Why did you choose to study this Masters course at Alliance Manchester Business School?
I knew I wanted to go abroad for graduate school, and to experience living in a new city and to get out of my comfort zone. The AMBS is reputable and provided an international aspect to the human resource degree which I find very valuable. There is also an option to get CIPD certified through the degree which boosts my career prospects in the UK. The AMBS provides several aspects that are essential to nurture my continuing education: a vibrant student life, located in culturally rich city, a strong international community and accessibility to multinational companies.
What were you doing before your MSc?
After receiving my Bachelors from the University of Washington (Seattle, USA), I worked at a
Department of State designated visa sponsor, where my team helped overseas students participate in cultural exchange through work and travel.
What are your career plans after graduation?
I hope to be able to stay in the UK/Europe for a couple years working in a multinational company. Upon completion of this course, my objective is to participate in the field of recruiting and talent development while implementing diversity and inclusion strategies.
What is the best thing about studying at Alliance MBS?
The people. The professors are very knowledgeable and supportive. It is also pretty awesome to work with students from all over the world. My class is very diverse and discussions are rich.
How much time do you spend in classes and in private study?
I spend about 15 hours in class a week (including CIPD certification class). I spend around 20-35 hours studying a week, but it does vary depending on projects and essays.
How would you describe your student experience so far?
It has been amazing. I thoroughly enjoy my program and have learned a lot in such a short amount of time. I have also met incredible people from all over the world and it is easy to create a network.
From the beginning, everyone has been friendly and eager to connect, and there is no shortage of opportunities to hang out with friends and network, both in and outside of the classroom. Everyone is ambitious and supportive of one another, bringing a true sense of community.
What’s the best thing about living in Manchester?
There is always something to do. Whether it is going to see a gig, exploring community events, trying out a new restaurant, grabbing drinks at a pub, you name it, the opportunities are always there.
Events are always happening in the city, and the community is extremely student friendly, making it easy to meet people wherever you go. Manchester is also rich in culture as it is one of the most diverse cities I’ve ever been to.
What advice would you give to those considering studying at Alliance MBS?
Every journey is different and there are many ways to achieve a goal. AMBS is a great school, and if you are truly passionate about the program and want to pursue further education, trust your gut and do it. As an international student and having never been to Manchester, there were a lot of factors I had to consider. But I knew this was the path I wanted to take and I made took a leap. I have no regrets. During your time here, you will need to have good time management skills as there is a lot going on and may get overwhelming.
What was your experience like on the Brathay residential trip? (If you attended)
I would highly recommend this trip. Brathay allowed me to establish connections with my course mates even before lectures started, which in turn made it easier to dive in to studying and supporting one another from the very beginning. We participated in activities that revolved around team building and getting out of our comfort zone. It is located in a beautiful location in the Lake District.