Seerat Zargar

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

Leeds University Business School is renowned and highly reputed. I wanted to pursue my Masters at a top-notch university that offered me the best education, international exposure and facilities. In addition, Leeds is one of the most happening places to live, especially for students, and the campus is beautiful, which was the icing on the cake.   

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

After completing my undergraduate degree in Electronic Engineering, I worked as a consultant in IT security. To gain a better understanding of IT and learn some managerial skills, I wanted to pursue a course that offered a blend of both technical and managerial modules. 

What is the best part of your studies? What are you enjoying the most? 

I think the seminars and workshops conducted have been so interesting and interactive. They really helped us understand how to implement the skills taught in the lectures. In addition, I have really enjoyed the library sessions with my friends and colleagues from the course, spending time in the library, especially during exam time, has been a highlight of my academic life. 

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? 

 Apart from the academic knowledge, the course has helped my personal and professional development, confidence levels, communication and time management skills. Within 3 months of starting my course, I was offered a job. 

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 selected as a school representative for the Business School’s Management Department and was awarded a ‘hero’ certificate for my performance in this role. Moreover, I was also selected for a part-time role with the University’s Digital Education Service. 

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? 

Travelling from a foreign country was equally challenging and exciting. The education system in my country is entirely different and it took me a while to get to grips with how to study and write my assessments here. However, the teachers and my colleagues were always so supportive and helpful, and were always available for any guidance that I needed. Moreover, it can initially be difficult to manage time to study, work, meet people and do household chores, but it does get easier with time! I wanted to do everything and make the most out of each day I spent here, so I’d always try to follow a routine and have a to-do list. Also, there is student support available if a student feels stressed or anxious.  Interaction with peers and making friends is very important as they become your extended family. 

What is your impression/experience of the facilities, the staff, your peers, the student union, the City of Leeds and the Yorkshire region? 

I have loved each day of my year here at the University of Leeds. Apart from the excellent education services the university offers, it is a hub for extra-curricular activities; day trips organised by Leeds University Union, get-togethers and Leeds Ball- everything has been so much fun.  

As far as the city is concerned, I think it’s one of the most happening, student-friendly cities in the UK. It has amazing restaurants to eat at, great nightlife, and excellent connectivity with the rest of the country. 

If you are a nature-loving person, Yorkshire has amazing places to go for a hike or a walk. 

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?) 

I have made friends here who are now like a family. 

I have gained confidence and developed personally. I am going to miss the seminars, library sessions, and assessment discussions, as well as having morning coffee with my classmates after lectures and chatting with the academic staff.