Adile Deliimam

Hi Adile, how did you hear about the Business School?

A friend of mine who I met during my exchange year in Germany completed her Master’s degree this September at the University of Leeds. Since I had never heard of the university previously, I started searching for information about it; the programs that it offers as well as asking my friend about her experiences. I was impressed by her comments so I decided to apply.

Why did you choose the Business School?

I really liked what the International Marketing Management program had to offer. The school had a good ranking and reputation and the profiles of the teaching staff were very impressive. I also received the Marketing UK & EU Scholarship which was a great honour for me. Finally, the University Union is the largest student union in the whole UK which was a guarantee that an unforgettable year full of social events was waiting for me.

What appealed to you about the course? What elements of the course inspired you?

Before finding out information about the Business School, my desire was to study International Management but I also wanted to study something related to marketing. However all the universities that I was looking at either offered International Management or International Marketing or just Marketing.

After researching the course at the business school I realized that this was the program that I was looking for. It is a great program which offers you an international focus, where you are taught different trends across the world. At the same time you learn about different aspects of marketing but also it gives you the ability to learn how to reason things from a managerial perspective.

What is the best part of your studies here – what are you enjoying the most?

It is very hard to say one thing that is the most enjoyable part of my life at Leeds. I would say that every single day and each new experience brings something important and enjoyable. The business school is where you can explore your potential and your strengths as well as developing your weaknesses.

The University of Leeds is a place where you can appreciate the diversity and get first-hand knowledge about different cultures and ways of life. The professors not only teach you the theory but also the practical part and they encourage you to ask questions and debate.

What are your career aspirations? Do you think your experience and skills gained here will help you in your future career plans? In what way?

My goal is to become the Marketing Manager of a multinational global company. On my path to this goal, the University of Leeds has inspired me and helped me gain useful qualities for my future career. I have learnt how to express myself clearly, accurately and coherently as well as how to defend my point of view.

The course helped me to develop my strategic and critical thinking skills as well as my presentation skills. I am now more confident when I am talking in front of an audience. I learnt the importance of keeping eye-contact with the audience, controlling my voice level as well as how to use my body language effectively to support my presentation.

I have also learnt the importance of working in cross-cultural teams, how to communicate effectively with my team members, how to manage our time effectively and prioritise tasks as well as enhanced my problem-solving skills. Last but not least, I acquired leadership skills, courage and trust in my abilities.

Do you have any noteworthy achievements from your study at the Business School that you can tell us about?

I have received the Marketing UK & EU Scholarship.

If you are not from the UK, how was the transition to a foreign country? Did the University offer support or services that you found helpful? Can you offer any advice?

I would say that it took me a week to be completely adapted to the environment at Leeds but this is because of the great welcoming experience that the University of Leeds provided. There was a welcoming team who met me at the train station and made sure I reached my accommodation safety. Upon arriving I received a welcome pack that included everything I needed, even a phone card!

The business school had a two week induction where we were introduced to masters studies and given the chance to meet our classmates and get to know them. Moreover, there were two receptions particularly for the International Marketing Management students where we had the chance to meet and talk to our future professors in a friendly environment.

Leeds University Union had a wide range of activities particularly for international and new-coming students in order to make new friends and get used to Leeds. Also, they organized city tours, market tours and introduced us to the city. My overall experience was great. My suggestion for the new-coming students is not to be shy, to explore and give everything a go. If they do so, Leeds will be their second home as it is mine.

What is your impression/experience of the facilities, the staff, your peers, the student union, the City of Leeds and the region itself?

My overall impression of the Business School is very high. The building is brand new and provides a wide range of facilities in order to facilitate students; from the café to computer labs. The staff are very helpful and positive. You can build very strong and lasting relationships with them as well, as they are young, dynamic, cheerful, helpful, international, knowledgeable and experienced in their field.

The student union is the best union that I have ever seen in my life. They have such a wide-range of clubs, societies and club nights, every day there is something new happening.

The city of Leeds is very beautiful, well-organized, clean, and student-friendly. There are a lot of restaurants, shopping places, cinemas, night-clubs and many other things to explore in walking distance. Leeds is one of the greenest cities in the whole of Europe with Roundhay Park being the largest park in Europe. Leeds has its own German Christmas market in November and December every year which creates a great atmosphere in the city.

What would you say your defining memory of studying here was?

The people that I have met here will always be in my memory. Leeds became my home and my friends my family.

Would you recommend the Business School to others?

I would definitely recommend the Business School to everyone. If you want to receive a very high quality education and experience a year full of unforgettable memories you should definitely come to Leeds.