Alex Sykes

I chose to study Business & Management because of how open the degree was, in terms of modules studied and career opportunities after graduation. On this degree, we cover all aspects of business including accounting, marketing, economics, and human resources. Having never studied business at GCSE or A-Level, I was a little apprehensive about being behind and not having the prior knowledge needed. However, the support from lecturers and tutors was amazing and first year is designed to allow students to gain subject knowledge and engage in academics at degree standard.

The top three skills I have gained during my degree are:

• Presentations
  • As part of my job as a student guide, I have had the opportunity to speak in front of audiences of over 100 people, sharing my experiences as a student and interacting with perspective students. This skill has translated well into my studies. Despite assessed presentations only taking place between the tutor and myself, I have been able transfer this skill to my degree and now excel in these assignments.
• Communication and confidence
  • Before coming to university, I was quite shy. However, through living in halls, interacting with classmates and joining societies, I have become more confident and a stronger communicator. Furthermore, my experience in America has also enhanced my ability to communicate effectively with people from other cultures and backgrounds.
• Leadership
  • Often taking leadership positions in my job, assignments, and societies, I have translated the theories and approaches learnt in lectures and applied them to real life situations. This has strengthened my academics as I better understand their uses and how they can be used in practice. Furthermore, having this knowledge has made me a better leader and mentor as I have been able to take tried and tested approaches and use them to inspire and lead others in a way that isn’t too controlling and forceful.

The most memorable part of my degree was completing a semester abroad in the United States. It was amazing to experience business in another country and expand my knowledge and skills. Whilst away, I travelled to other states, learnt about US business culture and made some incredible memories. Within the Business School, we currently have over 25 partner universities across the globe, allowing you to choose a location and university that best fits you.

My favourite thing about my degree is how open it is. Throughout the three years, you are able to select modules to customise your degree, allowing you to tailor it to your interests and career aspirations.

For me, the best thing about Edge Hill is the opportunities that are available within the Business School. For example, you can start your own business, gain work experience, take part in national/international competitions, and gain additional qualifications. So regardless of your interests and desired career path, there are opportunities to explore and develop these further. Many of these opportunities are built into the degree, allowing you to gain skills and enhance your CV without having to increase your workload.

My favourite place on campus is the rooftop garden on top of the Catalyst (library). This is the best view of campus allowing you to see the entire university, and (depending on the weather) Liverpool! It is good to come up here to get a break from assignments, have a change of scenery and reset.

Upon graduation, I would like to enter a career in accounting. I feel that the degree has set me up well for this both in terms of academic knowledge and creating a well-rounded candidate that many employers seek.

To anyone considering this course, come visit us at one of our events, such as open days. This will allow you to speak to our lecturers, current students and support services. Edge Hill is an incredible place to live and study, so why not check it out for yourself?