Sudtanwa Suwanbumrung

Why did you choose the Leeds MBA? 

After working in the accounting field for 10 years, I decided to pursue an MBA because I wanted to broaden my understanding of business and see the bigger picture. My goal was to gain knowledge beyond accounting so that I could explore different career opportunities and take on broader business roles. I believed that an MBA would help me understand different aspects of a business and support my professional growth. 

What did you enjoy most about your course? 

I would say that the Leeds MBA is very well designed. It allows students to explore every aspect of business and understand how everything is connected. All the modules are taught by exceptional professors, and I genuinely enjoyed learning from each of them. 

In addition, the Programme Director and Programme Officers take great care of the MBA students. They listen to our feedback and continuously improve the programme to ensure that every student has the best possible experience. 

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

Going back to student life after spending a decade in my professional career was exciting for me. Being on campus and experiencing the University atmosphere brought me joy every day. It felt like I could put everything else aside and simply focus on learning, exploring and enjoying the experience. 

I also joined events organised by the Thai Society, which allowed me to meet Thai students, build new friendships and expand my network. 

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

Overall, I adjusted quite well to living and studying in the UK. Of course, there were some challenges at the beginning, such as getting used to the weather, the culture, the food and a different style of learning. However, everyone at the University was very welcoming, and the friends I made there really helped me settle in. 

The University also offered a lot of support. During the induction weeks, there were orientation activities and plenty of information to help us settle in. Throughout the programme, whenever I had questions, the Programme Team was always approachable, supportive and willing to help. 

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

I think the Leeds MBA gave me the confidence to believe that I can achieve anything. Throughout the programme, I had to study every aspect of business, including areas that I had never experienced before or was not particularly familiar with. 

It pushed me out of my comfort zone and shaped the way I approach challenges in my career. The programme also strengthened my critical thinking, problem-solving, communication and teamwork skills through case studies and group projects. 

The Leeds MBA also provided excellent career support through Career Farm. It offered practical advice on job searching, CV writing, interview preparation and mock interviews, helping students prepare for their future careers. In addition, we had many guest speakers from a variety of industries who shared their experiences and valuable insights into different career paths. These sessions also gave us opportunities to ask questions, learn from industry professionals, and expand our professional network 

How has your career progressed since leaving the Business School? 

Since graduating from the Leeds MBA, my career has continued to progress. After returning to Thailand, I joined Allianz Partners as a Financial Controller, which has allowed me to take on broader responsibilities and apply many of the strategic and leadership skills I developed during the MBA. One of the biggest highlights has been moving from a purely accounting-focused role to a position where I work more closely with different business functions and contribute to business decisions.  

The MBA gave me the confidence to look beyond the numbers and understand the bigger picture, which has been invaluable in my current role. 

What are your ambitions for the future? 

For now, my goal is to grow in my career and take on greater leadership responsibilities. I want to develop not only my technical expertise but also my strategic thinking so that I can make a bigger impact on the business. 

More than anything, I want to keep learning throughout my career. Whether through work, further study or new experiences, I hope to keep challenging myself, growing as a professional and making a meaningful contribution wherever I work. 

Would you recommend Leeds University Business School? 

Absolutely. I would highly recommend the University of Leeds and Leeds University Business School to anyone who is looking for more than just a degree. 

For me, the Leeds MBA was a life-changing experience. It not only expanded my business knowledge but also helped me grow personally and professionally. The quality of teaching, the supportive Programme Team and the international learning environment made my experience truly memorable. 

My advice to future students is that you will be surprised by how much you can change in just one year. No matter what your goals are on day one, they will evolve throughout the programme, perhaps in ways you never expected. 

Be adaptable, keep an open mind and embrace every opportunity and experience, both inside and outside the classroom. That is where some of the most valuable learning happens. 

One year goes by much faster than you think, so try to find a good balance between your academic life and making the most of your time in the UK. Explore Leeds and other parts of the country, meet new people and create memories that will stay with you long after graduation. I can honestly say that choosing Leeds was one of the best decisions I have ever made.