Find out why Ursha chose to study MBA

Having been made aware of the University of Central Lancashire at an educational fair, it was the affordable living costs, fees and scholarship that made Ursha choose UCLan.

The three-day trip to the Crosthwaite Mill, Lake District, as part of the MBA with professional placement course was an amazing experience, and I made new friends. We performed challenges in groups, ate authentic English dishes, and stayed in a wonderful place away from the crowd. The ultimate aim of this trip was to learn about working in a team and understand how one has to self-reflect on every action one takes.

The course also provides placement as an option, which I was looking forward to. It allowed me to gain experience working in a UK-based company where I got the opportunity to work in various departments. I gradually learned about my strengths and got the opportunity to develop my skills.

Through my dedication and the results I achieved, I was offered a position in the office after my placement. So, placement is a great experience of entering into the industry you’re interested in through the work experience and exposure you get.

I would say that the most challenging part of the course is securing a placement. The course prepares you from the beginning on how to look for a placement, then prepares you on how you present yourself, most importantly, it helps you self-reflect to understand your strength and weakness and analyse what you ultimately want to do! The thrill of sending CVs, getting called for several interviews, then checking my emails to find out if you made it was an ultimate challenge!

I was worried whether the tutors and professors would even recognise me as an individual, however, the level of support and feedback that the professors and tutors provide is commendable. Gradually I learned that the more questions you ask, the more feedback you get, and the better you perform.

My previous course was a bachelor’s degree in Hotel Management from Sikkim Manipal University which was more focused on textbooks, exams, and learning for the sake of passing the exams. I found British education more practical. Through the assignments, you can research in-depth on the topic at hand and learn more about the course yourself through research.

Ursha Shakya, MBA with professional placement student

The classes are more like discussion sessions where debates, thoughts, and opinions are valued. Lots of information sharing sessions go on during the class between students and professors so you gain a whole new perspective on things at the end of the session.

The Dragons’ Dens assignment where we were grouped as a team and we needed to come up with brilliant startup ideas and pitch in front of the judges was a great experience from the start. We had to come up with one business idea. The process of reaching our end product was hilarious, but the point of pitching the idea was intimidating. However, this experience was a confidence booster for me, and it surely helps me to keep an eye on grabbing any opportunity that comes my way.

My first impression here was, "I think I might get lost here". I was so worried about how I would even find out where my classes will be and know where I have to be, however, the student support at the University is amazing! They are so friendly, helped me out with enrolment, and showed me around the University. The library looked like the place I would be hanging out the most because it looked so comfortable and cozy, with each student having their own space.

The first time I entered the gym, I found that everyone was so welcoming and happy that I felt very comfortable within my first week. Slowly I took part in the Morning Blast Session, Beach Body Blast, then Zumba and cardio sessions.

I made new friends who motivate each other to keep doing better. Moreover, even in lockdown, the team has still put in the effort to run these Zumba, Cardio, and workout sessions online that keep me motivated to keep pushing myself.

The other services I used were the student support classes for improving your project from WISER, the Career Edge website for personality tests, CV checks and learning about career opportunities, interview preparation through appointments with Career Advisors, free courses from LinkedIn Learning and lots of events organised by the University. The University has provided many services a student would require during their stay here.

Do not feel shy to ask about anything. Speak about your opinion, clear your doubts, do not keep it to yourself. Make new friends, taste new food! It’s definitely easy to make friends in Preston, all you have to do is smile. Lastly, do try soup of the day at the University; they are the best during the cold!

Information for students from Nepal

Nepal
The University of Central Lancashire welcomes students from Nepal, and is proud to have a newly-established, yet thriving Nepalese Society.