will be joining the Data Science & AI Graduate Scheme at Lloyds Banking Group in London, where she will continue building on her programme learnings and further refine her knowledge and expertise in AI.
