Olivia

What do you like about your course and why?

I have really enjoyed my course because as it has helped me understand the complexities and dynamics of the international business world.

Further to that, coming from an international school in Paris, I was already familiar with the concept of cultural diversity and global perspectives. However, this course has given me the opportunity to explore these concepts further and apply them to real-world business scenarios.

My course has also allowed me to learn applicable skills such as critical thinking, effective communication and leadership. All of these have helped me both in and outside of university, especially on my placement year.

What do you enjoy most about Surrey?

What I most enjoy about Surrey is its location. It's super easy to get into London but you also have the perks of the countryside being right on your doorstep. It's the best of both worlds really!

I've also made some amazing friends. There’s always something going on, whether it’s grabbing a coffee, checking out the food trucks on campus, going into town, or joining one of the many societies. No matter your interests, there’s something for everyone, which makes it so easy to feel at home.

I also love how close the campus is to town. It’s perfect if you want to spend a relaxed afternoon with friends. Everything is so convenient, and it really adds to the sense of community here at Surrey.

Tell us about your Professional Training placement

I completed my Professional Training placement at Performance Communications in Kingston and it was one of the best experiences I've had during my time at university. I absolutely loved it and I highly recommend going on placement during your third year.

Working at Performance gave me the chance to see how the industry works in real life, and I learned so much that you just can’t get from lectures or textbooks. From working on real campaigns to attending client meetings and managing deadlines, it was such a valuable experience. I gained confidence in my skills and really grew as a person.

Beyond the professional side, it was also so much fun! I got to work with some amazing people, and the social life was great. If you’re considering a placement year, I can’t recommend it enough. It’s a great way to gain experience, build your confidence, and figure out what you want to do in the future.

What do you want to do when you graduate?

When I finish university I would first really like to go travelling and volunteer in South East Asia. I’ve always been drawn to the amazing cultures, traditions, and beautiful places in that part of the world. Volunteering while I’m there would be a great way to give back and learn more about the communities, which I think will be a really rewarding and eye-opening experience.

After that, the plan is to apply to graduate roles both in the UK and in France. I’d love to get some hands-on experience in the working world and start putting everything I’ve learned at university into practice. I’m excited to take on new challenges, learn from experienced professionals, and start building my career.

What's your advice to new students?

One great thing about the University of Surrey is that, at the end of your final year, you have the option to change courses within the Business School without it setting you back. So, if you start off in Business Management and later decide you want to switch to International Business Management or Business Management with Marketing, you can do that without needing to redo your first year. It’s a great feature if you’re unsure at the start and want the flexibility to shift your focus as you figure out what interests you most.