Allesandra Macasa

As of September 2026, the MA in Human Resource Management has changed to MSc in Human Resource Management.

Tell us about your degree - why did you choose it?

I chose Human Resource Management because an organisation’s success comes down to its people: how they are recruited, trained and supported to drive real change. And that focus feels even more critical now with AI reshaping the workplace. We, for example, have tools handling repetitive tasks, but we still see how HR is still essential for guiding people in terms of technological shifts, building strong company cultures, and ensuring tech serves the workforce ethically.

I was curious about the skills needed to navigate complex workplace relationships while learning how strategic HR decisions directly fuel organisational growth.

How did you hear about the Business School and why did you choose to study here? 

I was introduced to Leeds University Business School through word of mouth from friends and former students. They all shared positive reviews of the learning experience, campus, and city life. I decided to do more research and discovered that the school is triple accredited and ranked in the top 100 universities in the world by QS World University Rankings in 2023. In 2024, they climbed into the top 75. 
 
These excellent achievements speak volumes about the Business School’s commitment to academic excellence- I knew then I wanted to join and thrive in this community. 

What did you enjoy the most about your course?

What made my studies unforgettable was the people, and at the risk of sounding a bit corny, it was really about being exposed to diverse thoughts across cultures, all united by a shared power of empathy and curiosity- both from my peers and professors.

A major highlight was our weekly professional workshops hosted by the lovely Marianne Savoury. Every session brought in guest speakers from different industries, like tech startups, sharing real world insights and networking tips that bridged the gap between theory and practice.

On the academic side, Diversity Management was easily my favourite course. Our discussions went far beyond surface level inclusion: we examined the underlying systems that create advantages and barriers for different groups, pushing us to think about how HR can actively break down those barriers.

That spirit of inclusion came full circle during Diversity Day, where we celebrated our cultural heritage through food, games, and performances, a memory that will live rent free in my head for a long time!

What did you enjoy most about your life as a student at the University of Leeds?

I love witnessing the campus across different seasons; each one has its own different charm! My favourite is spring because you get to see the colour of life in the blooming tulips - plus you can't help but pause and admire our furry friends hopping around campus.

I’m always amazed by the various activities happening around campus from bunnies hopping, blooming flowers, free pizza, international festivals, and more.

How did you find adjusting to living and studying in the UK?

I had a smooth transition coming to the UK. Before coming here, I ensured I attended the online Pre-Departure Events wherein Student Ambassadors shared tips such as packing lists, how to settle into life and other exciting opportunities to look forward to, such as Fresher’s Week. The Visa Office was also very responsive whenever I had questions, which really put my mind at ease.

My main advice is to be prepared but know that there is only so much you can do because there will be factors beyond your control, and that's ok. If you ever find yourself in that situation, please don’t be afraid to reach out to other international students because we’re all in the same boat of trying to navigate a new country together.

What professional skills and experience did you gain?

Every module at Leeds Business School had a clear purpose: some pushed us to collaborate in groups to hone our teamwork skills, while others challenged us to think critically. Studying here was a constant balance of building foundational knowledge and practicing real world skills.

What really stood out were the weekly workshops where we had to record short reflection videos after each session. The catch? Keeping it under a few minutes or presenting it creatively! While daunting at first, it turned out to be an amazing exercise for my reflective muscle. It trained me to synthesise complex ideas on the spot and communicate clearly, which is a habit that is so valuable in the workplace when presenting to leaders or guiding employees.

Outside of the classroom, joining the subsidised study tour to Switzerland gave me my first real taste of global business. Learning from industry leaders firsthand showed me how organisational culture adapts in different countries and how to support international teams.

How has your career progressed since leaving the Business School?

I’ve had the privilege of building my career right here in the UK. I began as a Business Support Assistant in the Student Education Service Student Operations and progressed into the role of Management Support Officer. Outside of my core roles, giving back to the Leeds community has been one of my favourite highlights - serving as a mentor with the Global Community team gave me the opportunity to bring students together to find their “home away from home” through the World Unite Festival 2025.

Mentoring current MA HRM students and coming back as an alumni speaker has been a full-circle experience, allowing me to share practical advice with those walking in the shoes I once wore.

What are your ambitions for the future?

When it comes to my career, my ambition is to continually adapt and upskill alongside the rapid rise of AI. I view it as approaching it with a curious pair of eyes to understand and assess how it can be thoughtfully integrated into the architecture of HR.

What was your biggest highlight of studying at Leeds?

The absolute highlight of my journey was being named Student of the Year by the CIPD West Yorkshire branch in 2023. Winning that award wasn't something I set out to achieve. Looking back, it was a culmination of showing up with small intentions and total presence every single day. It came from a place of never taking learning opportunities for granted, whether that meant connecting with someone from a different culture, volunteering at events, or stepping into leadership roles.

Would you recommend the Business School to others who are considering studying here? 

Definitely! Coming here has helped me enter my growth era. I was given incredible opportunities, have learned from leading educators, and made lifelong friends. If you are looking for a place to grow and flourish, Leeds University Business School is the place.