Nitasha Berry

Why did you choose Leeds University Business School?
I studied Advertising & Marketing. I choose the degree as I was working in the field and really enjoyed it. My undergraduate degree wasn't directly relevant to the field of my work and thus I decided to pursue further international education.

Though I worked in Advertising, I wanted to explore the field of Marketing as well. Leeds University is the only university that offered both as a combination. The modules being offered where also fields I was interested in learning more about.

Tell us about your course.
The classes were very interactive. Teachers were very welcoming of opinions and questions. Even though the University was based in Leeds, the professors kept tabs on the international updates. This made debates and discussions extremely interesting. We not only learnt what was happening in the UK or Europe but also China and America which added to experience. The modules were very interesting and fun.

How has your career progressed since leaving the Business School? Have there been any notable highlights?
I was promoted within the first 6 months of my job from an Executive to a Assistant Manager. Even though I started out rough in the events field I soon gained knowledge and experience and now can handle an entire event planning and execution on my own.

What is your current role and with which employer? 
I work for an Event Management agency - Maximus MICE & Media Solutions Pvt Ltd. My Role is Assistant Manager - Client Servicing & Operations. I handle new clients, work on briefs, plan requirements and detailing for clients' events.

What are your ambitions for the future?
I am still keen on working internationally and gain global experience. Thus my ambition is to gain enough experience to do so. I also want to grow in my field and own my own event business soon.

Do you think your experience and skills gained here will help you in your future career plans? 
Studying in Leeds helped me become very self-aware. It made me realise how different kinds of factors can affect market growth and change. It has helped me in making decisions for my clients' best interests. It taught me how to analyse the needs and give only relevant information as opposed to just information.

Extensive group work helped me further learn how to work with different individuals. People often do not realise how important it is to learn how to work with people from different backgrounds, in real professional life these are people who will be your colleagues and bosses.

If you are not from the UK, how was the transition to a foreign country?
The transition was great for me personally. I adapt well to new environments. I was one of those students who did not connect with people coming to the University from India or my class. I came to Leeds to experience a different culture and this is what I set out to achieve.

The University has many societies which really helps one find their own. From day one they have fairs where students are encouraged to join societies. This is a great way of meeting people. The cafes, clubs and restaurants are another way of helping students settle in. If you feel home-sick or bored just step out and go to any of these places and there are many students sitting around enjoying themselves.

What was your impression/experience of the facilities, the staff, your peers, the student union, the City of Leeds and the region itself?
The staff are extremely friendly. Immediate action is taken to any concern or problems. They are always available and very welcoming. The peers are great. Classmates from all over the world. I only wish we had more intercommunication activities to encourage mingling.

The students' union is like a governing body (in a good way) its like the sun of the campus. Life literally revolves around it. I am so glad to have had such a strong union that devotes time to their students. From fairs to societies to events, they have it all which made my experience that much more interesting.

What would you say is your defining memory of studying here? 
There are many defining memories. Leeds is a great city to learn to live on your own. Everything conveniently accessible. The people being nice and friendly. I learnt to live independently. My defining memory is being able to stand out and get noticed by the professors for my capabilities.

Even though there were students from all over the world, I as an individual would have and could have healthy debates and discussions with the professors. Also I won the 'Strategic Thinker award' of 2012. This helped me immensely in my personal growth. Being called up in front of your peers and being recognised for good work is an experience by itself. I cherish the award to date.