Isobel Griffiths
Current student
- Course
- International Business BSc
- Subject area
- Business, Management and Marketing
I chose to study at Loughborough University because I had friends there who really enjoyed it, and the course suited what I was looking for. I also liked the idea of a campus based university where it’s easy to meet people, and the strong sporting culture appealed to me as someone who enjoys fitness and team sports
When I applied at A level, I wasn’t entirely sure what I wanted to do. I originally applied for Accounting and Finance, but during my gap year I discovered International Business and asked to switch. I liked the broad scope of the degree, the chance to explore different areas, including marketing.
Overall, I really enjoyed my experience at Loughborough Business School. The lecturers were knowledgeable, supportive, and always willing to help, which made a big difference to my learning and overall confidence throughout the course.
The stand out features of the course were the language modules, the study‑abroad opportunity, and the varied curriculum covering many aspects of global business. Learning about the benefits, challenges and risks of international operations broadened my thinking and helped me understand how to apply what I learned.
I decided to take a study abroad year because I love travelling, learning languages and experiencing different cultures. Immersing myself in a new environment felt like the best way to learn, and I wanted to see how teaching styles and subject options differed internationally. While placements are incredibly valuable, studying abroad felt like a unique opportunity I might not get again.
I chose Católica Lisbon School of Business and Economics because I’d always wanted to explore Lisbon. The idea of living somewhere sunny, warm and close to the sea was appealing, and the university itself was highly regarded. The courses offered (including Sports Economics, Fashion and Sustainability, and Introduction to Python), were different to those at Loughborough and subjects I otherwise wouldn’t have studied. The small, interactive classes often involved presentations and group discussions, which made it easy to engage.
Studying internationally taught me a huge amount. I built a network of friends from around the world, gained confidence through regular presentations, and developed strong organisational, communication and time‑management skills through frequent group projects. The study abroad community was very sociable, which made it easy to meet people from different cultures.
Representing Loughborough Lacrosse was a major part of my university experience and something I am immensely proud of. It gave me a sense of purpose outside my studies, helped me feel part of a community, and created countless friendships and social opportunities while keeping fit.
Most of my time at university was spent studying or playing lacrosse, with a short period working at Project Doughnut. Looking back, there are opportunities I wish I’d taken more advantage of, but the experiences I did have helped me grow both personally and professionally.
Across my time studying at Loughborough and my year abroad, I developed strong organisational and time‑management abilities, teamwork skills through lacrosse and group work, and confident communication skills from presenting and collaborating with different people. These experiences made me more well‑rounded and gave me plenty of examples to draw on in interviews, far more than I’d have gained through studying alone.
To me, Progress with Purpose means understanding your strengths, weaknesses and interests, and working to develop yourself so you can overcome any challenges you face and achieve your goals.
My advice to anyone considering International Business or a study abroad year is to go for it. Placements are fantastic, but studying abroad is a unique experience. I’m still in touch with friends I met during my year abroad and have even travelled to visit them. My current role came largely because of my experience living overseas, as it helped me stand out. You have the rest of your life to work, so why not live in another country for a year first?