Ella Ainsley

How did you hear about the Business School and why did you choose to study here? 
I am a Leeds Alumni and studied for an undergraduate degree in Medical Science BSc the year prior to my enrolment in the Management Consulting MSc course. I already had extensive knowledge of Leeds University Business School and the array of opportunities it provides to its students. My love for the University of Leeds culture and the extracurricular activities that shaped my experience throughout my undergraduate solidified my choice to continue my studies at Leeds.  

Tell us about your course - why did you choose it? What elements of the course inspired you to study here? 
When searching for the possible professional roles I could pursue with my BSc, the term 'consulting' continually emerged. I wanted to learn more about this course, and I was intrigued by the potential to increase my knowledge in the area.  

After considerable research into the Management Consulting industry, I determined that this course would be a favourable stepping-stone in my professional development, equipping me with the skills necessary to enter the consulting field. Looking into the course itself, the array of module options was exciting, with core modules focusing on strategy,  providing me with a foundational knowledge of the consulting sector. Moreover, the optional modules allowed me to follow my interests, especially current modules such as, 'Digitalisation, Automation and the Future of Work' and 'Sustainable Futures: Climate Change, the Environment and Business'. 

What is the best part of your studies? What are you enjoying the most? 
The extensive support provided by the Business School, in particular the management consulting lecturers and staff, has been the best part of my studies. This support has been  continual, creating an optimal condition to thrive in my studies. Moreover, the eagerness from mentors and lecturers to go above and beyond to create opportunities outside of the course for students to flourish is shared in the Leeds culture. Currently, I am enjoying finishing my dissertation, and the opportunity to gain real-life experience in management consulting research. 

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? 
The ability for students to follow their own areas of interest in their final consulting project has allowed my career aspirations to be solidified. Moreover, the knowledge and skill development throughout the course has enabled the completion of high-quality work that is relevant to the professional consulting sector. I have been accepted onto a graduate scheme at a leading provider of cloud-based software solutions in the life sciences industry, Veeva Systems. This opportunity would not have been presented to me if I had not undertaken a Management Consulting MSc at the University of Leeds. This is due to the networking capabilities that the lecturers provide to students, and their ability to provide mentoring and advice throughout the interviewing processes. I am extremely grateful to all the mentors and lecturers that have aided me throughout this process. 

What is your impression/experience of the facilities, the staff, your peers, the student union, the City of Leeds and the Yorkshire region? 
The University of Leeds culture has been brilliant. My ability to play in the BUCS Netball league alongside my studies, with lecturers being understanding of my extracurricular responsibilities, has continued to make my experience great. 

Are there any experiences outside of your studies that you particularly enjoyed? Eg participation in extracurricular activities or groups, nightlife, the regions' historic places of interest? 
The Leeds University Netball Club (LUUNC) has been a massive part of my time at Leeds. I have played in BUCS for the 4 years that I have been at Leeds University, and the friends it has provided me with have been like family.  

I particularly love the Leeds city centre due to its compactness, meaning that everything is within walking distance, but it is still extremely full of life and bustle. Being able to travel slightly out of Leeds into Yorkshire is another great aspect, providing unbelievable scenery and a different perspective from the city centre. 

What would you say your defining memory of studying here was? (eg friendships made confidence in your abilities or any single event that you will always remember?) 
The friendships made at the University of Leeds will last a lifetime. The ability to be constantly around like-minded people, who have similar interests, provides a smooth transition into adulthood.