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Starting out with a postgraduate degree in International Business after completing her undergraduate studies at the University of Ghana, Mubeenat laid the foundations for a successful career in the business operations sector.
We caught up with her to explore how her time at Loughborough has helped shape her path to success on the Rolls-Royce graduate scheme and beyond:
“As a student, particularly at master’s level, I had to manage my own time effectively; balancing lectures, coursework, and group projects independently. That experience of self-management and accountability proved invaluable when I moved into a structured graduate scheme. I found myself drawing on habits of discipline and independence that I had already developed at Loughborough.”
Her academic experience helped build the skills she now draws on in a global professional setting:
“My course at Loughborough gave me the opportunity to interact with people from a wide range of cultural and professional backgrounds. Most modules involved some element of collaboration; whether group projects, presentations, or discussions.
“This meant I often had to navigate differences such as language barriers, approaches to problem-solving, and ways of working. This not only strengthened my communication and teamwork skills but also gave me the ability to adapt quickly, which is vital when working in a multinational organisation like Rolls-Royce.”
One module at Loughborough really stood out for Mubeenat and provided her with a range of practical tools and skills for her future career:
“A particularly valuable module for me was International and Cross-Cultural Management, which deepened my understanding of how culture shapes workplace behaviours and decision-making in global contexts. Beyond academics, serving as a course representative helped me to actively listen, empathise with others, and represent different perspectives effectively; all of which I rely on in my current role.”
Mubeenat’s time on the graduate scheme has been invaluable, an experience that brought theory to life and shaped her professional confidence:
“I’ve had the chance to contribute to projects where strategic thinking and cross-cultural collaboration were key. I found myself drawing directly on theories and frameworks I studied at Loughborough.
“For example, modules such as Business Environment Analysis, International Business Negotiation, Strategic Management, and Global Outsourcing provided practical tools for understanding market dynamics, navigating stakeholder interests, and making informed decisions. There were moments in meetings or project discussions where I realised that what I had learned in the classroom was shaping the way I approached challenges at work giving me both confidence and perspective.”
Having completed the graduate scheme, Mubeenat’s skills and confidence have grown through a diverse range of experiences, supporting her in the next phase of her career:
“What excites me most is the chance to apply the broad set of transferable skills I’ve developed across different placements on the scheme. From stakeholder engagement to problem-solving in fast-changing environments, I now feel well equipped to take on new responsibilities and add value in a more permanent capacity.
“What motivates me most is knowing that I will continue learning and adapting as the business environment evolves and that I’ll be able to shape my career in line with both my strengths and long-term aspirations.”
As an international student from Ghana during the height of the covid pandemic, Mubeenat’s experience at Loughborough represents a unique period in Loughborough history – but she ensured she had made the most of everyone on offer:
“Academically I was inspired by lecturers who were not only knowledgeable but also genuinely invested in our success. Their support, combined with resources from the Careers Network such as CV workshops, mock interviews, and career advice prepared me well for navigating job applications and interviews.
“Socially and personally, the friendships I made have been lasting and invaluable. Meeting people from different walks of life who became my support system through a challenging period was truly special, and many of those friendships continue today. The sense of resilience, community and global perspective I gained at Loughborough has continued to shape my approach to work and life.”
Mubeenat has now secured a full-time role at Rolls-Royce in employee relations.
We’d love to hear where life has taken you since your time at Loughborough. What path has your career followed? Tell us about your journey and get in touch.