Elisa Scala 

I chose UWS London mainly because of how international it is. Being surrounded by people from all over the world, not just students but lecturers as well, made a real difference to me. It meant that different perspectives were understood and the challenges of moving to a new country were taken seriously. The programme itself was another reason. It gives you a full picture of how a business works, covering finance, marketing, human resources, and other core areas, so you are not limited to one path. That flexibility helped me understand where I fit and what I enjoy most.

My studies prepared me in a very practical way. I focused on developing transferable skills such as project management, communication, and teamwork, which I now use every day in my role. One thing that really helped me was how I approached assignments. I treated every essay and presentation as if it were a real project at work, something I would present to a manager or director. That mindset changed how seriously I took my studies, and now I can see how valuable that was. I made use of support across the university, from library research and academic feedback to CV and interview preparation.

Coming from a multicultural background, I found it easy to connect with different teaching styles. The environment at UWS made that even easier, and I felt supported from the very beginning.

Entering the UK job market was not easy. It takes time to understand what employers are really looking for and how to present yourself in the right way. I started applying for roles while I was still studying, which helped me build experience early and gave me a clear sense of how competitive the market is. The biggest challenge was positioning my experience properly. You learn a great deal during your degree, both technical and soft skills, but you need to know how to communicate that clearly, whether through your CV, online, or in person. What worked for me was tailoring every application. I stopped using a general CV and made sure each one reflected the specific role I was applying for.

Networking also played a significant role in my journey. Speaking to people across different departments and building genuine relationships helped me discover opportunities that are not always advertised or easily accessible. I made full use of the career services and workshops offered by the university, attending talks and events both online and in person, all of which were free and readily available to students. There were moments of self-doubt, especially when trying to balance studying, working, and planning the next step.

Motivation is not constant, and what made the difference was resilience and a commitment to keep improving!

My advice to current and prospective UWS London students is to start early and stay involved. Take advantage of everything the university offers, from events and workshops to networking opportunities, and build your own community and support system around you. You never know who you will meet or where a conversation might lead, so be curious, be inquisitive, listen to others, and take initiative. Do not overlook your soft skills either. The job market is competitive, but consistency makes a difference. Keep improving, keep applying, and stay clear about what you want.