Katy Ingham

Tell us about your degree - why did you choose it? What elements of the degree inspired you to study it?

I decided to study BA Management at Leeds, due to the career prospects, rankings and the inspirational stories I had heard from past students. The opportunity to study such a range of modules attracted me to the course, as it also allowed me to develop a vast range of new skills.

From accountancy to HR to economics, I was able to identify which areas of business I enjoyed the most. This led me to seek internships and work experience in the areas I enjoyed studying.

What were your career aspirations when you arrived? Do you think the experience and skills you gained here will help/helped you in your future career plans? In what way?

When I arrived at Leeds University Business School, I had no idea what I might end up doing upon graduating, like most of my peers. During my first year, I fuelled a passion for accountancy after studying an Accounting for Managers module. The huge variety in business excited me as I knew I had so many career routes I could take.

For example, in 2017, I worked for Marks and Spencer as part of their Commercial Management Internship Program. Despite being offered the graduate scheme I decided I still had not found my career passion, but was grateful for the opportunities and learning I had whilst I was there. The experience allowed me to reflect on my strengths, interests and what I wanted in a graduate job.

I decided I loved fast-paced high pressure work, where I can work with a variety of people in a young environment. After reflecting, I researched possible graduate employers and The Hut Group couldn't have been a better match. I was offered my graduate role at the end of October taking all the pressure off applying for jobs allowing me to focus on my dissertation and finals.

What are your ambitions for the future?

I start my Graduate job at the end of July, at The Hut Group. I will be based at the new HQ at Manchester Airport as a E-commerce Trading Executive.

I am extremely ambitious, I have set myself career goals in different time frames from 6 months, to 2 years, to 10 years. I would like to be promoted to a managerial position within 2 years and become a director in the next 10 years. I believe The Hut Group will allow me reach my goals due to the huge exciting opportunities and responsibility graduates are trusted with.

I am also going to come back to Leeds University Business School and be a Mentor on the Nurturing Talent Mentor Scheme, as I am very mindful of all the opportunities, memories and achievements during my time at university. I hope I can contribute to the support networks which I benefitted from at university to help all students reach their full potential.

Do you think your experience and skills gained here will help you in your future career plans? In what way?

Without Leeds University Business School, I would not be the confident, knowledgeable and inspired young woman I am today. From the Leaders in Residence events where we were able to network with professionals, to the inspiring academics who brought the course to a practical level using real-life examples. My confidence has been boosted greatly as a result of the open environment the Business School creates and the huge cultural variations present.

My commercial awareness and ability to spot commercial opportunities has expanded massively. I have been able to learn about how different business functions globally, through speaking with peers from other cultures, countries and religions in seminars. For example, I was able to visit the HQ of a FTSE100 organisation. During my time on the Nurturing Talent Mentor Scheme, I was able to develop my corporate networking, commercial awareness and professionalism.