Allesandra Macasa

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. 
 

Tell us about your course - why did you choose it? What elements of the course inspired you to study here? 
Human Resource Management is a relevant course because it operates in an undeniable reality of people being the backbone of businesses. I became interested in learning the skills to navigate the intricate web of people relationships, while exploring the art of making strategic decisions that propel organisational growth. 
 
Embarking on this learning journey, I am guided by leading educators from diverse fields whose expertise has expanded the richness of my thoughts and nurtured a critical and reflective mindset. In addition, the CIPD pathway has combined academic excellence and professional development, empowering me with knowledge, skills, and opportunities to impact HR in a meaningful way. 
 

What is the best part of your studies? What are you enjoying the most? 
The best part of my studies was learning, collaborating and creating precious memories with my professors and cohort. Everyone here has encouraged me to always stay curious, be empathetic and be open-minded. 
 
One subject that I really enjoyed was Diversity Management. We had interesting discussions about how differences between people can become opportunities to understand the complexity of people in a compassionate way. We also talked about being critical of the systems that condition people to have different life privileges and penalties. It made us think critically about these systems and the action we can take to foster a more diverse and inclusive society. 
 
Beyond the nuanced conversations in class, I will never forget Diversity Day when we came together and celebrated the richness of our cultures in words, performances, games and food. 
 

What are your career aspirations? Do you think the experience and skills you will gain on your course will help you in your future career plans? In what way? 
My career ambition is to work in Equality, Diversity and Inclusion roles in hope of making a difference by bringing more opportunities to people from underrepresented backgrounds. It is important for me that they are listened to, respected and empowered, because the sad reality is that the system is not always fair to everyone. Hence, I want to translate the experiences and skills I have gained and take the first step towards making a more inclusive, equitable and fair environment. 
 
Fortunately, the course takes a holistic approach, equipping me with both the technical expertise and interpersonal skills to thrive. The lectures provide a solid theoretical foundation, while the seminars and professional development workshops offer practical insights. Additionally, being part of a global cohort allows me to learn through new lenses and diverse experiences. In short, this course instilled in me a mindset of continuous learning and adaptability. 
 

Do you have any noteworthy achievements from your study at the Business School that you can tell us about eg. prizes highest scores etc? 
I was fortunate to be a Course Representative, giving me the opportunity to hone my communication, problem-solving and teamwork skills. As part of the Course Representative team, we were grateful to win two awards at the LUBS Partnership Ceremony: the Global Award and the Diversity and Inclusion Award! 
 
Working as a Student Ambassador has given me the opportunity to develop my interpersonal skills by engaging in a variety of events, from online activities to Open Days. Next, going on the subsidised study tour trip in Switzerland allowed me to expand my professional network, learn from hidden champions and, of course, explore the beautiful city. 
 
Recently, I won the Student of the Year from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) West Yorkshire branch, which is quite mind-blowing! Winning this prestigious award is a nod to my commitment to driving positive change, and it motivates me to continue my journey as an inclusive learner and leader. 
 

If you are not from the UK, how was the transition to a foreign country? Did the University offer support or services that you found helpful? Can you offer any advice? 
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. In addition, the Visa Office was very responsive to my concerns. 
 
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. If you ever find yourself in that situation, don’t be afraid to reach out to other international students because we’re all in the same boat of trying to navigate uncharted territory together. I honestly found sharing experiences and helping one another can make the transition less overwhelming. 
 

What is your impression/experience of the facilities, the staff, your peers, the student union, the City of Leeds and the Yorkshire region? 
Leeds is a big and small place. It’s big enough to explore the beautiful West Yorkshire scenery, but it’s also small enough to explore the hidden gems nearby. Some of my favourite places include Hyde Park Book Club, where you can enjoy live music, delicious food, and great company. 
 
I also love the campus because it blends nature with a mix of rustic and modern architecture. I’m always amazed by the various activities happening around campus, from bunnies hopping, blooming flowers, free pizza, international festivals, and more. I will always stop in my tracks to take it all in. 
 
Lastly, my international friends (you know who you are), professors (shout out to Marianne, Yujie, Zyama, Meena and Jo), and the community (FilSoc – Leeds Filipino society) have provided such unwavering support throughout. I’m so grateful for their help and encouragement and for making my stay in Leeds a solid core memory. 
 
To future students, I hope you will take advantage of any opportunity, both on and off campus. These opportunities are great ways to thrive by exploring new experiences, connecting with new people and creating core memories to look back on. 
 

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.