What made you choose to study International Business, and what was your favourite part of the course?
Growing up, I moved frequently and lived in five different countries. This upbringing nurtured a global mindset in me, which naturally aligned with the study of international business. During my GCSEs and A levels, I developed a passion for business studies, which stood out above all my other subjects. Combining my interest in business with my multicultural background made International Business the perfect pathway for me.
My favourite part of the course was the opportunity to study a language as a module. I continued developing my proficiency in French, which I had studied in school, and also started learning Spanish. It was incredibly rewarding to have a timetable that might include an Economics lecture followed by a Spanish tutorial. This unique blend of disciplines was something many of my peers couldn’t experience, and I genuinely appreciated it.
You worked part-time while studying. How did you balance everything?
Throughout my studies, I worked part-time, primarily at the Liverpool Guild of Students. I started at The Sphinx bar before transitioning to Starbucks within the Guild. Balancing work and academics required meticulous organization. My phone calendar became indispensable, as I often planned my days hour by hour. I gave my managers my availability, prioritising shifts on days with fewer or no lectures. Any gaps in my schedule were filled with library sessions. This routine meant that during weekdays, I was either in class, working, or studying. While this came at the cost of some spontaneity in my social life, I still managed to spend quality time with friends, especially on weekends. I learned to prioritize and sometimes decline last-minute plans, but it was a sacrifice that paid off in the long run.
You were also an International Student Ambassador-what was that like?
Being an International Student Ambassador was a fun and rewarding experience. My main responsibility involved answering prospective students’ queries on the UniBuddy platform. It was easy to integrate into my daily routine, as I had the app on my phone and was often logged in on my laptop, allowing me to respond on the go. Interestingly, the role benefitted me as well. In answering prospective students’ questions, I occasionally had to research and learn more about the University’s opportunities, programs, and schemes. This meant I discovered resources and initiatives that I might not have known about otherwise.
Do you have a standout memory from your time as an ambassador?
One of my most memorable experiences was participating in a Q&A for college students. Seeing the students’ enthusiasm and being able to share my journey felt incredibly impactful. Knowing that I helped clarify their doubts and inspired confidence in their decision-making was deeply fulfilling.
Whilst studying, you took part in an internship at Parameta Solutions. How did the internship shape your understanding of working in a corporate environment?
During the second year of university, I completed a two-month internship at Parameta Solutions, which was my first real exposure to corporate culture. Previously, I had only experienced short work placements, so this internship was a significant step up. The experience taught me the nuances of professional behaviour—everything from dressing appropriately and knowing what topics were suitable for workplace discussions to networking effectively at corporate events. I also experienced the structured routine of a 9-to-5 job, which was initially a shock compared to the varied days of university life. Most importantly, I gained valuable insights from seasoned professionals, who gave me tips that have since guided my career choices. It was an enriching experience that gave me a clearer understanding of the corporate world and helped me transition into it after graduation.
Fast forward to today - what’s it like working at Turner & Townsend as an Assistant Project Manager?
Working at Turner & Townsend as an Assistant Project Manager is dynamic and rewarding. One of the things I love most is that no two days are the same. I alternate between working from home, the company office, and occasionally client site visits. On a typical day at the company office, I start between 8:30 and 9:00 a.m., taking advantage of our flexible start times. After finding a desk (we have a hot-desking policy), I spend the first 30 minutes catching up on emails and Microsoft Teams messages before grabbing my first coffee or tea. The rest of the day is a mix of client-facing meetings, where we discuss project progress or deliverables, and internal meetings focused on initiatives like diversity and inclusion (D&I). As the D&I lead for my office, I help organize events and communication efforts to raise awareness on areas such as gender and race. Lunch is an hour-long break, which I usually spend catching up with colleagues either in the kitchen, on our rooftop, or at a nearby restaurant in Manchester city centre. In between meetings, I focus on delivering client work, which can include scheduling, writing reports, hosting workshops. The workload ebbs and flows, with periods of intense deadlines. I get off at 5pm.
You’ve worked on projects for major clients in the rail and nuclear industries. What’s the most exciting aspect of these projects?
The most exciting aspect is contributing to large-scale projects that have a meaningful impact on society. For example, I’ve worked on Network Rail’s TransPennine Route Upgrade, a £9 + billion project that will introduce electrified, faster, and more environmentally friendly trains between Manchester and York. Knowing that my work plays a small part in delivering projects that improve people’s daily lives is incredibly rewarding.
What’s your top tips for students looking to make the most of their time at university?
Take full advantage of the resources available to you. For example, the Career Studio helped me refine my CV, which led to securing an internship and receiving three post-graduation job offers. Additionally, build your LinkedIn profile early - it’s an invaluable tool for networking and job searching. Share your achievements, attend networking events, and post about them to create a professional online presence.
What steps should graduates take to stand out in competitive industries like project management?
Focus on developing transferable skills aligned with project management competencies, such as stakeholder management or execution planning. For instance, working in hospitality can help you practice balancing diverse stakeholder needs, while organising a fundraiser can demonstrate your ability to set goals, plan, and deliver outcomes.
Additionally, familiarize yourself with resources like the Association for Project Management’s Body of Knowledge (APM BoK). This will help you understand fundamental concepts, jargon, and best practices, ensuring you’re prepared for interviews and discussions in the field.
Finally, where do you see your career heading in the next few years?
In 5 years, I aim to advance from my current role as an Assistant Project Manager to a Project Manager and thereafter a Senior Project Manager, taking on greater responsibilities and leadership within projects. Achieving the Association for Project Management Project Management Qualification (APM PMQ) is also a key goal, as it will enhance my credibility and expertise in the field.
The consultancy I work for specializes in construction project management, and I am currently part of the infrastructure department. Infrastructure spans multiple industries, and so far, I have worked with clients in the rail and nuclear sectors. However, I am still exploring where my true passion lies. Over the next 5 years, I hope to gain broader exposure to these sectors and other areas within infrastructure. This journey will help me identify the industry where I feel most inspired so I can choose to focus my energy there.
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