Sofia Stamper

Why did you choose your degree? 

I chose my degree because I really enjoyed studying Business at A-level. I connected more with the human aspects of the course and found myself thinking this was something I would like to pursue, as I love building relationships and communicating with others. 

I was aware that Leeds had a very good Business School, and if I did my course there, I would also be CIPD accredited, which would help me to stand out when it came to career opportunities. 

What did you enjoy most about your course? 

I really enjoyed the course content. It was good to learn about the employment law aspects, as well as organisational development and more specific HR content.  It gave me a broad overview and understanding of what is involved in the function, as well as some understanding of the other functions that exist in a business and how they interact with each other.  The staff were also excellent and always available when I had any questions or wanted to know more.  

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

I was provided with guidance on writing my CV and how to stand out to employers, which was really useful. I also found my placement year on the MyCareer page, which was a great opportunity. During this placement year, with the company I currently work for, I was able to put my knowledge into practice and experience what working in an organisation is like, which was great for my development. 

How has your career progressed since leaving the Business School? 

After completing my placement year with Surfachem, I was offered a permanent role with the company. Since joining permanently, I have already had access to further training and development opportunities, which are helping me continue to grow in my role. 

What are your ambitions for the future? 

I hope to do a master’s degree in the future, alongside working, for my own development, as well as for the benefit of the company. I would like to continue to learn all aspects of my role and experience as much as I possibly can. 

Would you recommend the University of Leeds and the Business School? 

Yes, I would recommend the University of Leeds and Leeds University Business School. The staff are excellent, and there is a positive atmosphere where students are encouraged to thrive and succeed. 

My advice would be to take up the opportunities available to you, including guest lectures, extracurricular activities and careers support. I would especially recommend doing a placement year where possible, as it gives you valuable experience and can lead to future opportunities.