I originally chose Loughborough because of the reputation of the Business School and its strong position in the rankings. I was also attracted by the sporting culture here, which Loughborough is so well known for.
Before I came to Loughborough, I was passionate about Thai boxing, but sadly I badly injured my shoulder just before arriving at university, so I couldn’t get as involved in sporting opportunities as I’d hoped. In some ways, it was a blessing in disguise, it gave me the free time and the motivation to get involved with LSU Enterprise instead, which is one of the best decisions I’ve made.
The biggest positive of coming to Loughborough has been the incredible number of opportunities to gain practical work experience. In a competitive market for internships and graduate jobs, that experience really helps you stand out. I did a summer internship between my first and second year, and my involvement with LSU Enterprise is what gave me an edge to secure the role. There are so many ways to get involved, from societies to the Loughborough Students Union and Loughborough Enterprise Network.
Spending a Year in Enterprise was the best thing I’ve done at university. The typical 9 – 5 workday doesn’t really work for me, so running my own business was perfect. I loved having the freedom to work when I wanted, focus on projects I was passionate about, and make my own money. It also taught me a lot about budgeting and managing expenses when working on a contract basis.
When I started the Year in Enterprise, I thought it would just be doing a bit of videography and photography, but I ended up learning so many other skills, including accounting, marketing, contracting, and pitching for new business.
I worked with a huge range of clients, including the Labour Party, Red Bull, and major sportswear brands. I even got to film abroad several times during the year, as well as filming for Red Bull F1 at Silverstone.
It wasn’t always easy. There were times when work dried up, and that taught me a lot about resilience and perseverance. The Year in Enterprise team are there to support you with monthly check-ins, but it’s important to be honest during those conversations so you can get the right support when you need it.
My advice to prospective students is to get involved with societies and don’t pigeonhole yourself into one thing. These opportunities are great for building your CV and securing new experiences. Roles like Social or Media Secretary can teach you marketing skills or help to develop your leadership abilities.
When it comes to internships, don’t just scroll through job sites. Be proactive. I researched companies working in LUInc, approached them directly, and showcased what I could do. I started with free work, which eventually led to paid opportunities. Also, don’t overlook smaller businesses when searching for roles, often it’s easier to reach the decision makers for hiring in smaller organisations, and there are good opportunities to learn lots of different skills.
Loughborough has been great for building my confidence and employability. My time here has been essential in setting me up for graduate opportunities and teaching me valuable life lessons. I’ve been offered multiple roles by clients I worked with during my Year in Enterprise, so it’s great to have options to explore.
For me, ‘Progress with Purpose’ is about aligning your work with your values. Some of my projects, like working with the Labour Party, allowed me to support causes I believe in. I also worked with a charity that educates inner-city kids about the importance of sustainability. That was unpaid work, but it felt meaningful and gave me a chance to contribute to something I’m passionate about. Purpose isn’t just about maximising your earnings; it’s about finding the ways in which you can make a difference.