Case Study

Being from Sunderland, I spent a lot of time walking along the riverside as a child. The University always looked so grand and exciting, so it's always been a place I've been familiar with. Especially peeking through the windows and seeing all the books in the library and people studying. When I was applying to university, I attended the University of Sunderland Summer School and it really affirmed that this was the place for me. 

I've always loved learning, so going to university was something I've always wanted to do, but I was unsure on what I wanted to study. My highest predicted A-level was English, so I thought I would go with that. However, it turned out to be my lowest grade and it really knocked my confidence. I realised English wasn’t right for me and I decided to take a leap of faith and try studying business.

I looked into the different routes of the business course and one that really spoke to me was BA (Hons) Business and Human Resource Management. I've always known I wanted to help others and after chatting with the programme leader I knew this course would set me on the right path in my career. I loved every minute of the course and knew I wasn't done learning. I then decided to study the MSc Human Resource Management which allowed me to delve deeper into the stuff I learned in my undergraduate degree and really push myself.

One of the areas that stood out for me on the MSc HRM was reflective practice. Although it was challenging at times, it really enabled me to grow and develop as a person and helped me to succeed in my career. The best part was that I didn't just learn about business and HR but also from my peers too. Interacting with people from a range of cultural backgrounds broadened my worldview and helped me develop a global perspective. This is invaluable in a connected world where cross-cultural understanding is crucial for both personal growth and professional success.

Since graduating I've joined Northumbrian Water as a People Experience Graduate within the Reward and Benefit team. My programme leader shared this role with me and helped me to apply, so I’m forever grateful to her for that. My studies provided a strong foundation that I consistently draw upon in my current role. The in-depth understanding of human resource management principles, in a variety of areas, has been incredibly beneficial. The practical projects I completed helped me develop essential skills in communication, problem-solving, and resilience, all of which I now use daily. Additionally, the CIPD-accredited course gave me a solid grasp of industry standards, which has proven invaluable as I navigate real-world HR challenges. 

My advice to prospective students would be to do your research. Explore the course on the website, try and attend an Open Day and reach out to the programme leader if you have any questions. The Business School are extremely supportive. There are so many opportunities outside of the classroom for development like becoming a Student Ambassador, working with societies, networking opportunities, the SUPA award and so much more. The University and particularly the dedicated teaching staff in the HRM department will always hold a special place in my professional and personal journey".

Published 17 October 2024