Joe Shiba

Why did you choose to study Business Management with a Year in Industry?

I originally chose this course as I believed it would allow me to explore different industries and career paths, such as operations and marketing, and I wouldn’t be tied down to a specific route. The experience was brilliant, as there was a wide variety of modules, which meant you could really tailor your course to fit your career aspirations and interests as they developed.

What did you enjoy most about your course?

Personally, the lecturers and professors were the best part of the course for me. All lectures and seminars were delivered very well, and I always felt like I left knowing everything I needed to succeed in the course. Additionally, all the teaching staff never hesitated to take time out of their schedule to discuss any concerns or queries I had. This was especially evident when I was writing my dissertation, when professors very kindly sat down with me to discuss my questions and offer guidance.

What did you enjoy most about student life at Leeds?

The part I enjoyed the most about student life was my time with the LUU Volleyball Society. I met so many incredible people and made countless lifelong friends who I share some of my fondest memories with.

What professional skills and experience did you gain during your time at Leeds University Business School?

As the University is very welcoming and accepting, it made it very easy to express myself and meet a whole range of people. This gave me a lot of confidence, especially in my verbal communication, which I believe is one of my stronger professional skills.

How did your time at Leeds prepare you for the future?

I believe the support I received prior to and during my placement year prepared me for the future the most. The placement year allowed me to get a big head start in my career, as it solidified what industry I wanted to go into and allowed me to meet plenty of industry professionals. In addition to this, Leeds being a very international University prepared me for the future well. My current job is in London, which is an incredibly international city, and I believe that meeting people from a variety of backgrounds helps me succeed in a multicultural environment.

How has your career progressed since leaving the Business School?

Since graduating, I have returned to The Walt Disney Company, where I completed my placement year. I joined a different team and have been able to meet some brilliant people and broadened my horizons significantly.

Would you recommend Leeds University Business School?

I would absolutely recommend Leeds University Business School. My advice for anyone who is already in Leeds or looking to attend is to get the most out of it, try to meet and form relationships with as many people as you can. You can learn just as much from them as from your course itself.