Sreynik Seng

A standout choice

My internet surfing led me straight to Leeds University Business School (LUBS), where excellence meets opportunity. When it came to choosing a business school, I embarked on a digital quest to find the best in the UK. Amidst the sea of options, LUBS stood out like a beacon. LUBS is a member of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive UK universities.

 LUBS also wears its accolades with triple accreditation from AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS, it’s like the business school equivalent of winning an Oscar, a Grammy, and a Nobel Prize all at once. Furthermore, LUBS didn’t just make the top 100 – it soared to the 82nd spot in the world (according to QS Rankings, 2025), and the top 15 in Europe (QS Europe University Rankings, 2024). Most importantly, LUBS ranked 9th in graduate employability by QS Graduate Employability Rankings (2022).

Balancing theory and practice

I’m a seasoned professional, navigating the dynamic currents of the business world. But I hungered for more – a Masters degree that would turbocharge my strategic thinking in a fast-moving environment. Entering the MSc Global Strategy and Innovation Management (GSIM) course at LUBS is potentially guiding me toward a future where strategy meets innovation, and dreams become reality. 

The main reason that this course stole my heart is the balancing theory and practice in the learning environment. This course isn’t just about dusty textbooks and abstract theories, it’s a harmonious blend of academic wisdom and real-world savvy. As someone with prior work experience, I craved this balance like a coffee addict craves that perfect brew.

 Let’s dive into the juicy bits. The Managing in Innovation module is like a backstage pass to the innovation concert that is complete with 360 of innovation literature. The Innovation in Practice module buckles up for the design thinking rollercoaster that takes me on a wild ride, where I apply my knowledge to real-world problems. It’s like turning theory into magic spells that solve business puzzles.

Immersive learning in a vibrant city

Studying at LUBS is like stepping into a world where academic excellence meets real-world impact. Let me break it down this way: LUBS doesn’t just teach – I’m immersed in a dynamic blend of theory and practice. Guest lectures, business case studies, and hands-on experiences with industry experts. It’s like sipping from the fountain of knowledge. 

LUBS also organised a series of events to enhance students' experience. Imagine mingling with current students, alumni, and business bigwigs, sharing leadership insights like secret recipes. Furthermore, the university staff is very approachable, they always provide prompt support. In addition to the University, Leeds is like the city of all seasons. It’s not just a city; it’s a vibe. From Northern Light Events to festive Christmas markets, gigs, street food and music festivals – Leeds keeps the party going year-round.

Inspiring experience beyond the classroom

My journey at LUBS has been a whirlwind of excitement beyond the classroom. Here’s a glimpse of my extracurricular escapades: First, LUBS International Entrepreneurship Award 2024 put me into the entrepreneurial arena, sleeves rolled up, pitching my dreams. Guess what? I clinched 2nd place! Second, an International Study Tour between LUBS and Audencia Business School in Nantes, France. Thanks to a scholarship, I jetted off to Nantes – a city with a long history of port and industry centre. 

This tour provided me with a well-rounded skillset, including networking and understanding businesses in various European perspectives through company visits. Third, I participated in Student Enterprise Pitch at Climb24, the UK’s only festival dedicated to innovation, industry, and investment. I stood in front of investors to pitch my business idea. Last but not least, I also participated in other events organised by the University of Leeds (e.g. Global Cafe and Career Fair), as well as Leed City Council (e.g. Bonfire and Pride Parade).

Support and guidance from day one at Leeds

My journey couldn’t kick off smoothly without active support from the University’s staff. They didn’t just hand me textbooks and wave goodbye; they cradled me through the settling-in process. From pre-departure to arrival and settlement, members of staff have always supported me. 

Pre-departure online sessions prepared me for Leeds life – living conditions, cultural nuances, and what to expect. It’s like having a backstage pass to the Leeds show. Upon arrival, I had pick-up support after a long-haul flight. Imagine arriving in a new land, the worry fairy sprinkles ease on jet-lagged souls. 

Most importantly, freshers welcoming events in the first two weeks of arrival composed a whirlwind of activities to make friends, combat homesickness, and feel like part of the Leeds family. Last but not least, Go Out Get Active is one of my favourite programmes, it is a great way to support well-being. I can travel, socialise, make new friends and exercise all in one.

Gaining real-world experience and confidence

The journey at the University of Leeds has unlocked my excellence. I explored a new definition of ‘work-life balance’. While pursuing my Masters degree, I maintained a good academic performance while juggling work commitments, as well as exploring a foreign land. One of my satisfying academic performances is developing innovative ideas in the Innovation Management in Practice module. I gained a comprehensive understanding of developing innovative ideas through intricate processes in design thinking workshops. These equipped me to successfully deliver an innovation project for a local fintech enterprise, addressing SMEs’ carbon footprint reduction in the UK. Beyond academics.

I’ve also excelled in extracurricular activities. I secured the runner-up spot at the LUBS International Entrepreneurship Award 2024 and was chosen as the GSIM representative for an International Study Tour. Lastly, I’ve sculpted myself into a more confident individual, comfortable sharing opinions on international stages and navigating diverse cultural perspectives.

Aspirations for the future

Strategic consultant and entrepreneur are my career aspirations. Each experience during my time at Leeds adds to my professional toolkit and is invaluable. The theoretical and practical knowledge gained from the curriculum, including design thinking techniques, scenario planning tools, and strategic analysis skills are fundamental for strategic decision making. Engaging with case studies and guest speakers allowed me to apply theoretical concepts to practical business scenarios, which honed my problem-solving and creative thinking skills.

Working on collaborative projects with coursemates and industry experts enhanced my commercial awareness and stakeholder management abilities. Participating in international study tours, student enterprise programmes, and executive speaker events broadened my horizons. I foster my transferable skills like pitching, networking, adaptability, and global perspective, which are crucial in today’s interconnected business landscape. Undoubtedly, these diverse experiences shape my future success.

Personal and professional development from studying abroad

I participated in an international study tour organised by LUBS & Audencia Business School. This immersive experience left an indelible mark on my professional growth. I embarked on an exhilarating knowledge-enhancing adventure with a design thinking journey that seamlessly blended lectures, company visits, and cultural excursions. 

I will describe my experiences in three different aspects. First, business insights. Learning from French enterprises provided valuable insights into sustainable growth strategies. From overcoming challenges to integrating CSR in business strategy. Second, networking. Connecting with both LUBS participants and Audencia MBA students expands my professional network. These connections can lead to my future collaborations, job opportunities, and shared learning experiences. Third, cross-cultural understanding, experiencing different business contexts, meeting diverse participants, and immersing myself in French culture enhanced my cross-cultural competence.

My experience during the international study tour significantly enriched my understanding of design thinking. Comparing Audencia’s Double Diamonds processes to Leeds’ Loop processes and exploring the different applications of the six thinking hats provided valuable insights. Additionally, engaging with Audencia MBA students allowed me to share perspectives and learn about their teaching structures. It’s fascinating how this experience made me feel like studying at two universities simultaneously.

Thank you for creating various remarkable opportunities that allowed me to mark my Masters journey with beautiful memories.