I chose to study Management at Loughborough because I wasn’t entirely sure which area of business I wanted to specialise in. Management offered a broad mix of modules, from accounting and finance to marketing, economics and international business, which meant I could tailor my degree as I discovered what I enjoyed most.
Loughborough stood out to me for several reasons. The opportunity to do a placement year was a huge bonus, as I saw it as a chance to gain real industry experience and strengthen my CV. I also love living an active lifestyle and Loughborough’s sporty culture really appealed to me. While there are elite athletes on campus, there’s also a large community of students who simply enjoy being active. When I visited on an open day, I immediately felt welcomed and loved the layout and feel of the single-site campus, which was a huge plus for me.
Studying at Loughborough Business School has been a really positive experience. I’ve enjoyed the balance between large lectures and smaller tutorials and seminars. The variety of learning formats (group coursework, individual assignments and exams), has helped me connect with others and explore different ways of studying. Having access to dedicated study spaces within the Business School has also been a big benefit.
One of the standout features of my course has been the freedom to choose modules, especially in final year. Out of six modules per semester, only one or two are compulsory, which has allowed me to shape my degree around the areas I’m most interested in. The support from the Business School has also been fantastic, particularly when it comes to placements and graduate roles. There’s always someone to reach out to and the guidance has been really personal.
I spent 13 months on placement at BMW in the finance department, focusing on pensions. It was a niche area, but I really enjoyed it. Unlike short summer internships, a full-year placement gave me real responsibility and the chance to contribute meaningfully to projects.
I found myself applying the theory I’d learned in my first two years in a practical setting, which was incredibly rewarding. The experience helped me understand what motivates me, what kind of work I enjoy and where my strengths lie. It’s also given me plenty to talk about in interviews and on my CV - real examples of when I’ve made a difference.
My advice to new students is to get involved early. There’s a perception that Loughborough is only for elite athletes, but there’s a huge range of sports and societies for all levels and interests. Signing up for something in your first week is a great way to meet people and settle in. Academically, I’d recommend going to all your lectures, starting coursework early and making use of the support available - whether it’s emailing lecturers or attending workshops. People are always willing to help.
Outside of academics, I’ve made the most of Loughborough’s extracurricular opportunities. I’ve been part of the Loughborough University Golf Team throughout second year, which was a great way to meet people across different year groups. Although it’s a mixed club with only a few girls, it was incredibly welcoming and social. I’ve also used the campus gym facilities regularly and attended fitness classes - they’re genuinely some of the best I’ve come across. I’ve also taken part in Business School-run activities like CV writing workshops and mock assessment centres, which were very helpful in preparing for placements and graduate applications.
As for life after graduation, I’m actively applying to graduate roles. I’ve learned a lot about myself through my placement and degree and while I’m still exploring options, I know I’m looking for a role that’s client-facing, people-oriented and office-based. My time at Loughborough has helped me understand what I enjoy and where my strengths lie, giving me a clearer sense of purpose and direction as I explore the next steps in my career.