- Pooja Joshi, MSc International Marketing Management alumnus
Name: Pooja Joshi
Course: MSc International Marketing Management
Alumnus Position: Philanthropic Advisor for Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, New York City
Benefits: Exciting studies, wonderful people, lively atmosphere.
What made you go for that particular career?
When I left Leeds I did not have any aspirations to work in the not for profit sector, in fact I wanted to find a post as a brand manager for a product oriented company like Proctor and Gamble. After finishing my course in Leeds I came to New York and worked for an internet company but after the events of September 11, 2001 and the dot com bubble burst, I began to reassess where my career was going. It was then that I began to look seriously at this sector.
How did your course help you?
There were definitely aspects of the Business School programme that were transferable to my current role. The business element of the course stood out on my CV and made me a stronger candidate for the post. At Leeds I gained a general understanding of the world of business and how it operates. At this point now I have a good combination of experience from both a business and a non-profit perspective, which is gaining prominence in the era of corporate social responsibility and social business programs.
How did you find the course?
We were really encouraged to think beyond the obvious when faced with problems. This helped to train my mind to think in a certain way when trying to come up with solutions to business problems. I still think back to my student training when I am trying to solve work issues now.
What did you like most about studying here?
I think that a big part of the experience is getting involved with and meeting such a diverse student body, which in itself opens up all kinds of new experiences. My flatmates were doing a range of courses - for example development degrees - something I had never heard of. My discussions with them about business accountability and global issues forced me to think about my aspirations in a new way. I think this was an experience particular to Leeds as my friends at other UK universities did not have the same opportunities for interactions. As Leeds is a great combination of a large city and university town, it attracts a wide variety and number of students. Also, the social scene adds real value and an extra dimension to course studies.
