Why did you choose to study at LUMS?

I chose to study at LUMS because it was one of the top-ranked business schools which allowed me to complete a placement year. My biggest priority when applying was to combine practical experience with best-in-class teaching and LUMS provided all of that. Additionally, the variety of modules I could choose from played a role in my decision as this is something not all universities allow.

What was the best thing about your course?

The best thing certainly was completing an industrial placement year. Being able to work and feel like a young professional rather than a student even before graduating is wonderful and allows you to grow not just professionally but also personally. The return to my final year after the placement was quite shocking and I could see that everyone on the same course with this type of practical experience thought in a different and much more practical way. This definitely showed me the impact a year in industry could have on one.

What/who inspired you most at LUMS and why?

My biggest inspirations in LUMS were a few of my professors. The thought-provoking lectures of Bogdan Costea are an unforgettable life experience which I will remember! My Marketing lectures with Jekaterina Rindt were definitely one of the most motivational for me as a person and professional. A LUMS experience outside of the classroom which has shaped me as a person has been my attendance at a Sustainability bootcamp combined with a field trip to Mexico which was organised by one of the departments. This is the reason why I can advise all students to always search for additional experiences they can tap into outside of their course.

Did you do a project, placement or study abroad? What did this involve and what did you gain?

From my placement experience I gained a much better understanding of the corporate world, which allowed me to better understand what I want after my graduation. Of course, there are many more valuable insights one gains through such experiences like industry knowledge, skills development, contacts and future work opportunities. All of these are worthwhile reasons!

Describe your time at LUMS in three words.

Stimulating, enriching, memorable.

What are your best memories of your time at Lancaster?

I had two highlights while being in Lancaster. The first one was a fieldtrip to Mexico along with a sustainability course I was shortlisted for. This was enriching as it helped me increase my knowledge in the area of Sustainability and incorporated experiential learning. The second highlight for me was a TEDx conference I organised in Lancaster University which helped me create an inspirational event and meet with wonderful people on the way. I believe these are the type of experiences that leave an impact on us long after we graduate.

What are the best things about living in the Lancaster area?

The fact that everything is in a walkable distance and it is much easier to meet more people.

Which parts of your Lancaster experience were the best preparation for your job?

Definitely my placement!

What impact has your Lancaster experience had on your career?

I graduated in the strange 2020 when career plans did not work out as expected. For sure my experience in Lancaster helped me secure career opportunities in the UK, but for the time being I made the decision to return to my home country and work there.

Is there anything else about your LUMS experience that you'd like to share with us?

One piece of advice I would give to anyone is to do everything possible to enrich your experiences with variety of activities, variety of people, variety of opinions! This will truly shape a different memory from your time in Lancaster!