Jason Wang

Tell us about your degree - why did you choose it? What elements of the degree inspired you to study it?
I come from quite a diverse background. My parents immigrated from China to Slovakia in the 90s, where I was born and raised. I attended international schools, which exposed me to a wide variety of cultures and perspectives. Being surrounded by such diversity allowed me to develop an understanding of the different ways culture and identity impacts how we interact with each other, but more importantly, it sparked my curiosity about what impact this would have in the business world. I began wanting to know more and to understand the underlying mechanics of the global economy and how international business is shaping the world we live in. 

On top of that, I developed a strong interest in financial markets. I knew that understanding how the financial world works would be just as important for me to grasp the bigger picture of global dynamics. Enter BSc International Business and Finance - a programme that felt like the perfect fit for me. 

What I love about the programme is how flexible it is. In the 2nd and 3rd years, there's an expansive range of optional modules to choose from that takes you to any corner of Finance / International Business topics that you find intriguing, giving you a truly tailored experience to build a personalised foundation for wherever you want to go next.

What was the best part of your studies here? What did you enjoy the most about your course?  
What I enjoyed the most was definitely the people I met and the friends I made along the way. 

Many of the business school's modules are cross-programme. This creates so many opportunities to connect with new people from different backgrounds and different perspectives. When you add the union societies, socials and other events into the mix, the chances to meet new friends and build lasting friendships are truly endless. 

The professors are also incredibly approachable and always happy to help and they take the time to answer any questions you might have - or just have a friendly chat. What really stood out to me though, is their 'always learning, always improving' mindset. They genuinely value student feedback and actively use it to make changes, ensuring that students feel heard and that their opinions truly matter.

What was your impression/experience of the student union, the city of Leeds and Yorkshire? Did you do any extracurricular activities during your studies? How did you enhance your personal development? What would you recommend to future students? 
One of my favourite things about being based in Leeds was its proximity and connectivity to other cities (e.g. Sheffield, York, Manchester). 

There's something amazing about deciding on a whim that you crave a specific hotpot from Sheffield, and within an hour, you're already sitting in therestaurant, enjoying the delicious meal. That spontaneity and convenience is really something you don't get elsewhere. 

Then there's the Peak District, just an hour away. It quickly became my go-to spot for soul-searching. Whether it was relaxing in the fields, counting sheep, or simply enjoying the beautiful scenery, it was the perfect escape whenever I needed a break. 

I would highly recommend future students to take full advantage of Leeds' fantastic location. Explore Yorkshire and the neighboring cities as much as possible while you're here - you won't regret it!

How did your experiences at Leeds University Business School help you to advance your career?
The Business School has an incredible Careers Centre with very talented and enthusiastic professionals who are always there to help whenever needed. The career consultants were always super helpful in guiding me in my career search. Whether it was CV reviews, interview preparations, career advice, they were always extremely supportive, providing me with candid feedback and clear, actionable next steps to help me improve. They'd listen to my thoughts and plans, then help me make sense of it all, offering logical guidance that put me on the right path to success.

How has your career progressed since leaving the Business School? Have there been any notable highlights?
I joined the consultancy I interned at during my penultimate year at Leeds - Simon-Kucher. In the three years I've been here, I’ve been involved in over 10 projects spanning various industries (e.g.: software, data, chemicals) and topic areas (e.g.: pricing strategy, sales strategy, channel strategies). 

I was fortunate to be fast-tracked twice during this time - first from Consultant to Senior Consultant, and most recently to Manager. This rapid progression not only reflects the hard work and dedication I've put in, but also the strong foundation that LUBS provided me with during my studies. The knowledge, skills and confidence I gained at Leeds allowed me to hit the ground running and thrive in this fast-paced environment.

What are your ambitions for the future?
For now, I'm focused on growing into my new role as Manager and developing the next level of skills and expertise that come with it. As for the long run - that's still a mystery, and I'm excited to see where life takes me!

What advice would you give to anyone looking to work in a similar role or industry to you? 
Stay curious, engage in meaningful conversations, and learn to work well with people. Building strong relationships and maintaining a genuine interest in learning, self-improvement and collaboration will take you far in this field.

How was the transition to living and studying in a different country? Did the university offer support or services that you found helpful? Can you offer any advice?
Transitioning to living in a different country was quite smooth for me. I made a lot of friends along the way, which made all the difference - after all, it's hard to feel lonely when you're surrounded by such a supportive community!

What would you say is your defining memory of studying here? Would you recommend the Business School to others?
One of my defining memories would be hosting the first ‘Case Study Interview’ workshop for the Leeds University Consulting Society, which attracted over 50 attendees. It was an incredibly thrilling experience, standing in front of a room full of peers, holding a clicker, sharing tips, tricks and strategies on how to tackle case study interviews. The feeling of sharing knowledge with others who are working towards the same goals was truly rewarding.

What advice would you give to students to help them get the most out of their time in Leeds?
My advice would be to define your objectives clearly upfront and prioritise ruthlessly. Leeds is a place where things are always happening. There will always be more opportunities, events, parties, than you can realistically manage, so it is crucial to know which ones align with your main goals. Stay focused on what matters most to you and you'll ensure that you make the most of your time in Leeds.