Chajchanant Saritapirak

Why did you choose to study MSc Global Strategy and Innovation Management?

I joined the MSc Global Strategy and Innovation Management programme at the University of Leeds in 2021. I had a background in business strategy and wanted to develop this further through postgraduate study.

After doing my own research, I found that the course suited what I was looking for in terms of course content, student experience and access to valuable University resources and opportunities.

What did you enjoy most about your course?

I liked how the course brought together people from diverse backgrounds and different places, from recent graduates to business owners. We were able to share knowledge and different points of view throughout the course, particularly because seminars and discussions formed an important part of the learning experience.

I also appreciated the course instructors, who were experts in their fields and took the time to support and guide students beyond scheduled teaching hours.

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

I would say that I gained personal development and adaptation skills during my time at the University of Leeds. The course was intensive, so I had to keep developing my skills and knowledge to keep up with the class.

This has directly supported my working life after graduation, helping me become more resilient and committed to continuous improvement in a highly competitive working environment.

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

Living in the UK, especially in Leeds, was not difficult for me. The city is well-equipped with facilities, entertainment, food and activities that I could enjoy throughout the year.

The University also offered a good onboarding experience in the first few weeks, which helped us become familiar with the city. One of my friends also found a part-time job through the University’s job portal, so I would recommend that students who are interested in gaining work experience in the UK make use of that service.

What professional skills and experience did you gain?

The course strengthened both my strategic thinking and practical problem-solving skills. Through case studies, group projects and presentations, I learned how to analyse complex business challenges, develop structured recommendations and communicate ideas clearly to different audiences.

Working with classmates from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds also improved my collaboration and cross-cultural communication skills.

The lecturers were always approachable and encouraged us to think critically rather than simply look for the “right” answer. The University also provided career support through workshops, networking opportunities and career resources, which helped me better understand the expectations of global employers and prepare for the next step in my career.

How did your time at Leeds prepare you for the future?

Studying at Leeds taught me how to adapt quickly, embrace uncertainty and continue learning, skills that have become essential in consulting roles. The intensive academic environment pushed me to manage multiple priorities, work effectively under pressure and approach problems from different perspectives.

Living and studying in an international environment also broadened my perspective and made me more confident working with people from different cultures and industries.

How has your career progressed since leaving the Business School?

After graduating, I joined Accenture. This experience has allowed me to apply many of the frameworks and strategic thinking skills I developed during my master’s degree, while learning from experienced professionals and working with leading organisations.

I have been able to move from banking into consulting by adapting to different projects and applying the global strategy knowledge I developed at Leeds. This has helped me progress in my consulting career and develop into my current role as a Business Architecture Specialist.

What are your ambitions for the future?

I hope to continue growing as a strategy and transformation professional while taking on more leadership responsibilities. I am particularly interested in helping organisations navigate digital transformation and innovation in a fast-changing business environment.

In the long term, I aspire to become a trusted business leader who can bridge strategic vision with practical execution, while also mentoring and developing future talent. Continuous learning was one of the biggest lessons from my time at Leeds, and it is a mindset I plan to carry throughout my career.