Can you please tell me a little bit about yourself? (briefly about what you are studying etc)

I am currently a third year student studying BA (Hons) Business Management with Chinese as a polylang language, and am only a capstone away from graduating. I was brought up in Brussels, where I went to the European School, and am half French, half Danish. During my time at university I have been on a semester exchange to the Copenhagen Business School as well as been an intern in the Sales and Marketing departments at the Coca-Cola Company in Germany. My next step is to take a gap year where I will take the GMAT in order to apply for my master degree, as well as having a 6-8 months work experience.

Has the university life changed you and in what way?
University is the moment in your life where you become more independent and responsible. How I perceived myself three years ago is completely different from whom I am today; university life, internships and the friends I have made have shaped the person I have become. Moving to London was a big step for me, having to adapt to the university environment and to live in halls, was definitely a challenge! Furthermore, deciding which pathway to choose in second year was quite an important moment, and I chose to stay on the general Business course, as I wanted to take a broad range of modules before specializing in one for my Masters. Finally, university has also helped me make plans for my future and knowing my strengths and weaknesses.

Where is your favourite study spot on campus?
Since the campus has been renovated, my all time favourite study place on campus is the group area located on the first floor in the library. This area is especially study friendly, and as I have a few study buddies, I find it a good place to concentrate, discuss as well as to borrow books.
What are some of the extra-curricular activities you have experienced outside University?
Some of the most important extra-curricular experiences I have had are the three internships, one of them being at Georg Jensen, where I was a PR and Marketing intern for the Danish luxury brand. This was a fantastic experience, which gave me an insight into the world of luxury as well as the opportunity to work for such an old and traditional brand. During my first year of university, in 2010, I interned at Hamilton International Plc. and learned the business of fund and asset management. This was a great experience but I also realized that finance was not the industry in which I wanted to work in after my Bachelor degree. Finally, I interned at Coca Cola, in the company’s German bottler. Working with business analysts, key account managers and marketing project managers gave me a well rounded approach to trade marketing, supply chain management and sales.
What were the reasons for you to choose to study at Westminster Business School?

First of all, I chose Westminster Business School for its business program. The wide range of classes one can take, the option of taking a Polylang Language and the opportunity of going on a Semester Exchange were definitely the key aspects which attracted me to WBS. The perfect combination between Quantitative courses such as Corporate Finance, International Economics, Accounting and social sciences such as Management, Human Resources and Marketing has given me a general degree, opening up many doors for me. Looking back at my three years at Westminster Business School, I am genuinely happy of my choice, and am looking forward to continue studying for my Masters degree.

We know that you have done an exchange program. Can you please tell us a little bit about your experience?

In Spring 2012, I went on a semester exchange to Copenhagen Business School. I chose to go to Copenhagen as I have never lived there, and as a native Dane, I was eager to experience life as a student in one of Northern Europe’s most beautiful cities. The modules I chose (International Business Law, International Economics, Corporate Finance, Chinese and Marketing) were challenging and well taught. If any of you decide to do an exchange at CBS you should be prepared for the different exam system, as modules run in pairs for eight weeks and then there is an examination period, every 8th week. Outside the academic scope, I enjoyed meeting a lot of other exchange students from all around the world, as well as meeting the locals. Student life in Copenhagen is fantastic; the best way to get around is by bike and it is foremost a very student friendly city. Finally, I had an interview with WBS where I explained my experience more in details, you can watch the interview below!

As a fellow student what would you recommend other students in the Westminster Business School?

Firstly, these are your most important years. Try to get the most of your time here, networking and working hard while having fun. Set yourself some precise goals and keep them in mind; this will help you to choose your modules and to think about what you want to study for your Masters degree. Don’t take courses that are “easy” or will look good on your CV, but choose your courses because you are interested in the subject and want to challenge yourself. For example, I chose to take BEQM608.2 Development Economics this term, and this has truly influenced my decision for my post-graduate studies as I discovered a new branch of Economics. Moreover, choose a Polylang language, as it is a great way to learn a language while doing your degree and obviously languages are very important in the modern world we live in today! Lastly, I cannot emphasise it enough: get work experience. It is the best way to test what you are truly good at and passionate about, connecting with people as well as deciding what you would like to do with your life.
We all know that student life is hard work! How do you manage to balance your studies with all the extra-curricular activities?
In my opinion, knowing how to organize yourself is the key to anything. I try to organize day-to-day activities as best as possible, so that I have time for friends, sports and leisure. Sport is the best way to have a clear mind and to have energy, and gives a good life balance during the intense study periods. However, what I like about London is that there are so many exciting things to do and see when you want to take a break from studying.

What are the main lessons you have learnt by being so involved during your studies?
By being so involved I have learned that hard work pays off, and not to be afraid of asking teachers for guidance. Whether it is for the dissertation, assignments, and exams, I have found that the teaching staff is always there to help get the best out of you. Also, by being so involved I have felt like a part of the university body, and I have met a lot of other interesting and ambitious students.
Anna Soussan 3rd year student BA (Hons) Management

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