Lauren O’Brien

I never actually planned to go to university. Up until sixth form, I was set on joining the armed forces after my A Levels; I liked the idea of structure, discipline, and doing something meaningful. I was going to follow my father and brother’s footsteps and chance my bets at Sandhurst to be an officer but everything shifted when I took Business Studies at A-Level. I didn’t expect to enjoy it as much as I did, but the subject just clicked with me. A big part of that was my teacher, he had such a passion for business and really pushed me to see the potential I had. He encouraged me to think differently and opened my eyes to the opportunities out there. That support and the subject itself made me completely rethink my path. I realised I wanted to pursue something where I could be creative, make an impact, and grow, not just mentally but emotionally, and business felt like the right direction.

Coming from a big city like London and then moving to a small town in Wales, I knew I wanted a university that offered a bit of both, and Edge Hill felt like the perfect fit. It has that small-town, community that I’d grown to appreciate, but with Liverpool close by, I’d still get that itch of city life when I wanted it. It gave me a sense of comfort and familiarity. On top of that, quite a few people from my high school were also applying to Edge Hill, which made it feel even more like the right choice. It just felt like somewhere I could settle in, feel at home, and really enjoy the experience. Location was an important factor to me and Edge Hill is far enough from home to give me that independence, but still close enough to pop back for a Sunday dinner.

One of the top skills I’ve developed during my degree is critical thinking, being able to analyse problems, question assumptions, and come up with reasoned solutions, especially during case studies and strategic planning modules. Secondly, I’ve built strong communication skills, both written and verbal. Whether it’s presenting to a group, working on group projects, or writing reports, I’ve learned how to express ideas clearly and professionally. Lastly, I’ve developed time management and self-discipline. Balancing deadlines, part-time work, and independent study taught me how to stay organised and focused, skills I know will be invaluable after university.

The most memorable moment of my degree was receiving an 84 for my dissertation in third year. It meant so much to me because, during first year, I seriously considered dropping out. I didn’t see myself as an academic person at all, I honestly thought university wasn’t for someone like me, that the word “academic” was made for someone unlike myself. But I kept going and I worked hard, pushed through the doubts, and gradually found my confidence. That dissertation grade wasn’t just a number to me, it was proof to myself that I could do it, and that all the effort and perseverance was worth it. It’s something I’ll always be proud of.

I love to learn, and what I love most about studying business is how it allows me to explore so many different areas, it’s not just about numbers and strategy. It dips into psychology, sociology, and even ethics. I find it fascinating how it explores why people behave the way they do, whether that’s understanding what motivates employees, how consumers make decisions, or even why unethical behaviour happens within organisations through organisational misbehaviour. It’s such a broad subject, but that’s exactly what keeps it interesting. One week I might be looking at leadership styles, and the next I’m analysing workplace culture or crisis management. It’s helped me realise how important human behaviour is to how businesses succeed or fail, and I’ve really enjoyed developing that deeper understanding throughout my degree.

What stands out most to me about Edge Hill University is the incredible support from the lecturers. They’re not just knowledgeable, they’re genuinely invested in helping students succeed. I’ve always felt comfortable reaching out to them, whether it’s to ask for extra help or just to discuss ideas. I’ve always struggled asking for help, no matter the circumstance, but I’ve never felt that I couldn’t ask for help in Edge Hill. Their teaching goes beyond theory; they bring practical insights and real-world examples that make the subject come alive. This approach has really helped me stay motivated and confident, especially during tougher parts of the course. Knowing that my lecturers are approachable and supportive has made my experience at Edge Hill much more rewarding. I have also been given so many different opportunities from my lectures, events I could put on LinkedIn to boost my connections, or jobs I could put on my CV to enhance my chances for jobs after University.

My favourite place on campus has to be the library. It’s not just because it’s a great space to focus and get work done, but also because it has a really calm and welcoming atmosphere. Whether I’m studying alone or meeting up with friends for group work, it feels like the perfect spot to be productive without distractions. It’s become my go-to spot whenever I need to get stuff done or just want a calm space to think.

When I graduate, I hope to use my degree in my current graduate role as a digital marketing assistant. It’s a great opportunity to apply what I’ve learned and gain valuable experience in a fast-paced industry. At the same time, I’ve always still craved that itch since a little girl to join the armed forces intelligence as an officer. It’s something I’m really passionate about, and I’d love to explore that path in the future as well. So, I’m keeping my options open and excited to see where my degree can take me.

My advice to someone wanting to study a business degree at Edge Hill would be to go for it and keep an open mind. Business is such a broad subject, so you’ll get the chance to explore lots of different areas and find what really interests you. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and get involved, whether that’s joining clubs, attending extra workshops, or chatting with lecturers. Also, take every opportunity you can. Put yourself out there, get on LinkedIn, meet new people, and gain as much experience as possible. University is not just about studying, it’s about experiencing life and building connections that can help you later on. No matter what path you choose or where you end up, just remember that you’ll be fine. It’s all part of the journey, and the skills you gain will prepare you for whatever comes next.

Edge Hill has been really supportive throughout my degree journey. As stated before, the lecturers and staff are approachable and always willing to help, whether it’s with academic advice or personal support. There are also plenty of resources available, like the library, study skills workshops, and mental health services, which have been really valuable during stressful times. I’ve also appreciated the sense of community on campus, it’s helped me feel connected and motivated, especially when things got challenging. Overall, Edge Hill has provided a supportive environment that’s helped me grow both academically and personally.