Class of 2026
Masters of Business Administration
Country: United Kingdom
Nationality: Nigeria
Job: Student Ambassador – York St John University
IF YOU STUDIED YOUR UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME AT YORK ST JOHN UNIVERSITY OR FOUNDER COLLEGES, DID YOU GO ON TO POSTGRADAUTE STUDY?
No.
WHY HAVE YOU CHOSEN THIS PHOTO AS YOUR YSJ SNAPSHOT?
These photos represent the many layers of my York St John experience. One captures me outside the York Business School, a place where I developed academically and professionally. Another shows me beside the “Every Student Has a Story” frame, a powerful reminder that every journey through university is unique and worth celebrating, including mine. And then there’s simply me, smiling, because that’s what YSJ gave me genuine happiness and a sense of belonging. Serving as a Student Ambassador tied it all together, allowing me to share that experience with others and represent a university I was truly proud to call my own.
WHY WOULD YOU RECOMMEND YSJ TO SOMEONE?
I would recommend York St John without hesitation. The university has a uniquely supportive and close knit community that you don’t always find at larger institutions. The York Business School in particular offers a fantastic blend of academic rigour and real-world application, preparing you well for life after graduation. As a Student Ambassador, I saw first-hand how welcoming and inclusive the campus culture is ,staff genuinely care about your progress and wellbeing. York itself is a beautiful, safe, and vibrant city to study in. Looking back, I miss the friendships, the campus energy, and the sense of belonging YSJ gave me.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE YORK ST JOHN UNIVERSITY OR FOUNDER COLLEGES?
From the moment I first encountered York St John, it was the community and campus feel that set it apart. Unlike larger, more impersonal universities, YSJ had a warmth and closeness that immediately made me feel welcome. The campus has a beautiful, intimate atmosphere where you genuinely get to know your peers and lecturers on a personal level. York itself is a stunning and historic city, which made the overall experience even more special. I wanted a university where I would feel like more than just a student number, and YSJ delivered exactly that , a place where community, support, and belonging sit at the heart of everything.
WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN DOING SINCE COMPLETING YOUR STUDIES?
Since completing my MBA at York St John University, I have been actively pursuing the next chapter of my career with focus and determination. The job search process after postgraduate study is rarely straightforward, and I have come to see it as an extension of the learning journey itself. I have been refining my CV, attending networking events, and applying for roles that align with the strategic and leadership skills I developed throughout the programme. My time at YSJ gave me the confidence to be selective and ambitious in what I pursue, rather than settling for opportunities that don’t match my potential. The critical thinking, business analysis, and communication skills I gained through the MBA have been invaluable in interviews and professional conversations.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE YOUR SPECIFIC COURSE?
I chose to pursue a Master of Business Administration at York St John because I knew it was the right step to advance my career to the next level. The MBA is one of the most respected and versatile qualifications in the world, and I wanted to gain the strategic thinking, leadership skills, and business acumen needed to open new doors professionally. I was drawn to the programme’s broad yet practical approach, covering everything from finance and management to entrepreneurship and strategy. I wanted to invest in myself and my future, and the MBA at YSJ gave me the perfect platform to do exactly that.
WHAT WERE THE BEST FEATURES OF YOUR COURSE?
The best feature of the MBA at York St John was undoubtedly the quality of teaching. The lecturers were exceptional , Dean Garratt and Ann Gurnell in particular stood out for the way they delivered their sessions. They had a unique ability to make complex business concepts feel accessible, engaging, and genuinely exciting. Their teaching style encouraged critical thinking and real-world application rather than just memorising theory. You could tell they were passionate about both their subject and their students’ success. That personal investment made all the difference. Walking into a lecture knowing you were going to be challenged, supported, and inspired is something I will always be grateful for.
HOW DID STUDYING AT YSJ HELP IN YOUR CAREER SEARCH/SUCCESS/CURRENT ROLE?
Studying at York St John University has shaped my career search in more ways than I could have anticipated. The MBA equipped me with a strong foundation in business strategy, leadership, and critical thinking , skills that are directly transferable to any professional environment. My experience as a Student Ambassador also gave me strong communication and people skills that I draw on constantly. YSJ didn’t just give me a qualification . it gave me a mindset, and that is something no employer can overlook.
WHAT ONE PIECE OF ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A CURRENT STUDENT, OR ONE ABOUT TO GRADUATE?
My one piece of advice would be this , make the most of every single moment while you are still there. It is easy to get caught up in deadlines and stress and forget to absorb the experience around you. Build relationships with your lecturers, engage deeply with your course material, and take up every opportunity that comes your way, whether that is becoming a Student Ambassador, attending events, or simply having a conversation with a classmate from a different background. The skills and connections you build at university are just as valuable as the qualification itself. You will miss it more than you expect, so be present while you still can.