Qianhui Guan

Why did you choose the Leeds MBA? 

My background is in accounting, and I worked as an accountant for more than 12 years before starting the MBA. I wanted to broaden my perspective, gain a more comprehensive understanding of business and develop the soft skills needed for future leadership roles. The Leeds MBA offered the wider business knowledge I was looking for, while also giving me the opportunity to learn alongside experienced professionals. 

I was also keen to build my professional network during the course. The guest speaker sessions were especially valuable, as they gave us the chance to connect with alumni who had similar backgrounds and learn from their career experiences. 

What did you enjoy most about your course? 

What I enjoyed most was how the MBA changed the way I approach problems and make decisions. The course encouraged me to think more strategically and to support my ideas with evidence. For example, in the marketing module, I learned the importance of making evidence-based conclusions. I also gained a better understanding of how businesses can create value by improving their service and positioning, rather than only competing on price. 

The course also helped me reflect on management and leadership. I learned the importance of respecting people at every level of an organisation and considering how different decisions affect both employees and the wider business. 

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

I enjoyed the opportunity to experience life in the UK while studying at Leeds. Travelling was one of the things I had hoped to do when choosing to study in the UK, and I was able to visit different places during my time as a student. 

I also made friends at University who helped me improve my spoken English and settle into life in Leeds.  

Alongside my studies, I worked part-time as a Finance Manager. This gave me valuable local work experience and helped me understand more about working in a UK business environment. 

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

Adjusting to living and studying in the UK was quite challenging at the beginning, especially because of the language barrier. However, I kept practising my English throughout the year and tried to take every opportunity to speak with people. 

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

One of the most important skills I developed during my time at Leeds was presenting with confidence. I learned how to communicate ideas more clearly and use humour to engage an audience. I also volunteered for presentation opportunities so that I could keep practising and improving this skill.  

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

My time at Leeds helped me prepare for the future by building my confidence and improving my employability skills. I practised English for interviews, tailored my CV with support from a Career Farm tutor and completed a mock interview. These experiences helped me feel more prepared when applying for jobs and attending interviews. They also helped me understand how to present my experience more effectively to employers. 

How has your career progressed since leaving the Business School? 

Since leaving Leeds University Business School, my career has progressed well. I am now working as a Finance Manager, where I have been able to take on a broader role and continue developing professionally. This has given me the opportunity to contribute more widely to the business and continue improving the way I deliver in my role. 

What are your ambitions for the future? 

My ambition is to continue progressing in my career and take on greater responsibility over time. I would like to keep expanding the scope of my role and continue developing my skills as a finance professional. Longer term, I hope to move into more senior roles where I can contribute more strategically to the business. 

What was your biggest highlight of studying at Leeds? 

One of my biggest highlights was hosting the Chinese New Year Gala for our module. We invited our Programme Director, Richard, the Programme Officer, Andrew, and other members of staff, which made it a very special experience. Another highlight was the friendships I made during the MBA.  

Would you recommend Leeds University Business School? 

Yes, I would recommend Leeds University Business School. The MBA gave me the opportunity to broaden my business knowledge, improve my confidence and build a strong professional network. 

My advice to future students would be to enjoy the course, enjoy life in Leeds and make the most of opportunities to travel and meet new people. I would also recommend joining guest speaker sessions, especially when the speaker has a similar background to you, as these can be very useful for building your alumni network.