Growing up my family were all entrepreneurs, whether it was in food distribution, property management, photography, mechanics or technology. I’ve always been surrounded by business owners. They sparked my love for business.
Studying International Business at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) seemed like the obvious choice for me.
I went to high school at St. Cecilia’s in Longridge before attending Cardinal Newman College to study Business, Economics and Media at A Level. I knew that I wanted to go into business but wanted something different than a pure management course, and with my love for travel and culture, International Business was the perfect fit. The first year of my university course covered introductions to the core business functions, the business environment, and cultures. My second year involved HR, cross-cultural management, law, and marketing in more detail.
However, instead of the traditional 3 years of university, I decided to add an additional year to my course and study in the US before moving on to my final year of studies. My year in the States was spent studying at Missouri State University through the ISEP exchange programme, where I lived and studied alongside fellow European and American students. I took classes in American Business Law, International Marketing, various Cultures and Communications classes, and Management, alongside interning for the university’s marketing team for the athletics department. My internship involved helping on game day field and courtside for football and basketball games, as well as fan engagement.
"It wasn’t all work; a lot of travelling was involved! From visiting the Grand Ole Opry and Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, watching a Thanksgiving parade in St. Louis, trying the famous Pizza’s in Chicago, Christmas in New York, being snowed in in Washington DC, volunteering for the Superbowl in LA, and travelling to many other places with friends. "
— Jess Holden, BA (Hons) International Business student
Returning to UCLan for my fourth and final year of my undergraduate degree, I studied modules in Economics, Ethics, Contemporary Issues and much more. But my education doesn’t stop with my undergraduate, I’m back off to Missouri State University in August to complete my Master’s in Business Administration!
UCLan has been an amazing experience for me and not only educated me in so many areas of business, but also provided me with the opportunity to make incredible memories and meet others that have helped shape me. From the incredible faculty and staff to my fellow students, every encounter has been a positive and welcoming experience.
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- Subject
Business and Management
