Class of 2026
MSc International Business
Country: United Kingdom
Job: Employed
WHY HAVE YOU CHOSEN THIS PHOTO AS YOUR YSJ SNAPSHOT?
I chose this photo because it represents the person I have grown into since my time at York St John University. Coming to YSJ as an international student and studying International Business challenged me to think beyond simply getting a degree. It helped me develop the confidence to pursue opportunities, think about how businesses can create value, and turn some of my ideas into practical projects. Since leaving university, I have continued exploring careers in operations, supply chain and logistics while also developing my own business ideas. This photo represents that journey from student to someone determined to build, contribute and create opportunities for others.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE YORK ST JOHN UNIVERSITY OR FOUNDER COLLEGES?
I chose York St John University because I wanted to study in an environment where I could develop academically while also gaining a broader understanding of business and the world around it. As an international student, studying in the UK gave me the opportunity to experience a different business environment, meet people from different backgrounds and challenge the way I thought about business. YSJ appealed to me because of its supportive learning environment and the opportunity to study International Business in a practical and globally focused setting. I also saw the university as a place where I could grow personally, professionally and as an entrepreneur.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE YOUR SPECIFIC COURSE?
I chose International Business because I have always been interested in how businesses operate across different markets and how opportunities can be created from differences between countries. One experience that particularly influenced me was preparing a presentation on the 2008 financial crisis. It made me realise how interconnected businesses, financial institutions, governments and consumers are, and how events in one part of the world can affect economies and businesses elsewhere. The course gave me a framework for understanding these connections. It also aligned with my interest in international trade, supply chains, entrepreneurship and finding ways to connect businesses and opportunities across different markets.I had been in a few school plays and played Falstaff when I was 17. Acting was always an interest. But when I started at YSJU I felt my strength was in English, so I switched to that as my major. It opened up the world of books.
WHAT WERE THE BEST FEATURES OF YOUR COURSE?
The best feature of my course was the breadth of knowledge it gave me and the way it encouraged me to look at business from different perspectives. I particularly enjoyed topics around international trade, business strategy, ethics, sustainability and the global business environment. I also valued the opportunity to work on presentations, research and practical assignments because they helped me become more confident in communicating ideas and analysing real business problems. Most importantly, the course encouraged me to think beyond theory. It influenced the way I now look at supply chains, markets and opportunities, and contributed to my interest in building businesses and systems that can create value and reduce waste.
WHAT ONE PIECE OF ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A CURRENT STUDENT, OR ONE ABOUT TO GRADUATE?
Don’t wait until graduation to start building your future. Use this opportunity to learn, explore, make connections and try things. Your degree opens doors, but your initiative is what takes you through them.