Mia Dale

Why did you choose to study Business Management and the Human Resource?

I chose to study Business Management with Human Resources because I wanted to understand how successful organisations operate while also learning about the people who drive their success. The combination of business strategy and HR particularly appealed to me, as it offered both commercial insight and an understanding of leadership, employee engagement and organisational culture. I was looking for a degree that would provide broad career opportunities while developing practical skills such as communication, problem-solving and critical thinking, and this course offered the right balance of theory and real-world application.

What did you enjoy most about your course?

One of the highlights of my course was the supportive environment created by both the faculty and my peers. The lecturers were approachable, knowledgeable and genuinely invested in helping students succeed, whether through academic guidance, career advice or simply taking the time to answer questions. I also really valued the relationships I built with my peers. Working together on group projects, sharing ideas and supporting each other through deadlines created a strong sense of community.

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

One of the things I enjoyed most about life at the University of Leeds was getting involved in student societies. Being part of the Business Society gave me the opportunity to attend networking events, hear from industry professionals and connect with like-minded students who shared similar career interests. It complemented my studies by exposing me to real-world perspectives beyond the classroom. I also joined the ski and snowboard club (Snowriders), which became a fantastic way to meet new people and make lasting friendships. The social events and ski trips created some of my favourite memories from university and helped me feel part of the wider Leeds community.

What professional skills and experience did you gain during your time at Leeds University Business School?

During my time at Leeds University Business School, I developed a strong foundation in business, management and HR, alongside practical skills that have been valuable in my career. The course helped me strengthen my communication, teamwork, problem-solving, presentation and analytical skills through group projects, presentations, case studies and independent research. Studying HR also gave me a deeper understanding of people management, organisational behaviour, leadership and employee engagement, which has been particularly useful in professional environments. I also benefited from careers and employability support, including guidance around CVs, applications, interviews and exploring different career paths.

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

The diverse and collaborative environment at Leeds helped me develop personally. Working with students from different backgrounds gave me a wider view and strengthened my ability to adapt and build relationships. Through my studies, involvement in student societies, and the support of lecturers and careers services, I became more self-assured and proactive in pursuing opportunities. Beyond the academic content, I learned how to work effectively in teams, communicate ideas clearly, manage competing priorities and approach challenges with a problem-solving mindset. These are all skills I continue to use in my career today.

How has your career progressed since leaving the Business School?

Since graduating from Leeds University Business School, my career has progressed through a variety of roles that have allowed me to build on the foundations I developed during my degree. Each opportunity has helped me expand my commercial awareness, strengthen my problem-solving skills and gain valuable experience working with different teams and stakeholders.

What are your ambitions for the future?

My ambition is to continue developing both professionally and personally by taking on new challenges and expanding my skills. I want to build a career where I can make a meaningful impact, contribute to the success of the organisations I work with and continue learning from experienced colleagues and new opportunities.

In the long term, I hope to progress into leadership roles where I can combine strategic thinking with a people-focused approach. My studies in Business Management with Human Resources showed me the importance of strong leadership, collaboration and creating positive workplace cultures, and these are values I want to carry forward throughout my career.

What was your biggest highlight of studying at Leeds?

My biggest highlight of studying at Leeds was the friendships I made and the confidence I gained throughout my time there. Being surrounded by supportive peers, approachable faculty and a vibrant student community helped me grow both academically and personally. Outside of my studies, being involved in societies such as Business Society and Snowriders helped me meet people from different backgrounds and create friendships that became a huge part of my university experience. Leeds gave me much more than a degree. It gave me a sense of independence, belonging and self-belief.

Would you recommend Leeds University Business School?

I would absolutely recommend the University of Leeds and Leeds University Business School to others. The combination of high-quality teaching, supportive lecturers and a welcoming student community created an environment where I was able to grow both academically and personally. The broad range of opportunities available, from student societies to careers support, meant there was always something to help you develop new skills and make the most of your university experience.