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Tell us a bit about your experience at Bangor University….

My experience at Bangor University was extremely positive as it gave me several opportunities to develop personally and professionally over the four years of study. The University supported my personal growth greatly by giving me opportunities to develop my self-confidence, enhance my critical thinking skills and encouraged building meaningful relationships with other students and businesses worked with. The lecturers at Bangor University, specifically Dr Clair Doloriert, Dr Charlotte Rimmer and Dr Siwan Mitchelmore from the Business and Marketing course were extremely supportive and always available to help guide me in the right direction and encouraged me to push my abilities to succeed academically. As part of the Product Design degree, I had the opportunity to undertake three eight week work placements over three years which impacted my professional development greatly as it enhanced my confidence and gave me an opportunity to test theories in real life practices.

Why did you choose to study at Bangor University?

Although I had an unconditional offer to study at Cardiff Metropolitan University, I chose Bangor University as it was closer to and the opportunity to have Welsh speaking lecturers. By attending the opening day and meeting the lecturers in person, I knew that Bangor was the best choice for me as the lecturers sounded extremely supportive and enthusiastic about the course.

The decision to study my master’s degree at Bangor University came natural as after a positive experience when studying for my bachelor’s degree, Bangor was the only choice I considered moving forward. Bangor was close enough for me to be able to live at home and commute every day and it all felt comfortable to me. I chose to study the MA Business and Marketing degree as I would graduate with dual award of a Bangor University Masters and a Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership. I also chose to study this course at Bangor University as it offered a wide range of topics to develop my knowledge and skills including Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Human Resource Management, Strategy and more.

How has your career developed since graduating from Bangor University, and what is your current job role?

After graduating from my bachelor’s degree in 2021 and undertaking my master’s degree, an opportunity came up to work as a Postgraduate Facilitator for Enterprise By Design at Bangor University for 8 weeks and I was encouraged by my academic tutor to apply. Working as a Postgraduate Facilitator, I had the experience of coordinating and carrying out activities to a multidisciplinary team of undergraduates at Bangor University, to guide them as they created and delivered a business concept and a product/service to a panel. Through running various activities, I had the invaluable opportunity to strengthen my leadership skills and develop my confidence and creative thinking.

As this 8-week project came to an end, I was encouraged by my academic tutor to apply for the Project Assistant position that came up for both Leading Business Growth Programmes at Bangor Business School. I was successful in my application and was given the opportunity to work for both ION Leadership and 20Twenty Business Growth programmes on a part time basis until I completed my master’s degree and then I transitioned to being full time in the role. Working as the Project Assistant for both Leading Business Growth programmes at Bangor University has been an extremely valuable and unique experience which would not have happened if I hadn’t study at Bangor University more than likely. Being a part of such a knowledgeable and skilled team helped me to develop both personally and professionally and I will forever be grateful to the team members on both programme for everything they have taught me over the year and a half on the project.

I am now embarking on a new chapter in my career development by starting a new position at M-SParc as the Start-Up Engagement Facilitator with the Big Ideas Wales team. I look forward to support people in Wales that are starting, running, and growing their businesses by sharing the most effective resources and accurate information available and ensuring that they are always supported by the team.

In what way did studying at Bangor University enhance your employability?

As part of the Business and Marketing degree, the lecturers brought in guest speakers which gave me a great insight into what it takes to start and run a business in Wales and what barriers you may face in this process. The University also offers casual work for students and I highly recommend that students take on these opportunities as working as a Postgraduate Facilitator gave me several opportunities to collaborate with lecturers and students and gave me a glimpse of work as a facilitator which influenced my career path greatly to where it is now. I also attended employability events throughout my studies which in combination with the casual work helped me build a good CV and gave me tips on how to improve my employability skills so that I would be ready for the working life.

What advice would you give to students studying in the Bangor University?

Seek every opportunity to expand your skills and knowledge whether it’s going on work placements, summer internships, attending events or networking with those within your desired career path. Focus on building your employability skills during your time at University as it’s extremely important to help you get equip for the real world and there are many opportunities available by the University to make this process of education to employment a lot smoother. Finally, I would also advise every student to enjoy every minute, make new friends and make sure to make the most of your time in North Wales as it’s a beautiful place with so many things to see and do.

In once sentence, what was your favourite thing about studying at Bangor University?

My favourite thing about studying at Bangor University was the homely atmosphere, which not only nurtured lifelong friendships but also facilitated enriching academic learning.