Undergraduate: Gema’s Reflections On Her BSc In Business Management
Gema Uprichard is a lead placement ambassador and BSc Business Management student at the School who will graduate in summer 2023. Here’s her final year, final thoughts.
What has been your favourite part of studying at the School?
I have thoroughly enjoyed participating in the final year Consultancy Project module (the Business Clinic)
This module has provided me with the opportunity to work together with four of my peers in a group to consult on a real-life business issue and collectively generate ideas to help improve aspects of their business.
As this module requires the ability to work closely as a team and with an external business organisation, Titanic Hotel Belfast. This allowed me to utilise my skills gained throughout my degree and placement experience.
Through this module and others, I have been able to improve my team working and analytical problem-solving skills which will be beneficial to my future career.
Tell us about your experience taking part in the DegreePlus / Future-Ready Award.
I am currently the Lead Placement Ambassador for Business Management students in their second year of study. Within this role, I had the opportunity to offer advice and guidance to two mentees by sharing my own placement experience and providing insights regarding transitioning from part-time to full-time employment and employer expectations.
I have thoroughly enjoyed this role as I have been able to support my fellow peers throughout the process of securing a placement for third year.
Additionally, I have gained numerous transferrable skills for instance, communication, active listening, self-awareness, and an increase in confidence, which I can apply to my future career.
Tell us about your placement experience.
I completed my placement year at Lowe Rental, based in Lisburn. Lowe has been operating for over 40 years and is the world’s leading refrigeration and catering equipment supplier. It is a rapidly growing organisation and has a global presence in 44 countries worldwide.
Within Lowe, I joined the Human Resources department and held the position of Talent Assistant. My role involved supporting the wider Talent Team with day-to-operations such as onboarding, recruitment, company communications and compliance. Throughout my time there, I also delivered key projects on employer branding, early careers, performance management, employment law, analysed and improved health and wellbeing initiatives, as well as benchmarking research projects.
Undertaking my placement year at Lowe provided me with the opportunity to develop my personal and professional growth. I have gained key skills that will positively impact my future career, including the ability to communicate across all levels of an organisation which I learned through leading projects and building employee relationships.
As Lowe operate in an extremely fast paced environment, I improved my organisation and prioritisation skills by effectively managing my workload and working to deadlines.
What advice would you give to anyone thinking about studying at the School?
The BSc Business Management with Placement is a great degree to consider if you're looking to explore a range of different business-related modules, especially if you're unsure of your specific career path.
My advice would be to prioritise your time management, get involved in university activities outside of your degree, and focus on making the most out of your placement year to prepare you for the world of work once you graduate.
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