Gema Sancho-Minana Bertomeu

Tell us about your degree - why did you choose it? What elements of the degree inspired you to study it? 
There were a few key things that drew me to Leeds University Business School. First, the course offered a wide range of topics, including economics, cross-cultural communication, international economic environment, and entrepreneurship, which provided a solid foundation in the field. I particularly enjoyed the cross-cultural communication modules; they were fun and full of insights into the practicalities of conducting international business. The international economic environment courses, on the other hand, were essential for understanding how global trade works, from trading blocs to international relations. 

Second, I loved the flexibility of the programme. Being able to choose elective and discovery modules meant I could shape my degree to suit my interests. I explored everything from decision-making and behavioural economics to ethics and leadership. I even took a module at the Design School, where I applied business principles to museum management, and another at the School of Politics on the economics of natural resources. That freedom to explore different subjects and use my knowledge of international business in other areas made my education very well-rounded. 

Finally, I was impressed by the reputation of the International Business programme and its world-leading academics. Knowing I’d be learning from experts shaping the field gave me confidence that I was choosing the right place to study. 

What was the best part of your studies here? What did you enjoy the most about your course?
I greatly enjoyed my studies at Leeds University Business School because the experience went far beyond the syllabus and the programme had the perfect balance between theory and practical application. Beyond the masterclasses, the seminars with business practitioners helped me understand how to apply concepts to real-world scenarios.  

A particular highlight was the final year International Strategic Management module. The assignment wasn’t just another paper: it was a business competition where we solved a case scenario as a team throughout the course duration. It was such an exciting experience meeting with my team, analysing how our decisions impacted the business, and designing growth strategies to keep our results strong. 

Another standout moment was working on my dissertation. Tackling such a big project was challenging, but the support from my professors made all the difference. I was researching emerging markets and had the opportunity to attend a conference in London specifically on the topic. Attending the conference, hearing from experts, and making my dissertation more relevant to current industry trends was a major highlight. I was thrilled to secure funding from the LeedsforLife to partially cover the costs. Opportunities like this are available to everyone in the School, and they are part of what makes it such a valuable place to study. 

I also really appreciated the diversity within the programme. Being part of such a global group of students and staff created a truly enriching experience, both academically and personally. Learning alongside people from different cultural and professional backgrounds helped broaden my perspective and develop skills that I now use every day in my career. 

Beyond the classroom, I enjoyed the focus on employability. What started with simple CV workshops grew into a whole set of soft skills development activities that were equally important for my professional growth. These opportunities were a real steppingstone for my career.

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?
I can’t emphasise enough how important it is for students to stay curious and make the most of everything Leeds has to offer. Join clubs and societies, get involved at the Student Union, build strong friendships, and enjoy every opportunity. It’s all part of becoming a well-rounded, skilled person. 

During my time at Leeds, I threw myself into a wide range of extracurricular activities. I joined the Model United Nations Society, which gave me the chance to attend conferences in Sheffield and Paris - an incredible experience that combined learning with travel. I wrote for The Gryphon, the University newspaper, which helped me develop communication skills. I even tried rugby for a year to immerse myself in British culture and attended a couple of varsity games, which were so much fun. I also joined the Salsa Society and performed in a student union dance show, developing a stage presence. I was appointed President of the Fashion Society for a year, and, of course, I couldn’t resist joining the Coffee Society, a much-needed energy boost for everything else I had going on. All of these activities weren’t just fun; they enhanced my personal and professional skills, from teamwork and leadership to public speaking and time management. 

The Student Union itself was such a welcoming and inspiring space. In my final year, I became a School Representative, representing the International Business School at the Union. It was an honour to work with my professors, give feedback, and contribute to making a difference for future students. 

Outside of university life, Leeds city centre was always a treat. Celebrating at our favourite places, and enjoying Sunday roasts or pies at the pub made for some of my favourite memories. Supporting friends in their hospitality jobs was a great way to spend time together and discover more of the food and drinks scene in Leeds, and little trips to places like York or Snowdonia in Wales added to the memories of my time at university.

How did your experiences at Leeds University Business School help you to advance your career?
Leeds University Business School set the foundation for my career. The support from the Careers Centre was, and still is, invaluable. From the first-year modules on personal and professional skills, I became familiar with the services they provided. The guidance on CV writing, interview preparation, and overall career planning played a key role in helping me take my first steps into the professional world. 

I’m also incredibly grateful for the connections I built with my professors. Their support with reference letters and advice was instrumental at different stages of my career. Having that backing gave me the confidence to explore new opportunities and make ambitious decisions. 

Lastly, the friendships and connections I made with my peers were just as impactful. Watching them move into different career paths and learning from their journeys was inspiring and has continued to be a source of support and motivation.

How has your career progressed since leaving the Business School? Have there been any notable highlights?Right after completing my undergraduate degree, I began my international career in Prague, working for a multinational beer company. This role introduced me to sustainability and responsible production policies, which became a key area of focus for me. A few years later, I found myself in the Philippines, working in trade development for the agribusiness sector, enhancing Filipino and Spanish trade. From there, I transitioned into consulting at the Asian Development Bank, focusing on climate action and biodiversity finance. 

This journey has been full of learning and growth, both professionally and personally. Along the way, I’ve continued to refine my skills and knowledge through various courses and training. Staying curious and committed to learning has been vital for keeping up in a fast-changing, interconnected world. It’s helped me adapt, find my edge, and maintain a clear vision of where I want to go next.

What are your ambitions for the future?
My ambition is to continue building an international career that delivers impactful climate and biodiversity investments. I’m passionate about embedding nature into business and financial plans, ensuring that sustainability becomes a core part of decision-making processes. I would be particularly excited to work in Latin America, a region close to my heart, where I can use my Spanish and apply insights from my dissertation, which focused on this region. I aim to continue driving innovative solutions in biodiversity finance that contribute to building resilient and nature-positive economies, for people and nature to thrive.

What advice would you give to anyone looking to work in a similar role or industry?
Cultivate interdisciplinarity. In development finance, it’s crucial to understand the broader impact of your actions and decisions. This means being able to see things from different perspectives and recognising how your work affects various stakeholder groups and the environment itself. Combining knowledge from areas like finance, environmental science, policy, and social change can give you the tools to approach challenges holistically and create solutions that drive meaningful change. 

Being open to continuous learning and staying curious about new methodologies and perspectives will also help you stay adaptable in this dynamic and evolving 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?
The transition to living and studying in Leeds was smooth, thanks to the support provided by the University. The guardians at the halls of residence were incredibly helpful in making sure I settled in during my first year. 

I also really appreciated the Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) mentoring programme. It paired first-year students with second-year mentors who offered guidance not just on coursework, but on navigating university life. I found it so beneficial during my first year that I decided to give back by becoming a PASS mentor myself. It was a great way to support others and stay connected with the student community. 

My advice to international students would be to take advantage of these support systems, be open to meeting new people, and embrace all the opportunities to grow, both academically and personally.

What is your defining memory of studying here? Would you recommend the Business School to others?
The people truly make the place. Some of my most memorable moments include simple things, like knowing exactly how each of my friends takes their cup of tea, spending hours together in the library, lunch dates around campus, and lazy afternoons in Hyde Park. These formative years became much more. Recently, a friend from Leeds got married, and we all had a long-overdue reunion in Singapore - our first since the Coronavirus pandemic disrupted our plans! Moments like these remind me of how special those friendships are.

I would absolutely recommend Leeds University Business School. The school itself is beautiful, with modern facilities, interactive and engaging classes, and a wide range of courses to suit every interest. The staff is supportive and highly knowledgeable, and the opportunities to customise your university experience allow you to leave with a unique combination of skills to succeed in your career.

What advice would you give to students to help them get the most out of their time in Leeds?
Stay curious and embrace interdisciplinarity, look beyond your coursework to explore new ideas and experiences and take advantage of the diverse range of opportunities. Most importantly, build meaningful connections and friendships. These relationships will enhance your time in Leeds and will last long after you graduate.