Gracia Moritani

Tell us about your degree - why did you choose it?

I chose this degree because, as a corporate psychologist, I wanted to strengthen the more analytical side of my skill set. Today, HR relies heavily on data analysis, and as processes become increasingly digital, analytical skills are essential for the future of the profession. This course helped me develop those skills, particularly in interpreting quantitative data and presenting insights through dashboards, tracking metrics such as employee turnover, talent acquisition, and performance across international teams.

What did you enjoy the most about your course?

The highlight of my course was being a Course Representative. This role allowed me to organise events and initiatives to improve the student experience while building strong connections with a diverse, international community. It was an incredibly rewarding experience, and I made lasting friendships while learning a great deal from others.

What did you enjoy most about your life as a student at the University of Leeds?

The best part of my time at Leeds University Business School was connecting with people from different cultural backgrounds and working alongside classmates from around the world. I also participated in university competitions and had the opportunity to travel to Toulouse, France, as part of the People, Work & Employment PGT International Study Tour 2025, which further enriched my experience.

How did you find adjusting to living and studying in the UK?

Adjusting to life in the UK was challenging, especially coming from Peru and studying in a different language. However, the university offers excellent support services, including free English classes for international students, counselling services, mentoring programmes, and social clubs to meet new people, all of which helped me settle in.

How has your career progressed since leaving the Business School?

Before studying at Leeds, I worked in HR for global organisations including The Estée Lauder Companies and Anheuser-Busch InBev. Since graduating, I have taken on an international HR leadership role with responsibility for multiple countries across Europe and Asia. One of the most rewarding aspects of my career has been the opportunity to influence people strategies across different markets, support the development of HR teams, and contribute to organisational growth in a truly global environment. Leading initiatives across countries with different cultures, employment practices, and business needs has been both challenging and incredibly fulfilling.

What are your ambitions for the future?

My ambition is to continue growing in the corporate world by taking on broader international leadership responsibilities and leading HR teams across even more regions. While I currently lead HR teams across Continental Europe and Asia, I hope to expand my global experience. At the same time, I never want to lose sight of my passion for psychology, which is what inspired me to pursue a career in HR. I want to combine this people-centred perspective with HR technology and people analytics to help organisations build high-performing teams, enhance employee wellbeing and create more effective workplaces.

What was your biggest highlight of studying at Leeds?

One of the biggest highlights of studying at Leeds was the networking opportunities. I had the chance to learn from outstanding professors with extensive industry experience, as well as connect with professionals and classmates from around the world.

Would you recommend Leeds University Business School?

Absolutely. Studying at Leeds was a fantastic experience. Take part in events, competitions, networking opportunities, and student activities.